Exchange surgery - What to expect?

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teriabbott
teriabbott Member Posts: 7
edited February 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello everyone I am 38 was diagnosed 8/24/2017 with IDC. I had a bilateral (non nipple sparing) in September followed by 6 rounds of chemo ( I just finished YEAH). I will be having my TE's out for implants on March 8th and wondered if anyone could speak to the recovery? I had a difficult time after the first surgery and was surprised at how long it took to get movement back in my arms. I am hoping this surgery will take less time for recovery but thought I would reach out and ask some of you. I have a 2 and 4 year old so my house is pretty hectic and, unlike my first surgery, I won't have as much help. I do plan on having my kids at daycare so I can rest during the day. Any insights would be appriciated. Thanks!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2018

    Congrats on getting through chemo and preparing for getting rid of your expanders - that is a happy day for many even though it involves surgery, lol! I have exchanged twice (long story) but can tell you that, for me, it was nowhere near as difficult as recovery from BMX. I actually flew within two weeks after each - was careful to have DH carry luggage, but could wash and dry my hair, get dressed, etc. without assistance. Here is a thread with many posts about exchange:

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics/728266?page=1349#post_5153296

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited February 2018

    Was going to send you the link that SpecialK sent! That forum was my life-saver. (I'm still posting there actually.)

    Before Exchange, I went back a few months and just read posts to see other's experience.

    I found Exchange to be SO much easier than BMX. So much. (And I had quite a bit of pocket work.) You will have to try very hard to limit lifting, etc., because you'll feel so good. You need to safeguard the pocket your PS has created. This will be a healing process of weeks. But pain-wise, Exchange was a breeze. Just take the same precautions you took for BMX with regard to anesthesia. Nausea, constipation, etc. That was all I did to prep. Same day, I was feeling pretty good.

    Good luck!

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  • Nursepatient35
    Nursepatient35 Member Posts: 166
    edited February 2018

    I'mm a ways out yet from exchange surgery but I'd also like to know about recovery. I took 6 weeks off from work after my bmx with TE reconstruction. I work as an OR nurse so do plenty of lifting, pushing, etc. How much time should I expect to take off after exchange to implant surgery?

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