8 wks post BMX w/o reconstruction pain/tightness

carrieabel

I am 8 weeks post op from having a double mastectomy. I am unable to tolerate the prosthetics or anything pushing on my chest or sternum. Due to COVID I was only able to go to physical therapy one time in which I was given stretches and that was it. I am still experiencing tightness across my chest and very sensative. Any suggestions?

buttonsmachine

In my experience it takes a long time for things to settle down after a mastectomy, even without reconstruction. I received this advice which helped me: "Use your body as normally as possible without causing pain." Also, I found it helpful to wear knitted knockers at first, and only gradually increase the amount of time I wore a silicone prosthetic. It's hard for sure. Hope that helps.

carrieabel

Thank you, are the knit ones softer then the poly filled ones? My issues is the pressure against my chest and sternum.

buttonsmachine

The pressure on the chest aspect can be difficult, even with knitted knockers or softies. The good thing about those though, is that you can unstuff them a bit which helps relieve some of the pressure.

Also, I find it helps to even go up a band size or two from your normal bra size - I did this for several months after recovering from surgery. A camisole, sleep bra, or a bralette can be good options for the months after surgery too.

I still wear knitted knockers more than anything else, even though I did eventually find a good silicone prosthetic. In case you haven't seen them yet, knitted knockers are free of charge but they do take donations if you want to donate. The knitted knocker website is here: https://www.knittedknockers.org/request-a-knocker/

Moderators

Hi carrieable,

We want to welcome you to our community! We're so sorry you're still experiencing tightness and sensitivity - the recovery after a double mastectomy can take some time. Are you able to do telemed PT with your physical therapist? They may be able to watch you do your stretches and perhaps give you some more exercises and stretches to do to help begin to relieve some of the discomfort you're experiencing. And as buttonsmachine mentioned, the knitted knockers website is a great resource!

The Mods

cyathea

carrieabel, I’m 10 weeks from my BMX and like you, my chest and underarms are still a little tight and sensitive to pressure. My surgeon’s PA said to expect swelling to continue for two more months.

I have not been fitted for my silicone prosthetics yet. When I’m home I go flat, but when I go out I have found that a stuffed maternity camisole is pretty comfortable compared to a bra. I ordered mine from Target.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I’ve switched to using a bra stuffed with a light polyfil. As soon as I get home from chemo, the bra comes off. 😃

I have been going to physical therapy twice a week for the last month. The therapist specializes in lymphedema massage and she has been fantastic. I still have swelling, but it is reduced and my nerve damage is much better. Due to PT, I have full range of motion now and I’m working on strengthening. If you are able to go to PT now, you might benefit from this.

I wish you the best on your healing journey.

carrieabel

Thank you all for the wonderful information and support.