I had sub-pectoral breast reconstruction in 2018, but unfortunately, my implants ruptured and were part of the Allergan recall. Ultimately, I underwent DIEP flap surgery. However, I still struggle with right pec major weakness and intermittent spasms.
@@amycuaresma That's a long road for reconstruction. Were the recalled implants the textured ones? Did you get radiation? I have weakness/spams in my lat post-radiation so curious if that's your cause.
I, personally, swim JUDICIOUSLY. I can do the breaststroke beautifully. The freestyle (crawl stroke), I can only do a few laps of and then have to switch out strokes. I don't do upper body weight lifting. And yoga is impossible without a great teacher to teach modifications. I am still afraid to do downward facing dog. And no, I cannot do a push up or pull up. I still have trouble opening doors sometimes. I just do what I can. And swimming is perfect!
Thanks for contributing. I’m curious how far out you are from your surgery? I have been quite conservative with chest exercises and not doing them, but do a ton of other weight lifting for my upper body. To clarify - do you avoid pushups because of a recommendation from your surgeon or because they’re hard post-surgery with under the muscle implants…or another reason?
Your videos are awesome and were so helpful to me when I went through bilateral reconstruction last year. I had over the muscle and can share some about my results. 1) During recovery I found the most pain and limitation came from the removal of lymph nodes on the cancer side. Definitely needed 5 weeks away from work for recovery (I am a college prof) 2) When I went in for fills, I felt almost no pain (I think this is different from the experience of friends who had under the muscle). 3) I am very active. I started with gentle stretches and moved to standing pilates within a few weeks of surgery. It was at least 6 weeks from the mastectomy before I was allowed to do planks and such. I was told not to do exercises like wide pushups or snow shoveling. 4) I had my exchange surgery 3 months after the mastectomy (Which is very fast. I was so lucky!! I didn’t need radiation.) Recovery for that surgery was also about six weeks before I could truly exercise, although far less painful and limiting than the first surgery. It was mentally tough to go back to limitations at the time, really tough. I felt like I’d never be whole again, but looking back, it all went well, and I can do anything now! 5) Once fully recovered, on the cancer side I could see the rippling, and my breasts were always cold to the touch. The rippling wasn’t visible through clothes, but the coldness bugged me. I elected to do fat transfer to reduce the rippling and add a thicker layer of fat. It has helped some, but it’s not perfect. I can still see a little rippling, but it’s markedly better. My breasts don’t maintain the same temp as the rest of my body, but it’s better. I am less than 2 months out from that surgery, so things are still healing and changing. 6) I took nothing more than Tylenol after the fat transfer, so not too bad, but the liposuction is a lot to deal with and don’t expect it to magically make you look thin especially directly after surgery. There is a lot of swelling that occurs. I took a few days off work, but it was sore for a good 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks I still have a little tightness in some areas. 7) I am happy I had over the muscle instead of under! 8) I think more surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons should talk about options for going flat. My initial impulse was not to have reconstruction, but it was really not presented as something that would be done with an effort toward aesthetically pleasing results. I don’t know what I would have chosen, but didn’t feel I had a choice. I’d love to see a video from you on options for going flat as a professional therapist. I hope this is helpful to your followers.
Love this! This is going to be so helpful for other women reading the comments. I apprecitate you taking the time to share your experience. Breasts feeling cold to the touch definitely resonates - mine are always cold! Re: flat closure - I'm shooting a Q&A video later this month with a friend of mine who had flat closure. This has been on my list for a while as I know many have questions about this option.
Thank you for sharing your experience 🙏🏽 I’m going through the expander stage now. Feeling uncomfortable after third top up, like, that’s enough thanks ☺️ I also had sub pec bc of thin skin/small build, but not unhappy to have gone that way, so far… I’m a Yoga instructor, so feeling in limbo not being able to practice or teach for quite a while. My surgeon says he’s confident that I’ll be able to get back into it in time. You have a fabulous way of explaining things. Appreciate your videos a lot 🙌🏽
Thank you so much for your feedback. I'm glad the videos have been helpful! When you get back to teaching yoga or doing your own practice, give an update with how your sub pectoral implants affect everything...if at all.
