I am 12 days post double mastectomy and I have watched almost all of your videos and I am doing your 0-3 week exercises. I cannot thank you enough for posting. I have learned so much from your videos and I love how you get right to the point! So appreciated. God bless and you look fantastic!
@@DrWaiYeeLiPlasticSurgeon Direct to implant instead of two surgeries would have been great. Because I had radiation I'm thankful that I had tissue expanders that were radiated rather than my implants.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I am a day away from having a double mastectomy with reconstruction and your video has really helped in this process. Especially when it comes to the beginning till you looking at your year after implant’s. I really appreciate this. I’m in the very beginning stage of breast cancer and this gives me the perspective I need going through this.
Hi Erica, I've been watching your videos since they first came out, thanks for sharing your journey. I'm so glad you didn't do the fat grafting because that's the reason why I lost my implants right after my reconstruction... the surgeon pierced both implants with the needle he used to do the fat grafting, I didn't know this happened after 1-2 months later when I developed an unbearable and painful stage 4 capsular contracture due to silicone leaking everywhere. Even the MRI showed that both implants had fat inside, the surgeon verbally admit it but he wouldn't document it in the medical record. My advice for my pink ribbon sisters who are looking to undergo fat grafting is to research your surgeon and demand to have a sonogram guided fat grafting to make sure the needle won't rupture the implants. I hope I was the exception and that all of you ladies who are looking to undergo this procedure had a successful outcome.
Susana, that's terrible. As if going through breast cancer treatment wasn't enough! Thank for your sharing this so other women can be more informed about their options. What did you do after the implants were removed - flat closure or is there an option to do reconstruction again?
Starting my double mastectomy journey as my surgery is scheduled for April 2024. Planning reconstructive surgery and looking forward to meeting with the plastic surgeon to discuss options as well. Thanks for sharing all of this great information.
My exchange surgery is in two weeks. It's hanging over my head and I just can't wait til it's over. Looking forward to putting all of this behind me. This was most helpful and very informative.
Yes, so much waiting during cancer treatment! I remember really wanting to be done my exchange surgery to feel like I was moving forward. All the best with your surgery and recovery.
Awesome video - and thank you for sharing. (Her2+ Stage 3) diagnosed 1/3/2024. Perfect time for me to find this video. I have had wonderful cancer care where I live w/nurses, surgeons, and staff. There have been a lot questions on my part with my team and a whole lot of answers are "well, it all depends, everyone is different" and I get that - LOL. You speak so well and quite a comfort for me today. 4 months chemo, double mastectomies w/lymph node surgery on affected side of breast done 7/2, (cancer is gone); tissue expanders by a plastic surgeon 8/21 and had my first 60cc put in 9/19. Fortunately, I did not have to have radiation. Not an easy road for anyone, but you made a difference in my life today. Thanks.
Wow, thank you for letting me know that this was so impactful for you. It's definitely a windy road! Hope your expansions and eventual exchange surgery go well.
You did choose well. I am in the process of trying to figure out my size. I’m old and don’t want to carry big breasts around any more but….. I used to be a DD or DDD. It is quite a change. Now I am in the middle of trying to figure out size but what makes it even harder is they cannot tell you a bra size with the amount of cc. I had even opted to go completely flat, but they talked me out of it….. now I have all these decisions and frankly it is tough! I am so appreciative of all the videos you put out and I am sorry you had to go through it at such a young age or at all!❤
That’s definitely a big change going from a DD. Given your starting size it may be easier mentally to go to implants that are smaller than this rather than doing flat closure.
I appreciate very much you made this video as informative as possible. You have answered many of my questions and concerns. I'm dealing wth lymphedema and, much less, cording on my right arm and later in the year I will be having my exchange surgery on the right side too. Thank you again for sharing your experience with us, I always find your exercises for dealing with my conditions very helpful during my recovery. Thank you for your good wishes and may your recovery be successful and get you stronger.
I am stage 3 survivor, w lymph node invasive her2 neg, estrogen positive. for 3 yrs now i have had another lump, same place, same symptoms, so im trying to figure out if i should just do a double mastectomy, and was wondering how to reconstruct, so I really appreciate you making this video, to share, healing time, you saying about the first exhcange. This is such a big help for women trying to make decisons to her it from some one who went through all this. Thank you sooo much for doing this vidoe. my lumpectomy was pretty painful compared to the overnight surgery for a complete hystocretomey, i think because the breast tissue is so thick. So greatful for you and you doing this vidoe this. i will be checking out yr other vidoes as well.
