I had mine 6 days ago. Still in a lot of pain, no energy, sleeping on my back. The tightness!! Ooh, the tightness is horrendous! It’s even depressing. I know it will get better, but be prepared, be strong, as it is a very slow recovery. Also, get help, you’ll need it as you will be helpless. Pain medication takes care of only part of the pain, not all. God bless us all who is going through this.
I found that using some ice packs and a chest pillow helps. I am 4 weeks out of surgery and I still have burning pain and tightness. I am now using lidocaine cream to help with the pain. I hope the burning goes away soon.
It's not that bad hun, what are you scared about in particular? I did it 5 weeks ago. I get what she says about the tightness, and I chose saline. If you don't like it, you can always have them removed, some women are fine with the prostectic bra. The drains were a pain, but once they're out I healed pretty fast. Keep your nutrition up before you do this it all helps with keeping away infection and speeds healing.
Thanks for posting this. I am having my double mastectomy in less than 2 weeks. This info is so helpful in preparing for the mental “game” ahead. Best wishes for your continued healing.
I had natural fat replacement instead of internal expanders and implants. It's a long, slow process but the results are good and nothing foreign is in your body. Check out miami breast center.
Dana Mills Same for me. Diagnosed on 5/27/21 seems like I waited forever for all the tests and appointments. Surgery at end of this month. I wish you the best!
I did not wind up having a mastectomy, only had to get a lumpectomy. I have heard good things about the fat implants. You both are in my prayers. We will all be sisters in survival.❤️
Remember the drains! They didn't bother me but they are a bit to deal with for a couple of weeks. I also had a nerve block, but I got a 5-day block because I can't take pain-killers. I also had a lidocaine pump. The weakness does improve. Keep on!
It really depends on your surgeon. Dr Hwang (at Duke in Durham, NC) did my mastectomy on the left side 2 years ago (in 2017), and there is no pain in that arm at all. No side effects... there was no pain after week 3. But this year (2020) another doctor did a mastectomy on my right side and the pain is very bad. After 3.5 weeks I’m starting physical therapy exercises and it is very tight and has cording. I’m worried that this tightness will be permanent. I wish so bad that I had gone back to Duke again. Moral of the story.... get the best surgeon! They are not all alike.
I have tightness in my shoulders and arms, partly cause I don't regularly do the exercises and also because they removed a lot of nymph nodes, that might be what happened with you. Ask the first Dr is they took any and same with the second Dr..that might be the difference between them.
And yes I'm glad your speaking about this, I sometimes still have back pain or discomfort really. Good luck with everything from one cancer survivor to another.
Thanks for sharing. There are some things the surgeon does not tell you! I am 10 days post op for a double mastectomy, drains out, but the extreme tightness is definitely a discomfort...maybe more of a feeling that I need to get used to since I have never experienced til now. Thanks for your insight, this was helpful!!
Jen Rosenbaum 💜 Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I will have a bilateral radical mastectomy on the 31st. So your experience is appreciated. I hope that your well. Did your cancer spread? When I had my tests, CT, MRI and PET SCAN 2+ months ago it had not spread to my lymph nodes. I am very nervous about the pathology report. Jen, how are you doing these days? Did you need chemo or radiation? Do you see an Oncologist? I don't want any of those options. After my surgery I just don't want to think about cancer returning. I'm 65 and a widow. I would rather just go on palliative care then hospice if I have a recurring tumor.
Thanks for the honesty. I’m due for a mastectomy very soon. I am 89 and in the UK. The NHS is short of funds, and they do the surgery and send you home the same day.! I have severe spinal problems and live alone. A family member will be with me for a couple of nights. Oncologist and nurse jipust say “it will be fine” and I simply don’t believe them! At my age I am having no “extras” because of my age. No reconstruction.
Hi Wendy. I'm 78 and I'll be having a double mastectomy in a week. Like you, I live alone (widowed), but my daughter will stay with me for a short while to help out. I don't plan to have reconstruction either, but I will wear some sort of prosthesis so that I don't look completely flat-chested. I'm wondering how you are doing now that it's been a year since your surgery? I'm told I shouldn't need either radiation or chemo, but that I will need hormone therapy. I'm considering not doing the hormone therapy since it has so many bad side effects. I do believe that God will be with me as I make this journey and I'm not afraid. I pray you are doing well. Diane in North Carolina.