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thanks. I’ll be happy to let you know how that goes. I’m 4.5 weeks out of surgery now. My surgeon isn’t keen on me doing any exercise yet. I’ll totally do what’s needed but it’s weird not doing my usual routine. Once you get to the stage where the expanders need to settle for however long, no more fill ups, is that when you can start a bit of physical exercise? All the best to you 🙏🏽
I started working out right away but with many modifications. These videos show exactly what I did post-surgery - 0-6 weeks- ruclips.net/video/t8bCo8OFSTk/видео.html; 7-12 weeks - ruclips.net/video/OCvYl-llJ0o/видео.html.
Thanks so much! This was very informative and straight forward. I had a lumpectomy this month with reduction and lift (went from a DD to a C minus) and, unfortunately, margins aren’t good and more invasive cells were found. Knowing more about pros and cons for my options means a lot.
You're welcome! I'm glad the info helped. There's so much to consider with all the options for surgery and reconstruction. All the best if you need another surgery.
Thank you for explaining this. My surgeon wants to go in front of my pecs and have a mesh like substance that adheres to the saline implant and my tissues. He’s been doing this for three years with great results he says the mesh acts as a inside ‘bra’
Thank you! 🙏 I was not asked and mine were put under the pec. I have serious animation deformity. It’s very distressing. I am considering getting them Switch. I am waiting to hear if I am a candidate. I had to have a skin graft a month after the mastectomy. So I might not be. Thank you for sharing
I hear you with the animation! I probably would've switched mine to over the muscle if I was a candidate but I'm not. I'm going to do a video on this topic at some point. Share an update if you end up doing another surgery.
Hmmm ok this is interesting about when going over the pec it may not look as natural. I’m in a dilemma as I was suppose to have a revision on Monday, it got canceled today. I was just going for the simpler surgery as my implants are under my pecs. But I started lifting weights for the last 3-4 yrs. Nothing crazy but I would like to train more seriously. But then I was told certain things I shouldn’t do because my implants are under the pec muscles. They were going to just sew up the pocket and then I move on with my life. But since they canceled and I don’t like to be limited in what I can do, I asked my plastic surgeon if he would consider doing the bigger surgery aka moving the implants to go over the pecs, but in 2.5 yrs (which is when I should be more in the safe zone and off of the tamoxifen). He said he can do it, but I’m still unsure about it. These implants actually look pretty natural. If I go through with the simpler surgery I will do it in a month from now. But I have to talk to him on Tuesday. He originally wanted to go over the pec muscles but my breast surgeon said no, since it would be harder for them to detect any reoccurrence. But 2 plus yrs later my bs is okaying the bigger revision. But my plastic surgeon felt I didn’t handle my first surgery, double mastectomy well and he was reluctant to do it. I was set on keeping them under the pecs, until I began hearing about limitations (right before my surgery of course). Now I’m so unsure! But some of the info here will be good questions to ask my PS on Tuesday. I do have wrinkling when I move my body certain ways, or rippling which bugs me, but I did go smaller. They are cute but the pocket on my left side is much bigger, since I had more work. But I thought going over the muscle would fix the rippling part. Plus I would be less limited. So confusing! Is it true you can’t work out your chest muscles as much under pecs? If so then what can you do in terms of weights lifting for the back and chest? Anyway this does help a little. Sorry for the rant, best. 😵💫🙃✌️
Keep in mind how your reconstruction looks can vary depending on the person. I only know my case but, my assumption is that not all women have rippling or a less natural look with over the muscle implants. I’m curious why you’re having a revision? Did your surgeon say why the pocket size is bigger on one side? I’m still trying to figure out the threshold of what I can/can’t do with chest exercises. My implant on my non-radiated side moves much more than my radiated side and I’m trying to avoid a revision surgery. I work out a ton but have been avoiding chest exercises. I use my pec muscles a lot for work already so I didn’t want to add to that. There shouldn’t be any restrictions with doing back exercises. Write an update with your revision surgery when you have it.
Excellent information, thank you! I'd opt for over the pec. However, been considering going flat on one side to avoid future surgeries or complications. Maybe I'll have a reduction on the other if not a double mastectomy. However, am worried about the healing process for both sides at once and caring for myself afterwards with drains. I will have help to do all things except maybe the drains. I'm 63 and relatively healthy but overweight. I'm not real worried about the appearance of breasts but would wear a prosthetic bra probably. Mastectomy/reconstruction on one breast is scheduled this month so will be discussing my options more with doctor and plastic surgeon.