This is a good video. To bad patients aren’t shown these videos. I’ve had the reconstruction but sadly, I have to have the reconstruction completely redone as the implant moves and the breast has wings that go past mud section. Patients needs videos like this n
Great video, thank you. I'm on my second go round on one side. So similar but i have been so restricted both times on movements and exercises. Wish they would let me move after drains out but they said no above shoulder or racing, heck they even denied me shoulder rolling. Doctors are so different it's crazy. Good to see some of your movements, I'm going to do those exercises when allowed to get moving again!
I hear you…the restrictions with movement/exercise are a challenge! I’m curious why you’re doing this a second time. Lots of rehab exercises on the channel once you’re given the go ahead - th-cam.com/play/PLALVgJH_QhhhxC3pzZ3JgkhpJhh_g6FCW.html&si=pj4T2bnhr3I3f1eN (rehab playlist)
Lots of fantastic information. I am going through this, meaning I am in the tissue expander phase for both breasts. I did not have treatment thank God, but having skin issues with the healing of the breast that had the lump. When that has cleared up, we will start filling and hoping to have implant exchange surgery in about November. Cannot wait as its been four months since my double mastectomy! Your information really resonated and helped me.
It’s quite the process isn’t it! I agree…I was definitely ready to have my expanders out by the time surgery #2 came around. Hope your exchange surgery goes well!
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thank you so much, and I just love your channel, so much info I am finding out, despite all my google searches and investigations you have been through it so know so much more and it makes it more viable.
This is interesting. I had a lumpectomy in 2012. It was suggested that I have the healthy breast reduced to match the cancerous breast. I declined, so since then I spend my energy trying to find an even sized breast form, and having to replace it every so often, as well as finding forms compatible for swimming, etc.
That’s got to be frustrating finding forms for everyday life and swimming! It really is a personal preference whether to do the lumpectomy with a balancing surgery or do a mastectomy right from the beginning. I’m in a swimsuit and workout clothes a lot and knew I would be annoyed with my profile…so that’s one of the reasons why I opted for a double mastectomy. I hope the breast forms are easier to find now compared to 2012.
Yes, contracture is really common after radiation. I didn't expect the extent that radiation affects reconstruction...but given the upside of radiation with reducing recurrence I'll take it! I'm working on a video now about radiation fibrosis so watch out for that.
I had mastectomy on one side and now have an expander. I was wondering if i will be able to move normally again after they exhange it with the implant. Im 9 weeks post mastectomy. It is easier each day but every now and then i lose patience and wonder if my body will feel normal again as in movement not being an issue (driving a car, doing every day stuff) and will i lose the fear of anyone bumping into me. Thank you for this video, very informative and helpful to us all. Also i am so happy to see that you are lifting weights at the gym, i dont know how to live without working out.
Expanders can be pretty uncomfortable. There was a definite ease when mine were swapped out for implants and I’ve heard that from many other women too. I noticed a lot of my discomfort post-mastectomy was more related to guarding tension rather than just pain from the surgery. Our bodies are great at compensating! If you’re anticipating people bumping into you, then you may be guarding as well. Movement for me (weightlifting, walking, swimming, stretching, etc) has been key to feeling better physically. I have also done a ton of hands-on treatment since my initial double mastectomy.
Ladies you just had cancer. it's disgusting how the oncology and plastic surgery programs think it's perfectly fine for a woman, who just had cancer removed from her chest, to put implants in this sick space and induce chronic inflammation directly there again. No common sense or critical thinking! They know cancer thrives in inflammation. Implants cause inflammation, there's a reason our body will start building a "capsule". I've have had implants for 20 yrs. I should've never kept then in this long. Statted having breat implant illness about 10 trs ago. I have IDC breast cancer. Icant wait until these things are out !!! I would never to be able to heal myself naturally with these still in my body. I am getting mastectomy on one side. I can't go flat because the implants stretched out pec muscle for so long. I would be concaved and have to wear prosthetic device. I have to DIEP flap. Damn these implants. don't be misled!!! More surgeries are in your future. Sadly.
You have the best videos! They are so helpful. So much helpful information. I have the tissue expanders and am looking forward to the exchange for silicone. I was going to ask about the exercising and bouncing but you nailed it. Did you every deal with seroma after the bilateral mastectomy?
