Seeking Advice: Breast Cancer Reconstruction Complications

My first surgery was a double mastectomy with implants. Unfortunately, the surgical incision would not heal, no infection, it just would’t stay together. So two weeks later, a second surgery to remove the implants and let the site heal. I was already scheduled to start chemo and we didn’t want to delay that, so surgery had to wait. I was flat for six months before I could have expanders placed. I hated every second of being flat. None of my clothes fit, nothing looked right. I was so happy to finally get the expanders followed three months later with implants. Don’t give up and think you have to stay flat. Get the infection healed then start over. Hang in there.

I am a breast cancer Survivor and also a Provider. The infection can progress if the expander is not removed.

I had an unexpected, unwanted tissue expander implanted in 2023. Someone on my surgical team didn't know I didn't want recon. I left expander in (1) to avoid further surgery, (2) my oncologist said it would do no harm if it stayed in my body. Sorry I can offer no advice but a big thanks for your question. I'm going to research. No matter what I find, I'm calling my oncologist. I won't comment on your concerns about ending up flat. Everyone has her own legitimate concerns. I can easily accept flat cause I'd been small up there on my life. But I can see where that could problematic for a larger breasted woman, not just psychologically but physically. I'd imagine discomfort could arise from being "off balance." My cousin is rather large. She opted for prosthesis, but being one-side-flat wasn't a concern for her. I pray you'll have whatever. Outcome is best for you.

Being flat is never a decision or question I thought I would need to answer but there it was after double mastectomies and lymph node removal- I am in my 70s, not 30s or 40s... post menopause was not kind to my breasts as they got lumpy and pendulous which contributed to the tumors being able to grow undetected for years- they served me well until they didn't- there are so many good prosthetic garments, etc... I feel more beautiful being able to stand up tall, not leaning over because of the heavy breasts-sadly the decision as to what to do is greatly influenced by our highly sexualized and misogynistic culture- our choices may often be influenced by that fact and not what works for you-I hope that any of us faced with the decision will be able to do what works for you 🫶🏽

I am in my mid seventies and had a double mastectomy. No implants. I’m fine with the prosthetics although I understand why some women want the implants. It’s a decision that works best for you

Hi Antoinette, I have the problem, I was told it’s better to let your body heal and then make that decision. I got a bacterial infection from operating room, it was infection that is usually found in the colon, I was hospitalized for week on heavy antibiotics. I had fourth surgery on fourteenth of October to remove the expander. I am praying that the infection is gone.

Hello Annie: Fortunately, Amazon sells the post-mastectomy bras and the prosthesis fillers for the bras. Both items are affordable so you won't have to leave your right side flat. This is a temporary solution.

Being a breast cancer thriver this year after surgery. I discovered that insurance will cover a set amount of specialty bras from stores like Dillards, Nordstrom, and some hospitals have onsite bras, sleeves, wigs, etc. that they can bill out to your insurance. I was able to get 5 bras, 2 compression ones; sleeve for my arm to help when I fly. These are professional fitter for our situations. My insurance covered 90 percent of it. You will need a prescription from your doctor (surgeon or oncologist). I was so thankful…as I was also trying to buy on Amazon. They can be very expensive. I hope this nugget is helpful.

I feel you should give your body a break of that. Too much trauma

Facing reconstruction complications while managing cancer treatment creates such a challenging situation, and these decisions about your body and healing journey are deeply personal ones. Many people in similar situations find it helpful to discuss all available options with their medical team, including potential future reconstruction possibilities once healing is complete, while also connecting with others who have navigated similar choices in communities like this one.