Glad you found the info useful. So much to consider right! Not sure if you watched my video on Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy - I go through decisions for a single vs. double mastectomy and also reconstruction options. That’s great you’ll be able to discuss all of your options with your surgeons ahead of time. I found the drains uncomfortable but the care of them wasn’t much effort. All the best with your upcoming surgery!
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thank you Doctor, appreciate that. This was my first video from your channel. I will definitely check out that video and I'm sure others here.
I am so thankful to find this! I have been scouring RUclips for weeks- trying to find information on this exact topic by a movement professional. I’ve been in fitness for almost 35 years, educator fur trx and body and present at conferences. I’ve had implants for 30 years, under. 2 months post op double mast- mri found implants had ruptured, very thin skin- and don’t want to go back under the muscle. But- and I have very little fat to work with. Training is a part of what I do-am. I am so fatigued with it all- the cancer -researching the shit out of recon options- you’re such s gift right now, no accident! 🙏🏽♥️
Elizabeth - I hear you! Working out is such a big part of my life too. Guidance has been limited for what I can do physically given what I want to get back to with CrossFit and a physical job. It's rare for someone to have medical knowledge about cancer AND expertise on not just recovery but getting back to training. I'm sorry to hear about your rupture...what a roller coaster ride. What will you do for reconstruction?
I didn’t have muscle spasms but do feel my pec muscles twitch every time my pecs activate…even with everyday movements. We may be talking about the same thing but using different terminology. Same thing when expanders were exchanged for implants. The twitch sensation has reduced a bit but it’s still there. I’ve had varying recommendations on what I can/can’t do with respect to chest exercises on-going (b/c of under the muscle placement). What did you surgeon recommend?
If you had implants under the muscle what exercises have you been able to get back to? What exercises are you still modifying?
I had sub-pectoral breast reconstruction in 2018, but unfortunately, my implants ruptured and were part of the Allergan recall. Ultimately, I underwent DIEP flap surgery. However, I still struggle with right pec major weakness and intermittent spasms.
@@amycuaresma That's a long road for reconstruction. Were the recalled implants the textured ones? Did you get radiation? I have weakness/spams in my lat post-radiation so curious if that's your cause.
I, personally, swim JUDICIOUSLY. I can do the breaststroke beautifully. The freestyle (crawl stroke), I can only do a few laps of and then have to switch out strokes. I don't do upper body weight lifting. And yoga is impossible without a great teacher to teach modifications. I am still afraid to do downward facing dog. And no, I cannot do a push up or pull up. I still have trouble opening doors sometimes. I just do what I can. And swimming is perfect!
Thanks for contributing. I’m curious how far out you are from your surgery? I have been quite conservative with chest exercises and not doing them, but do a ton of other weight lifting for my upper body. To clarify - do you avoid pushups because of a recommendation from your surgeon or because they’re hard post-surgery with under the muscle implants…or another reason?
With my plastic surgeon I chose over the muscle, and I'm happy with the decision.
Thanks for sharing!
Your videos are awesome and were so helpful to me when I went through bilateral reconstruction last year. I had over the muscle and can share some about my results.
1) During recovery I found the most pain and limitation came from the removal of lymph nodes on the cancer side. Definitely needed 5 weeks away from work for recovery (I am a college prof)
2) When I went in for fills, I felt almost no pain (I think this is different from the experience of friends who had under the muscle).
3) I am very active. I started with gentle stretches and moved to standing pilates within a few weeks of surgery. It was at least 6 weeks from the mastectomy before I was allowed to do planks and such. I was told not to do exercises like wide pushups or snow shoveling.
4) I had my exchange surgery 3 months after the mastectomy (Which is very fast. I was so lucky!! I didn’t need radiation.) Recovery for that surgery was also about six weeks before I could truly exercise, although far less painful and limiting than the first surgery. It was mentally tough to go back to limitations at the time, really tough. I felt like I’d never be whole again, but looking back, it all went well, and I can do anything now!
5) Once fully recovered, on the cancer side I could see the rippling, and my breasts were always cold to the touch. The rippling wasn’t visible through clothes, but the coldness bugged me. I elected to do fat transfer to reduce the rippling and add a thicker layer of fat. It has helped some, but it’s not perfect. I can still see a little rippling, but it’s markedly better. My breasts don’t maintain the same temp as the rest of my body, but it’s better. I am less than 2 months out from that surgery, so things are still healing and changing.