I had a dmx in November of 2022, with delayed reconstruction. I had my expander surgery in April 2024 and exchange from expander to implants on July 31, 2024. It’s been almost 3 weeks since my exchange surgery-yes, the expanders were very uncomfortable. But, to be honest the implants are uncomfortable, also. I can not reach across my chest at this point to scratch my opposite arm, I don’t know if the area around the implants are still swollen or what. I’m 6’ tall and a curvy woman of 69 yrs old. My implants are 770 cc’s, they seem to be very small on my body frame(little projection). 😔 The PS did tell me that I wouldn’t have much of a projection because my nipples were also taken. The implants are very high on my chest-sitting almost at my collarbone. I would love for the implants to drop some, however, the surgeon said they won’t drop, because it’s not an augmentation. I guess I’ll just have to buy some prosthesis for my bra in order to enhance my breast, once they heal. I don’t have even 3 inches of projection to my breast, from the bottom, with the implants in. I’m rather sad, but, so glad my reconstruction journey is in its last phase. At this point, I don’t think I would want a revision surgery at my age. My question is, is it possible for my implants to drop from being so high and maybe that will help me gain some projection, if they were to drop some. I literally have small breast for my height and size(they don’t look balanced because I also have a (protruding tummy). How long does it take for the swelling to go down after expander to implant exchange? I’m sad about the size of my implants-but, yet sooo GRATEFUL for LIFE!🙏🏽❤️ Thanking you in advance for sharing your experience. Sorry about the long post.
Thank you for sharing! Self-acceptance is definitely a thing with this experience, especially when so much of it is out of our control. I have no idea if you’ll gain more projection if the implants drop. If you have the resources I would look into some soft tissue release around the implants, especially above them. You could also do some self-release of the tissues similar to how I do it in this video, which is for radiation fibrosis - th-cam.com/video/3ZBNcYBddqI/w-d-xo.html. It’s not the same, but implants can get pulled up from the contracture of radiation so you could follow the same steps.
Thank you for making this video I’m going through the first stage now and luckily I do not need radiation my left breast was removed eventually I will have an implant and my right will be reduce and lifted to match the other.
I'm a few days shy of a month since my expanders exchange surgery to implants and fat grafing. I thought that my implants would look a little different on the outside. I also have a radiated breast from having a lumpectomy 5 years ago. Followed by reconstruction a year later. At that time I actually loved how my new boobs looked. This time..I'm still trying to see if I like them
Yes, it’s definitely a process to get used to new breasts, especially considering they’re our 3rd set! (original, expanders and then implants). Much different than breast augmentation both in terms of physically and mentally processing everything.
Having a mastectomy doesn't eliminate the need for radiation completely. It reduces it but it depends on the case. My cancer was close to the front margin of my skin, I had a positive lymph node and cancer covered larger area than expected when pathology report came back.
I am nearly 4 weeks post DMX and appreciate this video, as I honestly didn’t know what to expect for the exchange surgery. Mine won’t occur until early October. Did you have drains after the exchange surgery? Also, I am a yoga practitioner and instructor, and would like to ease back into yoga beginning next week, but am not sure exactly which poses to avoid. Likely plank & chautaranga should not be attempted too soon, but what do you advise? I feel great physically & do feel I have the strength to do these, but don’t want to rush it if not advised. Thank you for your helpful videos!!
Thankfully, I didn't have drains after the exchange surgery. Check with your surgeon on the particulars to get back to physical activity. I had the all clear for most things by 6 weeks post-op. I introduced exercises much earlier than this as I felt comfortable, have good body awareness and only did movements that were pain-free. I do CrossFit and was eager to get back to working out too! Because my expanders and then implants were under the muscle I omitted all chest exercises. Glad you're finding the videos helpful!
I was told to put on something like a arm sleeve that fits snug to avoid swelling in the arm of the side that cancer was on when I work out or get on a flight. Can you tell me if your doctor or the person that did rehabilitation services with you? I only ask because I see that you are working out with weights and you don't have a arm sleeve on. Have you experienced any swelling in your arm.
I did have lymphedema as well but only in my breast/chest/torso. I didn't have any swelling down my arm. The advice if you do is variable. This article may help - torontophysiotherapy.ca/should-i-wear-lymphedema-compression-garments-while-exercising/. If I did have arm swelling I personally wouldn't wear a sleeve during but would at other times. I absolutely would for flying. I think the amount of physical activity that I did (and still do) is the biggest factor in reducing lymphedema (which is 90% better). In the new year I'm going to be doing a few videos on lymphedema so look out for those if this is still an issue for you.
Thank you for this. Very informative. How long after exchange surgery until you could shower? You had some shots of the white dressing on your chest. Can that get wet? All the best to you. Thank you. Very helpful. My exchange surgery is coming up on 7/5/23.
I don’t remember exactly how long I waited to shower but I think it may have been until my first post-op appt with my surgeon - which was 2.5 weeks after surgery. I don’t think my surgeon wanted that tape to get wet before then. Wishing you well for your upcoming surgery!