I'm 5 weeks post-op for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy for LCIS. Your description of the chest tightness is spot on--and the feeling of never being able to remove your bra. I hate it. Everyone tells me the feeling will go away, but I think that just means that you get used to it. I'm starting PT next week for scar mobilization and whatever else they can do for the tightness. Blessings to all going through this.
I just had double mastectomy with reconstruction last Wed. I'm experiencing everything you described. It is very humbling. I'm a Personal Trainer and Group fitness Instructor. Bless you!
I’m exactly 3 weeks post procedure. Excruciating is my experience. To know that 1 year you feel that pressure is scary as I know of 3 years and doing rehabilitation. The Doctors don’t tell you that and say I’m young but I’m 59. I’m definitely going to do rehab once I’m ready. I’m just getting ready for my first fill and scared to death since I know it will be more uncomfortable. Thank you for your video and look forward to more of them as it’s my first time seeing this. God Bless!
Hi.. It's been 5 years for me and I still feel the tightness and pain throughout my back , my chest.. I still don't have any feelings of any sensation. I laugh of how all your words are so so true.. I would say it's the worst in the wintertime! I'm so pleased that you posted this blog...
I’m an ovarian cancer survivor, stage IV!! Now it has metastasized to my breasts and I am a BRCA 2 gene holder. Is there anything you’d do different? I work out a lot, too! Should I start concentrating more on the arms now? Would that help the mobility? What are your thoughts. I admire your courage and thank you for sharing. I’m scared to death right now!!! I have no idea what to expect. It’s humbling to hear your testimony. Anything you can help me with would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you I’m glad you said you would talk about the psychological and mental effect as my cancer has returned I had muscle expander and reconstruction the first time which certainly helps makes you feel better now it’s a mastectomy and no reconstruction they cannot which is devastating after loosing my hair lashes and all side effects of chemo I no longer feel anything like a woman 😢
Thank you so much for talking about a bileral mastectomy. Four days ago I had mine with expanders put in. Still in alot of pain. I wish you the best ♥️
I just had a double mastectomy july 8th, the staples were removed a couple days ago, the drains come out in a couple days. I definitely have that tightness going on yet the exercises at this point seem too little to me. I have to remember not to move ahead too quickly with them. I have not noticed a lack of strength, though I do have that posture problem since I am a bad one for sitting hunched over. I am not getting implants, at age 59 I don't see the point and can improvise with a padded comfort bra under clothes. I'm a crafter and sew and can easily make such things.
Calie: I am 59-years old and I am not getting reconstruction. Do you have any recommendations for the padded comfort bra? Any sites I can shop from? I am having my surgery in 1.5 weeks.
@@csc1641 Since I am in Canada and don't know where you are, what happened with me in the beginning might be different. First off, the hospital provided me with the padded forms to put in bra's, they asked my normal size and used that to give me the right one's. As for the comfort bra, basically any bra that does not pinch or squeeze you to death, they are sold as an around the house item or sleep item. I have not done online shopping so can't recommend sites. If you have a Cancer Society office or clinic, you can contact them with questions and should be able to provide you with what you need. Also, they provided wigs for the duration my hair was gone. The best advice I can give you is don't listen to online advice, also don't listen to family...listen to your doctor. My mother had cancer and stopped listening to her Dr, started using herbal remedies and other crap...she died. I told my family point blank, I knew they think they are only helping but I am listening to the Dr first and foremost, so they backed off on that part. Hope your surgery goes well and relax, you will be fine. If someone is making your nervous and/or uncomfortable tell them to shut up...lol
I had my right breast removed when I was 59 and I had an implant when I was 64. My breast was quite large, so I had to have a reduction in my left breast before. It is very painful, 4 years since I had my last operation but I’m not happy with the results, I don’t think is worth it. I rather had a double mastectomy but my doctor didn’t approved it. (I’m in Australia)
@@beastagh8877 My Dr didn't want to do a double either and the only reason I got it is because they found cancer in one of the lymph nodes on the other side, so decision made to remove both after Chemo. In many cases Dr's will not want to remove both unless they have to because it's a lot of trauma to the body. A person's age and health will also play a factor in the decision.
