How long can you wait to have reconstruction?

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EbonyEyes
EbonyEyes Member Posts: 85
edited February 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

I had a MX of my right breast last November. I was planning to have reconstruction this fall and the plastic surgeon inserted an expander. Just before Christmas I developed a hematoma. The PS drained it surgically and had to remove the expander. We are waiting until all risk of infection is over before reinserting the expander. After decades of being 44DD I am really liking my new "little girl". It feels great! I had no idea how heavy my breasts were until one was removed. My clothes look so much better on the right side and the right side of my back no longer hurts. I'm considering reducing the left one and living the flat life. But I want to take my time and make the right decision. How long can you keep an expander inserted? How long can you wait to have reconstruction? I also don't want to miss my chance to do it if that's what I decide. The PS wants to do it right away, he wanted to do it when I had the MX. My onco thinks it great that I want to wait.

MX: November 6, 2015

hematoma: Christmas,2015

Stage 1C ER+ PR+ HER-

No lymph node involvement

Taking hormone blocker(Arimidex)

No chemo, no radiation


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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited February 2016

    I've read of a woman who left her TEs in for many (about 10) years, actually! I can't imagine that, mine were super uncomfortable. I've read here of women who had treatments and complications that made them unable to complete reconstruction for two years or so, and they were able to finish reconstruction.

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited February 2016

    Generally, you can wait as long as you want. Especially since you think you might like living breast-free (at least on one side, with reduction on the other), it's worth taking the time to see how you feel about it. You can almost always have delayed reconstruction if you choose.

    You might find this article, which I wrote for the Breastcancer.org Blog, helpful as you think about your decision: Choosing No Reconstruction -- Are You the Only One?


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  • Ruth7733
    Ruth7733 Member Posts: 68
    edited February 2016

    I have no idea how long it is safe to leave in an expander, though I know of a few women who went more than a year before their exchange.

    Due to repeated infections, I am only now after 14 years going through reconstruction. I had my BMX at the end of 2001 and have been flat until now.

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