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thank you. My exchange surgery is this Wednesday 7/5/23. Your information is so helpful. I learn more from you than we do from the plastic surgeon!! I also started doing some of your exercises. Thank you!!!!
Thank you for the valuable information you provided for us. Just a minor feedback: yhe sound of the video is too high, like you are yelling to be heard. Either the microphone needs to be adjusted , or speaking softer with a lower volume would be much more appreciated. Thank you anyway for providing these resourceful materials.
Regarding small breasts and breast augmentation, is it true that the implants will make the breasts go higher? Due to the body forming a capsule around the implants? Thanks!
I’m not sure if you’re comparing breast augmentation to reconstruction. In all cases there is a capsule that forms around the implant because it is foreign in the body - this is normal and expected. If there is “capsular contracture” the implant can get pulled upwards. The same thing can happen after radiation. I’m not sure if there’s any difference with small vs larger breasts/implants.
My surgeon told me that for breast augmentation with silicone implant, there will be a capsule formed eventually and the breast will become higher. I am not sure if he is talking about capsular contracture alone or just generally with implants. @@breast-cancer-rehab
@@breast-cancer-rehab Oh, I had two surgeries because of two breast cancers in the same breast (02/22 and 12/23). I explicitly asked the surgeon but he said he couldn't go through the same scar. Hopefully next time for the expander and then the implant 🙏
Great job. I have a video on tissue expander pain on my page. You were very informative. I wish My Dr. would have told my breast were going to be significantly smaller with the implants.
The first Surgeon was nowhere informative as you are. I am seeing the second surgeon for the reconstruction on the 13th of this month. I hope she is as informative as you are.
I hear you! I always wanted to know more info than I received. This channel is everything I learned from all the resources I could find plus my personal experience. Hope the second surgery consult goes well!
Comment below with any helpful info for others doing implant-reconstruction.
I am 12 days post double mastectomy and I have watched almost all of your videos and I am doing your 0-3 week exercises. I cannot thank you enough for posting. I have learned so much from your videos and I love how you get right to the point! So appreciated. God bless and you look fantastic!
Thank you for watching and your feedback! I’m glad the videos have been so helpful. Keep it up with the rehab!
Having my exchange soon - I cannot believe that you answered all of my questions!!! Thank you. So matter of fact and direct to the point.
Happy to help! All the best with your upcoming surgery.
She's the best. Isn't she ❤
No one explains the pain from the expander. The pain I had was from the expander being sewn to the muscle. No one discussed that.
Yes, expanders can be pretty uncomfortable. A lot of the pain can also be related to the muscles and fascia that are adjusting to the expanders.
Absolutely true..Im suffering in sp much pain now from the expander.No they didn't prepare me in advance for warning me of excessive pain
Expanders are uncomfortable mainly because you are stretching the tissues. They are sewn to the muscle when they are prepectoral (in front muscle).
This is one of several reasons why I much prefer direct to implant and avoid expanders in my practice
@@DrWaiYeeLiPlasticSurgeon Direct to implant instead of two surgeries would have been great. Because I had radiation I'm thankful that I had tissue expanders that were radiated rather than my implants.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I am a day away from having a double mastectomy with reconstruction and your video has really helped in this process. Especially when it comes to the beginning till you looking at your year after implant’s. I really appreciate this. I’m in the very beginning stage of breast cancer and this gives me the perspective I need going through this.
You're welcome. It's definitely helpful to know what to expect. Hope your surgery went well! There's a few videos on rehab after surgery.
@@breast-cancer-rehab I will be looking at those. Again thank you so much.
I had a bilaterally mastectomy 4 months ago & am currently scheduled to have exchange surgery in March. Your video is very helpful 🩷
Hope all goes well with your exchange surgery and recovery!
Hi Erica, I've been watching your videos since they first came out, thanks for sharing your journey. I'm so glad you didn't do the fat grafting because that's the reason why I lost my implants right after my reconstruction... the surgeon pierced both implants with the needle he used to do the fat grafting, I didn't know this happened after 1-2 months later when I developed an unbearable and painful stage 4 capsular contracture due to silicone leaking everywhere. Even the MRI showed that both implants had fat inside, the surgeon verbally admit it but he wouldn't document it in the medical record. My advice for my pink ribbon sisters who are looking to undergo fat grafting is to research your surgeon and demand to have a sonogram guided fat grafting to make sure the needle won't rupture the implants. I hope I was the exception and that all of you ladies who are looking to undergo this procedure had a successful outcome.