Thank you, Jen, for sharing your testimony with us. It will be very useful for when I see one of my best friends after her surgery. It was packed with good information. You explain things so well! are you a teacher or communicator? If not, you should give it a try :). I wish you prompt recovery so you can move as you used to. My deepest gratitude.
I am 7 weeks postop (bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement). I have had two expansions and waiting for my third and hopefully final expansion next week. What size and type implants did you get? Are you much more comfortable with implants versus expanders? I find the expanders so hard and heavy. Does the skin sensitivity improve? Right now just light clothing still bothers my chest area. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.
@@JenRozenbaumthank you for replaying. I'm getting a bilateral mastectomy and I didnt know if they also remove the nipple since my doctor hasn't told me.im getting this procedure done this coming Wednesday. I'm a Male.
Thanks for the video. All the truth! I would also add that I have had considerable back pain afterwards from slumping/bad posture. It's been 15 months since mastectomy and I still get back pain.
I just had my procedure 2 weeks ago. My drains are still in. And I had no clue what to expect. It was very painful and anxiety took over. My right side has a higher drainage output and I have a lot of bruising on that side. I’m still very sensitive to the touch . The expanders hurt and It feels like it’s pushing into my collar bone. and it feels so tight. I just do what I can when I can. My chest How long did you wait till you can drive and work? This process can take up to a year?
Hi, did you have any low grade fever or any type of fever days after surgery ? I am one week PO from my mastectomy with tissue expanders and just last night I had a fever of 100.3 went away with tylenol and again today I feel it creeping up again . My incision is irritated and it hurts but doctor says its fine . Im scared if an infection tbh. Thank you.
I had a left mastectomy at 32 with stage 3 breast cancer. I am going on 4 years next month, and i am still in severe pain daily. i didn't have reconstruction
I am going to have my surgery end of February. I would be interested in the videos concerning breast expanders. Thank you for your video it help ease some of the uncertainties.
I'm one of the lucky ones (if I can even term it that way) and have had genetic testing. Unfortunately I've lost my mother, many family members (also many survivors!) I say I'm lucky because I know I've got the BRACA2 gene AND Lynch Syndrome so now I can have better preventative care. Which means I've chosen to have double mastectomy. Tomorrow is my first consultation and I'm scared. I don't think I've properly taken in this information. Before the genetic testing, I assumed I'd get cancer. It's just always been my reality. Sooo why am I so scared all of a sudden? I can't admit this to my family for whatever reason. I toke care of my mother, alone, at the age of 21 until she passed. I've always been the strong one.
Mia Luck I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother and the diagnosis. I recently was diagnosed with breast cancer and will have a radical bilateral mastectomy in 3 weeks. I never want to go through chemo or radiation. Cancer is frightening because it almost always finds it's way back. I hope that you are well.
It will be a year in October. I didn't have reconstructive surgery. I try really hard not to look at myself in a mirror. Sometimes I feel mutilated by the way the whole picture looks. I have also seen a man standing there while I look 8n the mirror. I am a third time breast cancer survivor. I'm one of those unheard of cases where each time I've had a different type of cancer. This time I just chose removal. I don't regret that decision I just didn't expect the aftermath.
I watching as many videos as I can because I’m Brca1 positive and im looking to get a preventative mastectomy with reconstruction. My mom is a breast cancer survivor but she doesn’t agree with my decision to get preventative surgery, so asking about her experience isn’t an option.
I'm going through this right now and it will be hard. I'm sorry you have to go through this because it sucks. You will need a lot of time off. I'm a stay at home so I'm lucky. But for you at least 2 weeks after is when you will feel better. If you have the tissue expander be prepared you won't be able to move your arms. You will need to do arm exercises VERY SLOWLY through out the day. The expander hurt and is very uncomfortable. And this is coming from someone who has a high tolerance for pain. It SUCKS. People are different but be prepared (don't mean to scare you) Your skin will become very sensitive. You will feel your Clothing. In a couple of weeks, hopefully, I'll be getting my implant in. I literally can't wait. I hope you will have someone to help you because you will definitely need it. I wish you all the luck and speedy recovery. (I'm thinking making a video not sure yet🤔)
JUSTSAY_ YAYA I am post op 9 days . Still on Narcotics , pain is high but my arms work perfectly no problem with mobility. We are all different. Still have 4 drains in. Getting better every day .
