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Posted 3/22/2012 7:46 AM (GMT 0)
I am 4 weeks post bi-lateral mastectomy. Because surgeon said I was
"chubbie" (179 lbs) I now have rolls of skin under both armpits which
are extremely uncomfortable and cannot get used to. As to the bi-lateral
mastectomy, it feels like my chest is being crushed. I previously had 2 breast
surgs with same surgeon in Dec. 2010 and radiation which obviously did not
work necessitating surgery of 4 weeks ago. Does anyone have any
suggestions or have had this similar experience. This is driving me crazy.
Got back in touch with surgeon's office and they said to put heating pad
on chest. Thank you. Bouvier PS Of course I have the expected nerve
pain which is minor considering what is going on.
Posted 3/22/2012 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Bouvier. I don't know about the rolls of skin. I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I've seen "chubbie" women who have extra flaps of skin under the arm, and "chubbie" women who don't. I think it really depends on the size of the breast and the angle of the mastectomy scar. You could probably have a revision at some point in the future and have the extra skin under the arm removed. I would consult a plastic surgeon for a revision... don't just go to your regular surgeon.

As far as the tightness in the chest, I would ask for a referral to a good physical therapist who has experience working with mastectomy patients. You don't want adhesions to develop, and you don't want to lose range of motion in your arms due to this tightness.

Sorry you are having to go through this again. Are you going to have chemo now?

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 3/23/2012 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bev, Thank you for your quick reply and your knowledge.
Thankfully, I do not need chemo. I will consider the plastic surgeon
idea for the future. Did not know about possibility of adhesons -no
one told me about that - especially my surgeon. Thank you for
your help. It is greatly appreciated. Hugs to you. Bouvier
PS Decided not to go with reconstruction as I have had 4 major
surgs and radiation treatments within the last 18 months and
reconstruction was the last thing I wanted after going through
bi-lateral mastectomy. Just wanted it done with. But I do think
the idea of plastic surgeon to get rid of the "rolls" under the
arms in the future is a good one/cannot wear a bra with
prosthesis at this point (have to wait 6 wks post surg. anyway
to even shop) - could only wear a chami with prosthesis.
Thanks again for caring. You know, that digging in/crushing
feeling/I wonder if that could be the adhesons/will get back
in touch with original surgeon. Thanks again.
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