6) I took nothing more than Tylenol after the fat transfer, so not too bad, but the liposuction is a lot to deal with and don’t expect it to magically make you look thin especially directly after surgery. There is a lot of swelling that occurs. I took a few days off work, but it was sore for a good 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks I still have a little tightness in some areas.
7) I am happy I had over the muscle instead of under!
8) I think more surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons should talk about options for going flat. My initial impulse was not to have reconstruction, but it was really not presented as something that would be done with an effort toward aesthetically pleasing results. I don’t know what I would have chosen, but didn’t feel I had a choice.
I’d love to see a video from you on options for going flat as a professional therapist.
I hope this is helpful to your followers.
Love this! This is going to be so helpful for other women reading the comments. I apprecitate you taking the time to share your experience. Breasts feeling cold to the touch definitely resonates - mine are always cold!
Re: flat closure - I'm shooting a Q&A video later this month with a friend of mine who had flat closure. This has been on my list for a while as I know many have questions about this option.
Thank you for sharing your experience 🙏🏽 I’m going through the expander stage now. Feeling uncomfortable after third top up, like, that’s enough thanks ☺️ I also had sub pec bc of thin skin/small build, but not unhappy to have gone that way, so far…
I’m a Yoga instructor, so feeling in limbo not being able to practice or teach for quite a while. My surgeon says he’s confident that I’ll be able to get back into it in time. You have a fabulous way of explaining things. Appreciate your videos a lot 🙌🏽
Thank you so much for your feedback. I'm glad the videos have been helpful! When you get back to teaching yoga or doing your own practice, give an update with how your sub pectoral implants affect everything...if at all.
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thanks. I’ll be happy to let you know how that goes. I’m 4.5 weeks out of surgery now. My surgeon isn’t keen on me doing any exercise yet. I’ll totally do what’s needed but it’s weird not doing my usual routine. Once you get to the stage where the expanders need to settle for however long, no more fill ups, is that when you can start a bit of physical exercise? All the best to you 🙏🏽
I started working out right away but with many modifications. These videos show exactly what I did post-surgery - 0-6 weeks- ruclips.net/video/t8bCo8OFSTk/видео.html; 7-12 weeks - ruclips.net/video/OCvYl-llJ0o/видео.html.
@@breast-cancer-rehab great I’ll check them out. Thank you : ))
Thanks so much! This was very informative and straight forward. I had a lumpectomy this month with reduction and lift (went from a DD to a C minus) and, unfortunately, margins aren’t good and more invasive cells were found.
Knowing more about pros and cons for my options means a lot.
You're welcome! I'm glad the info helped. There's so much to consider with all the options for surgery and reconstruction. All the best if you need another surgery.
This was very informative. Thank you.
Thank you Deanna! Glad it was helpful.
I really really like your videos!!! Thanks for doing this…
You’re welcome!
Thank you for explaining this. My surgeon wants to go in front of my pecs and have a mesh like substance that adheres to the saline implant and my tissues. He’s been doing this for three years with great results he says the mesh acts as a inside ‘bra’
You're welcome. The substance typically used is called ADM (acellular dermal matrix). All the best with your surgery!
Thank you! 🙏 I was not asked and mine were put under the pec. I have serious animation deformity. It’s very distressing. I am considering getting them
Switch. I am waiting to hear if I am a candidate. I had to have a skin graft a month after the mastectomy. So I might not be. Thank you for sharing
I hear you with the animation! I probably would've switched mine to over the muscle if I was a candidate but I'm not. I'm going to do a video on this topic at some point. Share an update if you end up doing another surgery.
That was very helpful information. Thank you for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Hmmm ok this is interesting about when going over the pec it may not look as natural.
I’m in a dilemma as I was suppose to have a revision on Monday, it got canceled today. I was just going for the simpler surgery as my implants are under my pecs. But I started lifting weights for the last 3-4 yrs. Nothing crazy but I would like to train more seriously. But then I was told certain things I shouldn’t do because my implants are under the pec muscles. They were going to just sew up the pocket and then I move on with my life. But since they canceled and I don’t like to be limited in what I can do, I asked my plastic surgeon if he would consider doing the bigger surgery aka moving the implants to go over the pecs, but in 2.5 yrs (which is when I should be more in the safe zone and off of the tamoxifen). He said he can do it, but I’m still unsure about it. These implants actually look pretty natural. If I go through with the simpler surgery I will do it in a month from now. But I have to talk to him on Tuesday.