I’m allergic to pain meds. The pain set in and hasn’t left. I’m 2 weeks out and although they put in a block the protocol/ketamine anesthesia really affected me and then had a rebound. I’m so restricted and not sleeping well. There was an initial euphoria from the anesthesia, having no pain meds, they I’m not a reconstruction candidate due to chest wall pain and the scars go to behind my underarm to sternum. I look like a mad magician took a real saw to me. Funny not funny.
I am having my bilateral mastectomy a week from tomorrow. Don't know what to expect. I am a strong woman though. I went through 8 rounds of chemo (4 A/C and 4 Taxol). I can do this.
I have the same type of question about back pain, as I can hardly tolerate degenerative osteoarthritis in my mid mid-back. I heard someone else describe the bandage feeling around the chest area too. I think you are very brave! I’m still contemplating what to do and I was told I cannot get the expander post-surgery. It would require another surgery. This is in one breast only. So, I’m in the process of getting a second opinion from another surgeon. I hope your discomfort eases soon. Take care Jen Valerie
I think its a little different for everyone, but it certainly is a process. I talk about it in my book (link for a free digital copy is in most of the newer videos)
Thanks for this video, 7 days post op. Had nipple sparing double mascetomy and immediate reconstruction. I thought the numb sensation was temporary. I agree, I'm experiencing a lot of back pain but thought this was down to sleep upwards.
I had mine 6 days ago. Still in a lot of pain, no energy, sleeping on my back. The tightness!! Ooh, the tightness is horrendous! It’s even depressing. I know it will get better, but be prepared, be strong, as it is a very slow recovery. Also, get help, you’ll need it as you will be helpless. Pain medication takes care of only part of the pain, not all. God bless us all who is going through this.
Yeah not easy, I had mine 15 days ago, I feel a little improvement each day. I haven’t much pain, look after yourself and I wish you well, God bless 🙏
Frances I hope you have a speedy recovery - but it does take time. Your body has been through a lot!
How do you feel now? I am going to surgery in January:( scare
I found that using some ice packs and a chest pillow helps. I am 4 weeks out of surgery and I still have burning pain and tightness. I am now using lidocaine cream to help with the pain. I hope the burning goes away soon.
What a wonderful lady to share her feelings so truthfully. Have me hope.
Thanks for your info. I’m a few weeks away from my mastectomy and I’m scared. I appreciate your honest words. Love and peace be with you.
Good luck to you!
It's not that bad hun, what are you scared about in particular? I did it 5 weeks ago. I get what she says about the tightness, and I chose saline. If you don't like it, you can always have them removed, some women are fine with the prostectic bra.
The drains were a pain, but once they're out I healed pretty fast. Keep your nutrition up before you do this it all helps with keeping away infection and speeds healing.
Thanks for posting this. I am having my double mastectomy in less than 2 weeks. This info is so helpful in preparing for the mental “game” ahead. Best wishes for your continued healing.
Wishing you luck Talia.
Just diagnosed. Interested in watching other videos. Especially on the expanders. Thank you for sharing your story
I had natural fat replacement instead of internal expanders and implants. It's a long, slow process but the results are good and nothing foreign is in your body. Check out miami breast center.
Dana Mills
Same for me. Diagnosed on 5/27/21
seems like I waited forever for all the tests and appointments. Surgery at end of this month. I wish you the best!
I did not wind up having a mastectomy, only had to get a lumpectomy.
I have heard good things about the fat implants.
You both are in my prayers. We will all be sisters in survival.❤️
Remember the drains! They didn't bother me but they are a bit to deal with for a couple of weeks. I also had a nerve block, but I got a 5-day block because I can't take pain-killers. I also had a lidocaine pump. The weakness does improve. Keep on!
Hope you are feeling well
@@JenRozenbaum all is good! Just finished reconstruction via fat transfer. Praise, Jesus, I am cancer-free! Just taking a hormone blocker.