Susana, that's terrible. As if going through breast cancer treatment wasn't enough! Thank for your sharing this so other women can be more informed about their options. What did you do after the implants were removed - flat closure or is there an option to do reconstruction again?
I went flat, I'm scared to death to try the reconstruction all over again :-(
That’s understandable after going through all of that!
Starting my double mastectomy journey as my surgery is scheduled for April 2024. Planning reconstructive surgery and looking forward to meeting with the plastic surgeon to discuss options as well. Thanks for sharing all of this great information.
You're welcome! Wishing you well with your upcoming surgery. There's lots of info here on the channel to help you through your treatment.
My exchange surgery is in two weeks. It's hanging over my head and I just can't wait til it's over. Looking forward to putting all of this behind me. This was most helpful and very informative.
Yes, so much waiting during cancer treatment! I remember really wanting to be done my exchange surgery to feel like I was moving forward. All the best with your surgery and recovery.
Awesome video - and thank you for sharing. (Her2+ Stage 3) diagnosed 1/3/2024.
Perfect time for me to find this video. I have had wonderful cancer care where I live w/nurses, surgeons, and staff. There have been a lot questions on my part with my team and a whole lot of answers are "well, it all depends, everyone is different" and I get that - LOL. You speak so well and quite a comfort for me today. 4 months chemo, double mastectomies w/lymph node surgery on affected side of breast done 7/2, (cancer is gone); tissue expanders by a plastic surgeon 8/21 and had my first 60cc put in 9/19. Fortunately, I did not have to have radiation.
Not an easy road for anyone, but you made a difference in my life today. Thanks.
Wow, thank you for letting me know that this was so impactful for you. It's definitely a windy road! Hope your expansions and eventual exchange surgery go well.
You did choose well. I am in the process of trying to figure out my size. I’m old and don’t want to carry big breasts around any more but….. I used to be a DD or DDD. It is quite a change. Now I am in the middle of trying to figure out size but what makes it even harder is they cannot tell you a bra size with the amount of cc. I had even opted to go completely flat, but they talked me out of it….. now I have all these decisions and frankly it is tough! I am so appreciative of all the videos you put out and I am sorry you had to go through it at such a young age or at all!❤
That’s definitely a big change going from a DD. Given your starting size it may be easier mentally to go to implants that are smaller than this rather than doing flat closure.
I’ll be having my exchange surgery in October. This was so helpful, you answered all my questions!
Thank you for this video.
I wished I knew what to expect in this detail before surgery. Glad the video helped to answer all of your questions.
I appreciate very much you made this video as informative as possible. You have answered many of my questions and concerns. I'm dealing wth lymphedema and, much less, cording on my right arm and later in the year I will be having my exchange surgery on the right side too. Thank you again for sharing your experience with us, I always find your exercises for dealing with my conditions very helpful during my recovery. Thank you for your good wishes and may your recovery be successful and get you stronger.
Thanks again for your feedback. I’m glad you’re finding the videos so helpful, especially the rehab ones.
I am stage 3 survivor, w lymph node invasive her2 neg, estrogen positive. for 3 yrs now i have had another lump, same place, same symptoms, so im trying to figure out if i should just do a double mastectomy, and was wondering how to reconstruct, so I really appreciate you making this video, to share, healing time, you saying about the first exhcange. This is such a big help for women trying to make decisons to her it from some one who went through all this. Thank you sooo much for doing this vidoe. my lumpectomy was pretty painful compared to the overnight surgery for a complete hystocretomey, i think because the breast tissue is so thick. So greatful for you and you doing this vidoe this. i will be checking out yr other vidoes as well.
Welcome to the channel. Glad you’re finding the videos helpful!
I am glad you discussed that the timeline varies. Also, your description about the sensation in the breast was helpful.
Thanks for the feedback knowing which parts of the video were helpful! The lack of sensation still feels so weird.
Your range of videos have been so helpful to me. Thank you so much!
I'm so glad! Thanks for the feedback.
Great overview of the whole process. Thank you for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Very thorough explanation! I’m now a new subscriber.
Awesome! Thanks for the sub.
This is a good video. To bad patients aren’t shown these videos. I’ve had the reconstruction but sadly, I have to have the reconstruction completely redone as the implant moves and the breast has wings that go past mud section. Patients needs videos like this n
Sorry to hear you need to go through another surgery. That’s a lot! Were your implants over or under the muscle?
Great video, thank you. I'm on my second go round on one side. So similar but i have been so restricted both times on movements and exercises. Wish they would let me move after drains out but they said no above shoulder or racing, heck they even denied me shoulder rolling. Doctors are so different it's crazy. Good to see some of your movements, I'm going to do those exercises when allowed to get moving again!
