mastectomy site feels stiff

I don't have an implant. I may get one later. the doctor was going to place an expander in at the time of the mastectomy but didn't do it. I guess my circulation wasn't good enough. so now if I want the implant I'd have to have one surgery to do the expander and then go back later for the implant and the lift on the other side. after what I went through with the mastecomy with the drain and everything I don't know if I want to do that. I'd have a drain again with the expander.

right now I'm working on prosthesis. I got a silicone one and will have to wait until the doctor gives me the green light to wear it. in the meantime I have a little cheap one and two bras with pockets - much better than one flat breast and one D cup.

thanks for responding. I'm a bit disappointed in what you said but appreciate your answering me.

thank you cookie

yes, I have an appointment in two days and I'll ask about exercises. I just as soon not go to PT if I don't have to but would go if needed. I don't want to just live with the stiffness long-term.

thanks

I'm feeling stiff and numb six weeks post mastectomy. My plastic surgeon says this is normal and will go away. Women on Reddit say it's permanent. I'm leaning toward a fat injection on the mastectomy side and a reduction and lift on the surviving breast. but now I'm worried that I could end up with two stiff and numb "breasts".

maybe I should just leave the skin mound and wear a prosthesis

the stiffness isn't bad when wearing a bra but with no bra it's very noticeable

any advice?

thanks

yes, I'm giving it time and stretching my arm up repeatedly…..doctor didn't want me to do any other exercise with my arms yet

I do have full range of motion with that arm so that's good

I saw the plastic surgeon this past week. I didn't even bring up the numbness/tightness. I've just more or less accepted that this will go away in time - or not.

He said after my January visit with him he could do surgery. But I would have to have minimum of three surgeries. First probably fat injection, second implant (the fat injection would allow him to do implant without expander), then months later lift on the other side. Not sure this is definite or possibly he might find that he does need an expander.

Also there is a chance I could be satisfied after the fat injection an not need an implant.

I'm not sure I'm up for three more surgeries. these would be easier than the mastectomy but still you have risk every time you have anesthesia.

according to an internet search, more women go flat or have no reconstruction than the number who have reconstruction. this, along with my age and the multiple surgeries is giving me pause.

Also there was a conversation on Reddit where women who had reconstruction mostly said the implants don't feel like real breasts at all and they are numb. also they look fine with clothes but not natural when nude. consensus was they don't regret the implants but don't find them ideal.

I have a prosthesis and don't mind it. the biggest drawback it transferring it from one bra to another. so I find if I'm just doing errands I go without it and wear a loose shirt.

I'm spinning. doctor said just go enjoy life for a couple of months and stop think about it. also said doing nothing more is an option.

DH isn't pushing me but I get the impression he doesn't like the idea of going flat After my first lumpectomy failed to get all the cancer he wanted me just get another lumpectomy but I didn't want the radiation that would come with that. He is a minimalist when it comes to doctors. Has refused treatment/advice multiple times.

If anyone has advice or experience, I'd appreciate it.

are you having a single mastectomy or double? The double may take more out of you. I had a single. It was a big surgery. I didn't have enough pain after to take the narcotic pain meds. I found the drain to be a PITA - a constant reminder of the surgery. I was glad my husband helped with it at first. After two weeks when I was able to drive again and have the drain removed, it was a relief.

The only advice I can give is to rest so you can heal and follow the doctors orders. One thing my surgeon's nurse emphasized strongly was no ice EVER again on the breast area where I had the surgery. I was glad she said it that way rather than just including it in a list of instructions.

GL to you.