It really depends on your surgeon. Dr Hwang (at Duke in Durham, NC) did my mastectomy on the left side 2 years ago (in 2017), and there is no pain in that arm at all. No side effects... there was no pain after week 3. But this year (2020) another doctor did a mastectomy on my right side and the pain is very bad. After 3.5 weeks I’m starting physical therapy exercises and it is very tight and has cording. I’m worried that this tightness will be permanent. I wish so bad that I had gone back to Duke again.
Moral of the story.... get the best surgeon! They are not all alike.
I have tightness in my shoulders and arms, partly cause I don't regularly do the exercises and also because they removed a lot of nymph nodes, that might be what happened with you. Ask the first Dr is they took any and same with the second Dr..that might be the difference between them.
How do you know how to pick the right surgeon? References?
@@Pinkshenanigans I didn't pick my surgeon, I live on a Island that has a bunch of small communities, he was the resident surgeon at the time.
Did you get your second mastectomy done at UNC?
And yes I'm glad your speaking about this, I sometimes still have back pain or discomfort really. Good luck with everything from one cancer survivor to another.
GOod luck to you too!
Thanks for sharing. There are some things the surgeon does not tell you! I am 10 days post op for a double mastectomy, drains out, but the extreme tightness is definitely a discomfort...maybe more of a feeling that I need to get used to since I have never experienced til now. Thanks for your insight, this was helpful!!
Germaine Juliana May I hope you are feeling well.
Jen Rosenbaum 💜
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I will have a bilateral radical mastectomy on the 31st. So your experience is appreciated.
I hope that your well. Did your cancer spread? When I had my tests, CT, MRI and PET SCAN 2+ months ago it had not spread to my lymph nodes. I am very nervous about the pathology report.
Jen, how are you doing these days? Did you need chemo or radiation? Do you see an Oncologist?
I don't want any of those options. After my surgery I just don't want to think about cancer returning. I'm 65 and a widow. I would rather just go on palliative care then hospice if I have a recurring tumor.
I am wishing you luck and love. I was lucky it didn't spread. I had 8 round of chemo.
Thank you for your honesty. It’s good for survivors to support each other. Please put the “t” in mastectomy. It’s not mass-ectomy.
I watched this so I can help my mom going through this. Thank you so much for sharing I can not describe how much this helps.
I am so glad. Keeping your mom in my prayers.
Going through this with my mum now. She’s having the mastectomy on Monday. Thank you so much for such a candid video
@@brusselsnerd I hope your mom is doing well.
Thanks for the honesty. I’m due for a mastectomy very soon. I am 89 and in the UK. The NHS is short of funds, and they do the surgery and send you home the same day.! I have severe spinal problems and live alone. A family member will be with me for a couple of nights. Oncologist and nurse jipust say “it will be fine” and I simply don’t believe them! At my age I am having no “extras” because of my age. No reconstruction.
Have you had your surgery yet? I hope you are doing well. Sending prayers.
Hi Wendy. I'm 78 and I'll be having a double mastectomy in a week. Like you, I live alone (widowed), but my daughter will stay with me for a short while to help out. I don't plan to have reconstruction either, but I will wear some sort of prosthesis so that I don't look completely flat-chested. I'm wondering how you are doing now that it's been a year since your surgery? I'm told I shouldn't need either radiation or chemo, but that I will need hormone therapy. I'm considering not doing the hormone therapy since it has so many bad side effects. I do believe that God will be with me as I make this journey and I'm not afraid. I pray you are doing well. Diane in North Carolina.
I'm 5 weeks post-op for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy for LCIS. Your description of the chest tightness is spot on--and the feeling of never being able to remove your bra. I hate it. Everyone tells me the feeling will go away, but I think that just means that you get used to it. I'm starting PT next week for scar mobilization and whatever else they can do for the tightness.
Blessings to all going through this.
I just had double mastectomy with reconstruction last Wed.
I'm experiencing everything you described.
It is very humbling.
I'm a Personal Trainer and Group fitness Instructor.
Bless you!
hi La Toya, thank you for sharing with me. I hope you are feeling well and recovering each and every day!