I hear you…the restrictions with movement/exercise are a challenge! I’m curious why you’re doing this a second time. Lots of rehab exercises on the channel once you’re given the go ahead - th-cam.com/play/PLALVgJH_QhhhxC3pzZ3JgkhpJhh_g6FCW.html&si=pj4T2bnhr3I3f1eN (rehab playlist)
Am recently had it, thanks for the video
You’re welcome! Hope your recovery after your exchange surgery goes well.
Lots of fantastic information. I am going through this, meaning I am in the tissue expander phase for both breasts. I did not have treatment thank God, but having skin issues with the healing of the breast that had the lump. When that has cleared up, we will start filling and hoping to have implant exchange surgery in about November. Cannot wait as its been four months since my double mastectomy! Your information really resonated and helped me.
It’s quite the process isn’t it! I agree…I was definitely ready to have my expanders out by the time surgery #2 came around. Hope your exchange surgery goes well!
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thank you so much, and I just love your channel, so much info I am finding out, despite all my google searches and investigations you have been through it so know so much more and it makes it more viable.
This is interesting. I had a lumpectomy in 2012. It was suggested that I have the healthy breast reduced to match the cancerous breast. I declined, so since then I spend my energy trying to find an even sized breast form, and having to replace it every so often, as well as finding forms compatible for swimming, etc.
That’s got to be frustrating finding forms for everyday life and swimming! It really is a personal preference whether to do the lumpectomy with a balancing surgery or do a mastectomy right from the beginning. I’m in a swimsuit and workout clothes a lot and knew I would be annoyed with my profile…so that’s one of the reasons why I opted for a double mastectomy. I hope the breast forms are easier to find now compared to 2012.
This was helpful I was concerned about contracture after radiation, I have more research to do but thanks for sharing.
Yes, contracture is really common after radiation. I didn't expect the extent that radiation affects reconstruction...but given the upside of radiation with reducing recurrence I'll take it! I'm working on a video now about radiation fibrosis so watch out for that.
I had mastectomy on one side and now have an expander. I was wondering if i will be able to move normally again after they exhange it with the implant. Im 9 weeks post mastectomy. It is easier each day but every now and then i lose patience and wonder if my body will feel normal again as in movement not being an issue (driving a car, doing every day stuff) and will i lose the fear of anyone bumping into me. Thank you for this video, very informative and helpful to us all. Also i am so happy to see that you are lifting weights at the gym, i dont know how to live without working out.
Expanders can be pretty uncomfortable. There was a definite ease when mine were swapped out for implants and I’ve heard that from many other women too. I noticed a lot of my discomfort post-mastectomy was more related to guarding tension rather than just pain from the surgery. Our bodies are great at compensating! If you’re anticipating people bumping into you, then you may be guarding as well. Movement for me (weightlifting, walking, swimming, stretching, etc) has been key to feeling better physically. I have also done a ton of hands-on treatment since my initial double mastectomy.
Ladies you just had cancer. it's disgusting how the oncology and plastic surgery programs think it's perfectly fine for a woman, who just had cancer removed from her chest, to put implants in this sick space and induce chronic inflammation directly there again. No common sense or critical thinking! They know cancer thrives in inflammation.
Implants cause inflammation, there's a reason our body will start building a "capsule". I've have had implants for 20 yrs. I should've never kept then in this long. Statted having breat implant illness about 10 trs ago. I have IDC breast cancer. Icant wait until these things are out !!! I would never to be able to heal myself naturally with these still in my body. I am getting mastectomy on one side. I can't go flat because the implants stretched out pec muscle for so long. I would be concaved and have to wear prosthetic device. I have to DIEP flap. Damn these implants. don't be misled!!! More surgeries are in your future. Sadly.
I will have soon hun very worried about this
The lead up to surgery can be quite an anxious time. I remember! Hope you’re getting the support you need.
@@breast-cancer-rehab thank Hun xx
Thank you so much for sharing this information. You have a very clear way of explaining all this
Glad it was helpful! This is what I would have wanted to know before my surgery.
Thank you for sharing! It is extremely helpful and appreciative of the video. I hope all is well with your journey!
Thank you! You too!
You have the best videos! They are so helpful. So much helpful information.
I have the tissue expanders and am looking forward to the exchange for silicone. I was going to ask about the exercising and bouncing but you nailed it.
Did you every deal with seroma after the bilateral mastectomy?
Thanks for the feedback! I didn't have a seroma after surgery.
