will life ever be normal after a bilateral w/reconstrucion

Hi Dublin 4 - I had bilat mast with immediate reconst Dec 23/08. (implants & latismis dorsi)  Also had aux lymph node surgery.  At first, I was not able to lift my hands above my head, put a necklace on, close a car door etc.  It took several months and daily stretching to regain my mobility.  It is not completely back and I have to keep up the stretching.  Still working on the strength. 

But, yes I am able to run and do everything I need to do on a daily basis.  Golf & tennis should be manageable if you get back into them slowly.  Recommend you see a physiotherapist after surgery.

Wish you well

Bev

Hi Dublin

I had my bmx 12/06 - first reconstruction 5/07 and second reconstruction 5/08. 

Post bmx had the most restrictions - and you really won't feel like doing much anyway.  I had lifting restrictions after both exchange surgeries.  The second exchange surgery had more restrictions because they had to fix the pocket with lots of tiny little stitches and they didn't want it to tear. 

I love to work out and I was fairly annoyed with life until I could resume all activities. I would say that my life was completely back to "normal" within a year after reconstruction was finished including cardio kick boxing, lifting weights, body pump etc.  The only things that feel really weird and I don't really like to do are chest presses and pull ups.  I also work with severely disabled children and adults and I have no lifting restrictions with them.

Good luck and Take care

It really does get better

I had a bilat mx 07/08 and had no range of motion problems at all. As badmamajama said, there are restrictions placed on you by your surgeons so that the incisions can heal, but many will give you simple exercises to do to keep you limber.

I had recon surgery three weeks ago (bilat DIEP flap), and still no range of motion problems. It's only the lifting restrictions and the need to get back to pre-surgery stamina that's holding me back from my regular routine.

mom3band1g,

I think your recovery has alot to do with how active you are before surgery.  I had chemo first and tried to continue my activities as much as possible. After my bmx, had restrictions with lifting,restrictions with arm usage(these were lifted with PT ). . I took about 6 weeks off of tennis and then practiced with some friends for a few weeks before playing in a match. I felt like playing well before I was given permission to play. As I mentioned, I just had my exchange Feb. 8th and feel great and ready to get back on the courts but can't for 2 to 3 more weeks.

Just curious, I live in Alpharetta. I see you are from Atlanta. Are you in or out of the perimeter? Also wondering who is your BS and PS? I loved both of mine.

Life will be so normal you won't even believe it. I had a bilat w/ expanders Dec 17, 2008, exchange March 17th, 2009, nipple and port out June 15th 2009, 3D tattoos in September. It took me until October 1 to feel like I was ready to tackle gym again and now 15 months post chemo, 8 months post final surgery and final herceptin...I feel great! Sometime I actually catch myself saying out loud "really...I had cancer" then I look at my port scar and remember. I compare cancer to childbirth...IF...we remembered the pain of childbirth no one would ever have a second child. The brain has an amazing way of healing us.

Give it time...you'll get there!

Kris 

I was able to run around after a two year old and lift her all day within weeks of my BMX. I don't think there is anything it would keep me from doing right now. I was worried about being able to go to the bathroom unassisted, it was never a problem. I think you will be surprised how quickly you  recover.

Good luck!

We'll keep everythng crossed for you, Dublin!

My biggest piece of advice is to get into physical therapy a few weeks after surgery, to help get back range of motion, then strength. I didn't do it with my first surgery 8 years ago--I was foolish enough to think I knew it all then! But with my last four surgeries, I was right there with an awesome therapy group, and I came roaring back!

It is a very scary time. We get robbed of our innocence and our body. We are vulnerable. We have to accept help. So, we can't change what happens, but we CAN change how we react to what's going on. Be proactive. You can still be afraid--that's normal--but just keep moving ahead. baby steps, and soon you'll be running!

Anne

I had my mastectomy and TE in mid September. By December I was golfing, working out, biking, walking two large dogs, and doing everything I was doing before. The only thing I haven't tried yet is canoeing and upper body weight training. I'm only holding off on trying them because I'm out of the country and don't want to have problems while I'm away. I love canoeing and do miss it but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I didn't have my mast's at the same time but yes you will be able to be active.  I had my origianl mast in April 08 followed by chemo, rads and herceptin.  Finished in July 09 and went on vacation to climb a mountain and hike.  In Dec. 09 I had the other breast removed and started recon.  I had TE's placed with a LD flap done on the radiated side.  During chemo I started yoga and walked.  I was lifting my arms over my head after 2 weeks.  I didn't do physio then.  I went to the gym and was active.  After my second mast and recon I was back playing racketports and doing yoga after a month.  Now I play racketposrts 8 hours a week, yoga 4 and walk and ride my bike.  I did do Physio after this surgery to help me get the range of motion back.

 You need to keep stretching and moving as I notice that if I skip a couple of days I notice a difference.