Implant on right side is uncomfortable and I have Lymphedema

Missy-Boo

Hello, I've been a member since 2007, but forgot my login info, so created a new account. I currently have an implant on my right side and it is uncomfortable - I know its not ruptured or anything like that, it seems heavy, pushes on my rib cage, things of that nature. I'm wondering if the implant makes my lymphedema worse? I'm thinking that I should remove the implant, it is not finished and I don't plan on going back in for future surgeries to accomplish this. The reason why is that I had double mas with immediate reconstruction in 2012 and had a terrible time healing on my left side due to radiation. I had 6 major surgeries in close to a 2 year period. I was done and told PS to remove implant on left side. I worry all the time that the remaining implant will rupture, etc., I'm thinking unnecessary stress! And this effects my lymphedema.

Any thoughts, comments, recommendations is greatly appreciated.

PS: My chest is horrible looking, I have to face it every day. Unfortunately, I am a very bitter cancer breast survivor, very angry, etc. (maybe because the way my chest looks). I just feel like it took so much away from my life. Not sure how to get over this.

Moderators

Dear Missy-Boo, We are so sorry that you are facing these challenges, discomfort and associated stress. We are glad that you checked back in with the community and hope that our members can be helpful. You may want to use the search tab on the blue tool bar to the left. Type in the words implant and lymphedema. You may find other posts in other threads that can relate to your story. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you to get reconnected here .The Mods

hugz4u

I'm not sure if implant will make lymphedema worse unless maybe it's a real heavy one causing pain with breast lymphedema or the scar tissue built up around it is causing lymph fluid build up and has a harder time to drain making you swell or it's pushing on a nerve. You need to see a qualified lymphedema specialist to judge this. The implant is very hard to rupture. My PS told me so when I banged my chest into a sharp wire poking out while gardening and I thought I popped it when I first got the implant.

Also seeing someone for your anger would be helpful.if your anger affects your daily life you need to get it out thru counselling so you can heal mentally. Cancer sure is a tough road and lymphedema is a slap in the face as we are constantly reminded when we have to care for it daily.

You need to express yourself and so it's a good start here. Jump on the grrr thread and rant all you want. It's helpful and many use that thread as a start to get there feelings out on the table.

You are a valued person and deserve to feel better than you do. Your cancer centre should also have a mental health dept. that can advise you. Be wise and use these services. I did and now I have moved past the anger and sadness that comes with cancer and lymphedema diagnosis. Of course I'm disappointed but it doesn't stop me from living a full life. You can to! and yes I still do use the grrr thread when I'm having a sucky day with LE.

Ps my chest is not a pretty sight either. I view my implants as just filler for my blouse giving me a wee bit of shape and am ok with that. In fact I'm much happier having size B than my heavy D I was. I don't dwell on my past look as that won't accomplish anything good.

Lisey

Hi Missy Boo, If you are on facebook, there is a group called 'flat and fabulous' with quite a few women who are unis (only one side without recon) - many dealing with lymphedema or failed implants. They can help support you and have been there done that with implants being removed and how bodies look after the fact. You'd find a really helpful support group there.

Missy-Boo

Thanks to both of you who responded, I greatly appreciate it. I will check out the other thread and facebook.