I had a dmx in November of 2022, with delayed reconstruction. I had my expander surgery in April 2024 and exchange from expander to implants on July 31, 2024. It’s been almost 3 weeks since my exchange surgery-yes, the expanders were very uncomfortable. But, to be honest the implants are uncomfortable, also. I can not reach across my chest at this point to scratch my opposite arm, I don’t know if the area around the implants are still swollen or what. I’m 6’ tall and a curvy woman of 69 yrs old. My implants are 770 cc’s, they seem to be very small on my body frame(little projection).
😔 The PS did tell me that I wouldn’t have much of a projection because my nipples were also taken. The implants are very high on my chest-sitting almost at my collarbone. I would love for the implants to drop some, however, the surgeon said they won’t drop, because it’s not an augmentation. I guess I’ll just have to buy some prosthesis for my bra in order to enhance my breast, once they heal. I don’t have even 3 inches of projection to my breast, from the bottom, with the implants in. I’m rather sad, but, so glad my reconstruction journey is in its last phase. At this point, I don’t think I would want a revision surgery at my age. My question is, is it possible for my implants to drop from being so high and maybe that will help me gain some projection, if they were to drop some. I literally have small breast for my height and size(they don’t look balanced because I also have a (protruding tummy). How long does it take for the swelling to go down after expander to implant exchange? I’m sad about the size of my implants-but, yet sooo GRATEFUL for LIFE!🙏🏽❤️
Thanking you in advance for sharing your experience.
Sorry about the long post.
Thank you for sharing! Self-acceptance is definitely a thing with this experience, especially when so much of it is out of our control.
I have no idea if you’ll gain more projection if the implants drop. If you have the resources I would look into some soft tissue release around the implants, especially above them. You could also do some self-release of the tissues similar to how I do it in this video, which is for radiation fibrosis - th-cam.com/video/3ZBNcYBddqI/w-d-xo.html. It’s not the same, but implants can get pulled up from the contracture of radiation so you could follow the same steps.
@@breast-cancer-rehabThank you sooo much for the much needed and helpful information. I really appreciate you and your videos!🙏🏽❤️
Thank you for this subject, I'm in the process of having this done too.
Glad it was helpful! Hope your surgery and recovery go well.
Thank you so much for these video's. They are exactly what I needed to hear and have watched several times. It has been a blessing . Pamela
Glad the videos have been helpful! This is the type of info that I wanted to know going through the experience.
Great video. I’m having my mastectomy on oct 10th. Am having a tissue expander put in.
Good luck Agnes!! Hope your recovery goes well.
Hi! I had mine the day after you.
How are you doing?
Thank you for making this video I’m going through the first stage now and luckily I do not need radiation my left breast was removed eventually I will have an implant and my right will be reduce and lifted to match the other.
Wishing you well with your recovery!
I’m thinking about doing the same thing. How did it turn out? Were they able to match them?
Incredibly insightful! Thank you so much. ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this video! My exchange surgery is tomorrow! I'm getting gummy bear implants too, with fat grafting
Good luck tomorrow!! I remember being so relieved after my exchange surgery.
@@breast-cancer-rehab thank you! That's what I'm looking forward to. I haven't had a good night's sleep since I got these things.
I'm a few days shy of a month since my expanders exchange surgery to implants and fat grafing. I thought that my implants would look a little different on the outside. I also have a radiated breast from having a lumpectomy 5 years ago. Followed by reconstruction a year later. At that time I actually loved how my new boobs looked. This time..I'm still trying to see if I like them
Yes, it’s definitely a process to get used to new breasts, especially considering they’re our 3rd set! (original, expanders and then implants). Much different than breast augmentation both in terms of physically and mentally processing everything.
After reconstruction they will still sag if over the muscle as it’s only thin skin holding them in place unless a mesh is used.
I didn’t look into this as mine were under the muscle.
Very informative. You’re so amazing
Thank you so much!
Excellent information, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
So you still had to have radiation even with mast?! I thought this eliminates having radiation.
Having a mastectomy doesn't eliminate the need for radiation completely. It reduces it but it depends on the case. My cancer was close to the front margin of my skin, I had a positive lymph node and cancer covered larger area than expected when pathology report came back.
I am nearly 4 weeks post DMX and appreciate this video, as I honestly didn’t know what to expect for the exchange surgery. Mine won’t occur until early October. Did you have drains after the exchange surgery? Also, I am a yoga practitioner and instructor, and would like to ease back into yoga beginning next week, but am not sure exactly which poses to avoid. Likely plank & chautaranga should not be attempted too soon, but what do you advise? I feel great physically & do feel I have the strength to do these, but don’t want to rush it if not advised. Thank you for your helpful videos!!