I’m exactly 3 weeks post procedure. Excruciating is my experience. To know that 1 year you feel that pressure is scary as I know of 3 years and doing rehabilitation. The Doctors don’t tell you that and say I’m young but I’m 59. I’m definitely going to do rehab once I’m ready. I’m just getting ready for my first fill and scared to death since I know it will be more uncomfortable. Thank you for your video and look forward to more of them as it’s my first time seeing this. God Bless!
I am about have my surgery in like 5 months from now. I’m so nervous... but I am doing this for me....
Sitting here watching this one week before my mastectomy. Thank you & many blessing to u❤️
Hi..
It's been 5 years for me and I still feel the tightness and pain throughout my back , my chest.. I still don't have any feelings of any sensation. I laugh of how all your words are so so true.. I would say it's the worst in the wintertime!
I'm so pleased that you posted this blog...
Thank you for sharing your experience Nicole. Sending you love
I’m an ovarian cancer survivor, stage IV!! Now it has metastasized to my breasts and I am a BRCA 2 gene holder. Is there anything you’d do different? I work out a lot, too! Should I start concentrating more on the arms now? Would that help the mobility? What are your thoughts.
I admire your courage and thank you for sharing. I’m scared to death right now!!! I have no idea what to expect. It’s humbling to hear your testimony. Anything you can help me with would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you I’m glad you said you would talk about the psychological and mental effect as my cancer has returned I had muscle expander and reconstruction the first time which certainly helps makes you feel better now it’s a mastectomy and no reconstruction they cannot which is devastating after loosing my hair lashes and all side effects of chemo I no longer feel anything like a woman 😢
Heading into this next week, this was really informative. Thank you!
Good luck!!
Going to a surgeon today. Listening to your video is helping me understand what I really want to do. Thank you God bless you
Best of luck!
Thank you so much for talking about a bileral mastectomy. Four days ago I had mine with expanders put in. Still in alot of pain. I wish you the best ♥️
You are so welcome!
I just had a double mastectomy july 8th, the staples were removed a couple days ago, the drains come out in a couple days. I definitely have that tightness going on yet the exercises at this point seem too little to me. I have to remember not to move ahead too quickly with them. I have not noticed a lack of strength, though I do have that posture problem since I am a bad one for sitting hunched over. I am not getting implants, at age 59 I don't see the point and can improvise with a padded comfort bra under clothes. I'm a crafter and sew and can easily make such things.
Calie Vee thank you for sharing. I wish you good health.
Calie: I am 59-years old and I am not getting reconstruction. Do you have any recommendations for the padded comfort bra? Any sites I can shop from? I am having my surgery in 1.5 weeks.
@@csc1641 Since I am in Canada and don't know where you are, what happened with me in the beginning might be different. First off, the hospital provided me with the padded forms to put in bra's, they asked my normal size and used that to give me the right one's. As for the comfort bra, basically any bra that does not pinch or squeeze you to death, they are sold as an around the house item or sleep item. I have not done online shopping so can't recommend sites. If you have a Cancer Society office or clinic, you can contact them with questions and should be able to provide you with what you need. Also, they provided wigs for the duration my hair was gone. The best advice I can give you is don't listen to online advice, also don't listen to family...listen to your doctor. My mother had cancer and stopped listening to her Dr, started using herbal remedies and other crap...she died. I told my family point blank, I knew they think they are only helping but I am listening to the Dr first and foremost, so they backed off on that part. Hope your surgery goes well and relax, you will be fine. If someone is making your nervous and/or uncomfortable tell them to shut up...lol
I had my right breast removed when I was 59 and I had an implant when I was 64. My breast was quite large, so I had to have a reduction in my left breast before. It is very painful, 4 years since I had my last operation but I’m not happy with the results, I don’t think is worth it. I rather had a double mastectomy but my doctor didn’t approved it. (I’m in Australia)
@@beastagh8877 My Dr didn't want to do a double either and the only reason I got it is because they found cancer in one of the lymph nodes on the other side, so decision made to remove both after Chemo.
In many cases Dr's will not want to remove both unless they have to because it's a lot of trauma to the body. A person's age and health will also play a factor in the decision.