He originally wanted to go over the pec muscles but my breast surgeon said no, since it would be harder for them to detect any reoccurrence. But 2 plus yrs later my bs is okaying the bigger revision. But my plastic surgeon felt I didn’t handle my first surgery, double mastectomy well and he was reluctant to do it. I was set on keeping them under the pecs, until I began hearing about limitations (right before my surgery of course). Now I’m so unsure! But some of the info here will be good questions to ask my PS on Tuesday.
I do have wrinkling when I move my body certain ways, or rippling which bugs me, but I did go smaller. They are cute but the pocket on my left side is much bigger, since I had more work. But I thought going over the muscle would fix the rippling part. Plus I would be less limited. So confusing!
Is it true you can’t work out your chest muscles as much under pecs? If so then what can you do in terms of weights lifting for the back and chest? Anyway this does help a little. Sorry for the rant, best. 😵💫🙃✌️
Keep in mind how your reconstruction looks can vary depending on the person. I only know my case but, my assumption is that not all women have rippling or a less natural look with over the muscle implants.
I’m curious why you’re having a revision? Did your surgeon say why the pocket size is bigger on one side?
I’m still trying to figure out the threshold of what I can/can’t do with chest exercises. My implant on my non-radiated side moves much more than my radiated side and I’m trying to avoid a revision surgery. I work out a ton but have been avoiding chest exercises. I use my pec muscles a lot for work already so I didn’t want to add to that. There shouldn’t be any restrictions with doing back exercises. Write an update with your revision surgery when you have it.
Tks for the info !!!
❤thank you for sharing your experience
Thanks for watching!
Excellent information, thank you! I'd opt for over the pec. However, been considering going flat on one side to avoid future surgeries or complications. Maybe I'll have a reduction on the other if not a double mastectomy. However, am worried about the healing process for both sides at once and caring for myself afterwards with drains. I will have help to do all things except maybe the drains. I'm 63 and relatively healthy but overweight. I'm not real worried about the appearance of breasts but would wear a prosthetic bra probably. Mastectomy/reconstruction on one breast is scheduled this month so will be discussing my options more with doctor and plastic surgeon.
Glad you found the info useful. So much to consider right! Not sure if you watched my video on Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy - I go through decisions for a single vs. double mastectomy and also reconstruction options. That’s great you’ll be able to discuss all of your options with your surgeons ahead of time. I found the drains uncomfortable but the care of them wasn’t much effort. All the best with your upcoming surgery!
@@breast-cancer-rehab Thank you Doctor, appreciate that. This was my first video from your channel. I will definitely check out that video and I'm sure others here.
I am so thankful to find this! I have been scouring RUclips for weeks- trying to find information on this exact topic by a movement professional. I’ve been in fitness for almost 35 years, educator fur trx and body and present at conferences. I’ve had implants for 30 years, under. 2 months post op double mast- mri found implants had ruptured, very thin skin- and don’t want to go back under the muscle. But- and I have very little fat to work with. Training is a part of what I do-am. I am so fatigued with it all- the cancer -researching the shit out of recon options- you’re such s gift right now, no accident! 🙏🏽♥️
Elizabeth - I hear you! Working out is such a big part of my life too. Guidance has been limited for what I can do physically given what I want to get back to with CrossFit and a physical job. It's rare for someone to have medical knowledge about cancer AND expertise on not just recovery but getting back to training. I'm sorry to hear about your rupture...what a roller coaster ride. What will you do for reconstruction?
My expanders are under the pec. Like you, I am very active. I am getting muscle spasms frequently. Did you experience this at all?
I didn’t have muscle spasms but do feel my pec muscles twitch every time my pecs activate…even with everyday movements. We may be talking about the same thing but using different terminology. Same thing when expanders were exchanged for implants. The twitch sensation has reduced a bit but it’s still there. I’ve had varying recommendations on what I can/can’t do with respect to chest exercises on-going (b/c of under the muscle placement). What did you surgeon recommend?
It'll happen less with time. When you are super cold and shivering, though, you'll get some of that. But yeah, wayyyyyy less spasms with time.
Did you have any radiation or chemotherapy after surgery? Thanx❤
I had radiation after surgery but no chemotherapy as I had a low oncotype score.
I will have my first radiation treatment on August 19th. I had my Surgery on July 23rd.
I am still recovering.
@@SharonLeeJohnson-cg4yx Hope you manage well through it! I have a bunch of videos about radiation in a playlist.