Thankfully, I didn't have drains after the exchange surgery. Check with your surgeon on the particulars to get back to physical activity. I had the all clear for most things by 6 weeks post-op. I introduced exercises much earlier than this as I felt comfortable, have good body awareness and only did movements that were pain-free. I do CrossFit and was eager to get back to working out too! Because my expanders and then implants were under the muscle I omitted all chest exercises. Glad you're finding the videos helpful!
I was told to put on something like a arm sleeve that fits snug to avoid swelling in the arm of the side that cancer was on when I work out or get on a flight. Can you tell me if your doctor or the person that did rehabilitation services with you? I only ask because I see that you are working out with weights and you don't have a arm sleeve on. Have you experienced any swelling in your arm.
I did have lymphedema as well but only in my breast/chest/torso. I didn't have any swelling down my arm. The advice if you do is variable. This article may help - torontophysiotherapy.ca/should-i-wear-lymphedema-compression-garments-while-exercising/. If I did have arm swelling I personally wouldn't wear a sleeve during but would at other times. I absolutely would for flying. I think the amount of physical activity that I did (and still do) is the biggest factor in reducing lymphedema (which is 90% better). In the new year I'm going to be doing a few videos on lymphedema so look out for those if this is still an issue for you.
Thank you so much for responding and the information!
Thank you for this. Very informative. How long after exchange surgery until you could shower? You had some shots of the white dressing on your chest. Can that get wet? All the best to you. Thank you. Very helpful. My exchange surgery is coming up on 7/5/23.
I don’t remember exactly how long I waited to shower but I think it may have been until my first post-op appt with my surgeon - which was 2.5 weeks after surgery. I don’t think my surgeon wanted that tape to get wet before then. Wishing you well for your upcoming surgery!
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thank you. My exchange surgery is this Wednesday 7/5/23. Your information is so helpful. I learn more from you than we do from the plastic surgeon!!
I also started doing some of your exercises.
Thank you!!!!
@@melindalewis7258 You’re welcome! Look for the video - REHAB 0-3 weeks - to do after your surgery.
Thank you for the valuable information you provided for us. Just a minor feedback: yhe sound of the video is too high, like you are yelling to be heard. Either the microphone needs to be adjusted , or speaking softer with a lower volume would be much more appreciated.
Thank you anyway for providing these resourceful materials.
🙏
Wish I had known this years ago.
My body rejected the tissue expander.
That’s awful for you! As if cancer treatment isn’t enough to endure. Did you have expanders both sides? What did your surgeon recommend to do now?
Regarding small breasts and breast augmentation, is it true that the implants will make the breasts go higher? Due to the body forming a capsule around the implants? Thanks!
I’m not sure if you’re comparing breast augmentation to reconstruction. In all cases there is a capsule that forms around the implant because it is foreign in the body - this is normal and expected. If there is “capsular contracture” the implant can get pulled upwards. The same thing can happen after radiation. I’m not sure if there’s any difference with small vs larger breasts/implants.
My surgeon told me that for breast augmentation with silicone implant, there will be a capsule formed eventually and the breast will become higher. I am not sure if he is talking about capsular contracture alone or just generally with implants. @@breast-cancer-rehab
I’m not sure either.
Thank you for such clear steps
How many scars are on each breast?
My surgeon went through the same scars that I had from my double mastectomy. So, 1 scar on each breast.
@@breast-cancer-rehab Oh, I had two surgeries because of two breast cancers in the same breast (02/22 and 12/23). I explicitly asked the surgeon but he said he couldn't go through the same scar. Hopefully next time for the expander and then the implant 🙏
Anyone know what size 425cc would be in bra size? A, B, C, D, DD?
I have no idea! I always found it odd that plastic surgeons don’t speak in terms of cup size. My 310cc is about a B/C.
@@breast-cancer-rehab thank you
Great job. I have a video on tissue expander pain on my page. You were very informative. I wish My Dr. would have told my breast were going to be significantly smaller with the implants.
Thanks. So many unknowns throughout the breast cancer journey!
Ihad amastecia andinever been offered reconstruction
Did you have flat closure? Do you know the reason you weren’t offered reconstruction?
😅
Expanders are the worst 😢
Yes, definitely not the most comfortable things to have in your body!
The first Surgeon was nowhere informative as you are. I am seeing the second surgeon for the reconstruction on the 13th of this month. I hope she is as informative as you are.
I hear you! I always wanted to know more info than I received. This channel is everything I learned from all the resources I could find plus my personal experience. Hope the second surgery consult goes well!