Thank you, Jen, for sharing your testimony with us. It will be very useful for when I see one of my best friends after her surgery. It was packed with good information. You explain things so well! are you a teacher or communicator? If not, you should give it a try :). I wish you prompt recovery so you can move as you used to. My deepest gratitude.
Thank you Claudia - I do some teaching and public speaking for my photography work.
I am 7 weeks postop (bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement). I have had two expansions and waiting for my third and hopefully final expansion next week. What size and type implants did you get? Are you much more comfortable with implants versus expanders? I find the expanders so hard and heavy. Does the skin sensitivity improve? Right now just light clothing still bothers my chest area. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.
I made a video that I will post tomorrow to answer your question. Thanks for asking.
also this video might help: ruclips.net/video/jEzD4twwgeY/видео.html
@@JenRozenbaum did they also remove the nipples ? Or just the glands?
@@892965 yes I removed my nipples
@@JenRozenbaumthank you for replaying. I'm getting a bilateral mastectomy and I didnt know if they also remove the nipple since my doctor hasn't told me.im getting this procedure done this coming Wednesday. I'm a Male.
Thank you for posting this video. I'm scheduled to have my bilateral mastectomy tomorrow.
I hope you are doing well.
Thanks for the video. All the truth! I would also add that I have had considerable back pain afterwards from slumping/bad posture. It's been 15 months since mastectomy and I still get back pain.
Thank you for sharing that - you aren't alone!
Very informative. I'm facing this myself. But can I ask why you didn't get DIEP instead of implants?
I just had my procedure 2 weeks ago. My drains are still in. And I had no clue what to expect. It was very painful and anxiety took over. My right side has a higher drainage output and I have a lot of bruising on that side. I’m still very sensitive to the touch . The expanders hurt and It feels like it’s pushing into my collar bone. and it feels so tight. I just do what I can when I can. My chest
How long did you wait till you can drive and work? This process can take up to a year?
Get you some body pillows will help
Thanks for sharing you video
It makes me stronger than befor i hope i will servive
Hi, did you have any low grade fever or any type of fever days after surgery ? I am one week PO from my mastectomy with tissue expanders and just last night I had a fever of 100.3 went away with tylenol and again today I feel it creeping up again . My incision is irritated and it hurts but doctor says its fine . Im scared if an infection tbh. Thank you.
Hi Melissa - I hope you are doing ok!
Im having a double mastectomy April 8th, and i have a bad back due to scoliosis, in your opinion will it be worse for me?
I truly don't know but its a good question to ask the DR
Great video. Very informative! Thank you and God bless!
I had a left mastectomy at 32 with stage 3 breast cancer. I am going on 4 years next month, and i am still in severe pain daily. i didn't have reconstruction
I am sending you love and wishing you less pain.
@@JenRozenbaum Thank you
I am due for left side mastectomy on Augest 16, 2024. Really really nervous and anxious. Don’t know what to expect
My back pain was horrendous. But I’m making sure to stretch and watch my posture
Are expanders always given with mastectomy, or is it an option?
It depends on the type of reconstruction you have
I am going to have my surgery end of February. I would be interested in the videos concerning breast expanders. Thank you for your video it help ease some of the uncertainties.
I am glad the videos help - I do believe I have some about expanders
I'm one of the lucky ones (if I can even term it that way) and have had genetic testing. Unfortunately I've lost my mother, many family members (also many survivors!) I say I'm lucky because I know I've got the BRACA2 gene AND Lynch Syndrome so now I can have better preventative care. Which means I've chosen to have double mastectomy. Tomorrow is my first consultation and I'm scared. I don't think I've properly taken in this information. Before the genetic testing, I assumed I'd get cancer. It's just always been my reality. Sooo why am I so scared all of a sudden? I can't admit this to my family for whatever reason. I toke care of my mother, alone, at the age of 21 until she passed. I've always been the strong one.
Mia Luck
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother and the diagnosis. I recently was diagnosed with breast cancer and will have a radical bilateral mastectomy in 3 weeks. I never want to go through chemo or radiation. Cancer is frightening because it almost always finds it's way back. I hope that you are well.
@@lorij6796 sadly it does seem to just resurfaced and you never know where. Good luck to you! (I just corrected all those typos. So sorry.)
