Mastectomy + horses

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sharron1

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Hi, is there anyone out there who has had a mastectomy + reconstruction?
I'm due to have one soon and just wondered what other peoples experiences were.
Did having horses to care for influence the type of reconstruction you had, how long was it before you could see to your own horses again, and how long before you could ride again.
The amount of riding I have to do at the moment is just hacking an arthritic cob, but I have a couple of youngsters I'l need to be a bit more athletic with in a couple of years.
Any advice, tips or your own experiences welcome.
 
Hi, I havent that experience but want to hup your post up a bit so peeps who have can comment.

And to wish you all the very best with the procedure and also bringing on the youngsters! :-)
 
I haven't, but a keen hunting lady had a good talk with her surgeon and explained that she rode a hard pulling 17.2 horse, so he said he would be careful about cutting the muscles so they would heal correctly.

As far as I know the operation was a success and she is back riding.

(Although why the surgeon isn't careful with everyone???).

Good luck with the operation and recovery.
 
Hi

I had a mastectomy and reconstruction in July 2001 - I had a latisimus dorsi flap type of reconstruction - where a back muscle is released from one end and used to form a sling for the implant to sit in. Without wishing to scare you it is a big operation - I was in hospital for two weeks afterwards (although I think it is shorter now), and I had significant fluid collection on back which had to be drained regularly (:eek:- having said that I was amazed by the reconstruction and I think I got back in the saddle after about 2 months - albeit it riding my old cobber. I then had chemo - so was out of the saddle for another 4 months as was too poorly.

It was hard work lifting the saddle up on to his back and often friends did this for me. I started very slowly and walked for ages - make sure you do your physio exercises every day and dont over do it - if you feel achy and sore dont ride especially if you are still taking painkillers. Wear a really supportive bra/sports bra when you ride - I still do even now.

Generally it doesnt cause me any problems now - but I know Ive done too much when my scar hurts and feels tight.

Good luck with your operation - if you want ask anything - please do.

Take care.

Carolx
 
I had a mastectomy and recon in 2008. I'm not hugely endowed, so I just had an implant straight in, no other major recon work (although I did have lymph nodes out too) I'd already had chemo, but still had to have 25 rads sessions. My horse was out on loan during this time. At a guess, I'd say it would have been about 6 - 8 weeks back to riding if I'd been able, but as Horlicks mentioned, would have needed help tacking up, as lifting things was the biggest problem.
I'm actually going through this thought process again though, as my implant has capsulated (body formed scar tissue around it) and is now like a rock and I do get some pain. But I know that if I did (would be TRAM flap) I would be off horses/riding for some time, and I feel like I've given this bl**dy disease far too much of my time already. So I'm living with it for now, and hoping it doesn't get worse. I was thinking TRAM flap would be maybe more like 4 months +, and I've got a 5 yr old that needs work!!
If you want to, feel free to PM for a chat about your situation, everyone is different. :)
And good luck with whatever you decide - have you been on Breast Cancer Care forums, I had a lot of ggod advice from the ladies on there. :)
 
Thanks for your comments and support so far, I'm trying to find the pros and cons between LD flap or TRAM flap before I see my surgeon next week. I don't want implants at all, so want to know other peoples experiences and opinions as to whether arm and back strength is more important or abdominal strength. My immediate priority is the daily care of the horses, the youngsters can be turned out but the cob is higher maintenance and stabled, he is going to a friends for a while but I want to be hands on again ASAP.
 
if you find yourself in a pickle with the higher maintenance one then dont be afraid to ask for help on here, people local to you will rally to your cause especially where a coblet is concerned :-))
 
I'm just going through this now. Had my surgery last week went to visit my 3yr old mare. Thought i would pop in the stable and check her legs, when it came to the back ones she kicked out so i automatically told her off as you would and she decided to swing her bum reverse into me and squish me against the wall whilst kicking. Think i may have damaged the implant/wound!

How did you get on in the end OP?
 
AnyChance said:
I'm just going through this now. Had my surgery last week went to visit my 3yr old mare. Thought i would pop in the stable and check her legs, when it came to the back ones she kicked out so i automatically told her off as you would and she decided to swing her bum reverse into me and squish me against the wall whilst kicking. Think i may have damaged the implant/wound!

How did you get on in the end OP?
Click to expand...

Hi, hope you're OK.
I did fine in the end, had DIEP recon so no muscle was cut but it did take a while to heal, probably because, like you, I couldn,t just sit around doing nothing. A body protector might be useful. I hope you are well and haven't done any damage.
Take Care XXX
 
My mum went through surgery and had some, but not all removed. She did not have enough removed to require recon, so hers was minor compared to the surgery others have mentioned on here, but she was told to rest and not do anything at all for at least 6 weeks and only once doctors had checked her over and given her the go ahead- no heavy lifting, no housework, nothing which requires lots of bending and movement. Needless to say she didn't listen, refused to rest for the full time and caused her stitches to rupture, causing a minor infection. It was easily treated, but it did prolong her recovery period.

Whatever happens, please take it easy after your surgery. Listen to your body, don't push yourself too much, and most of all I wish you a speedy and successful recovery.
 
Sharron1 glad you're ok, Just thought i would update I healed ok still a bit sore here and there and recon feels very strange.
Misskk hope your mums ok thanks for sharing.
Having Chemo but only 2 more cycles so should be finished end of April. The 3 yr old has gone to a very experienced new owner as i decided she was going to be too much for me now and too small in the long term. I now have a horse that is couple of years older that i can just get on and go!
 
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