Blessings! Thank you for explaining.
Yes jen it will come back in time,your looking really good,
Thank you
It will be a year in October. I didn't have reconstructive surgery. I try really hard not to look at myself in a mirror. Sometimes I feel mutilated by the way the whole picture looks. I have also seen a man standing there while I look 8n the mirror. I am a third time breast cancer survivor. I'm one of those unheard of cases where each time I've had a different type of cancer. This time I just chose removal. I don't regret that decision I just didn't expect the aftermath.
I watching as many videos as I can because I’m Brca1 positive and im looking to get a preventative mastectomy with reconstruction. My mom is a breast cancer survivor but she doesn’t agree with my decision to get preventative surgery, so asking about her experience isn’t an option.
Have you heard of the breasties? Check them out!
God help me, im poor and afraid i won't be able to work. Scheduled fir May 24th.
God bless, thanks for the video.
I'm going through this right now and it will be hard. I'm sorry you have to go through this because it sucks.
You will need a lot of time off. I'm a stay at home so I'm lucky. But for you at least 2 weeks after is when you will feel better. If you have the tissue expander be prepared you won't be able to move your arms. You will need to do arm exercises VERY SLOWLY through out the day.
The expander hurt and is very uncomfortable. And this is coming from someone who has a high tolerance for pain. It SUCKS. People are different but be prepared (don't mean to scare you)
Your skin will become very sensitive. You will feel your Clothing.
In a couple of weeks, hopefully, I'll be getting my implant in. I literally can't wait.
I hope you will have someone to help you because you will definitely need it.
I wish you all the luck and speedy recovery.
(I'm thinking making a video not sure yet🤔)
JUSTSAY_ YAYA I am post op 9 days . Still on Narcotics , pain is high but my arms work perfectly no problem with mobility. We are all different. Still have 4 drains in. Getting better every day .
Susan Robb same🖐🏼 I’m 2 weeks post op. My drains are still in. I’m still taking the pain meds so I can sleep but I’m getting better each day.
I’m allergic to pain meds. The pain set in and hasn’t left. I’m 2 weeks out and although they put in a block the protocol/ketamine anesthesia really affected me and then had a rebound. I’m so restricted and not sleeping well. There was an initial euphoria from the anesthesia, having no pain meds, they I’m not a reconstruction candidate due to chest wall pain and the scars go to behind my underarm to sternum. I look like a mad magician took a real saw to me. Funny not funny.
Double mastectomy on 1/16/23. Major tightness. But I do what stretches I can/allowed to do.
I am having my bilateral mastectomy a week from tomorrow. Don't know what to expect. I am a strong woman though. I went through 8 rounds of chemo (4 A/C and 4 Taxol). I can do this.
I’m next hope I’ll be strong as you 🙏
Sending you love
I have the same type of question about back pain, as I can hardly tolerate degenerative osteoarthritis in my mid mid-back.
I heard someone else describe the bandage feeling around the chest area too. I think you are very brave!
I’m still contemplating what to do and I was told I cannot get the expander post-surgery. It would require another surgery.
This is in one breast only. So, I’m in the process of getting a second opinion from another surgeon.
I hope your discomfort eases soon.
Take care Jen
Valerie
Best of luck to you!
Same here
Can you see the muscle through the skin ?
Yes - check out my video from right before my last surgery and you will see what I mean.
Thank you so much for sharing
Can you please tell me what it's like emotionally
I think its a little different for everyone, but it certainly is a process. I talk about it in my book (link for a free digital copy is in most of the newer videos)
Thanks for this video, 7 days post op. Had nipple sparing double mascetomy and immediate reconstruction. I thought the numb sensation was temporary.
I agree, I'm experiencing a lot of back pain but thought this was down to sleep upwards.
London Life it gets better I promise.
Did u have reconstruction the same day of the masectomy?
I got a lumpectomy she was going for a semi node biospy and changed her mind it looked bengin still got a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy
my surgery is tomorrow morning and I am terrified.
Hi Becca
I hope your surgery was successful and you are recovering well.
@@JenRozenbaum hi. Am doing well....day by day. Slow wins the race. Thank you for asking. I got a shower today, that was huge
Hurts like he'll.