Reconstruction Woes...

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andi44
andi44 Member Posts: 196 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

One year ago I had my mastectomy...followed by another surgery to get clear margins.  After having radiation, my tissue expander moved out of place due to the radiated tissue encapsulating the expander.  That surgery was in December to re-position a new expander.  Now, four months later, my incision line has open sores that just aren't healing...Found out today, I have to undergo a skin graft...didn't realize they take the tissue & skin from my back...ugh!!!

I'm at a point in my decision making - Do I continue with the skin graft, or do I have the doctor take out my expander and just sew me up to be done with it.?.?.?  He can't guarantee the skin won't open back up.  (The skin/tissue is so paper thin on that side)...

Just having a bad day ... so, thanks for letting me vent...

Andi

Comments

  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    #2
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    Of course you're having a bad day....

    Who wouldn't be having a bad day with those kind of decisions to make.  I have no similar experiences and am only wanting to give you a big huge cyber hug and let you know somebody read this and "heard" you and has empathy.

    Sending good thoughts your way.

    xoxo

    Victoria

  • grannabeth
    grannabeth Member Posts: 95
    #3
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    So sorry to hear this

    So sorry to hear that you are going through this Andi.  You have a lot of decisions on your plate and then this news today.  Sending prayers your way for clear, concise thinking in making your decision on how to proceed. Hugs!

    Beth

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #4
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    Hi Andi
    Keep venting. Not an easy choice to make when you have already been through so much. If you would decide to remove the expander for now and just concentrate on healing, would you be able to revisit the decision once you have healed? I dont know if insurance has a time limit to having it done?
    I didnt have rads to my chest, so I didn't have to worry about this. I had rads to hips, pelvic, tailbone and leg and there is definately a difference in the skin in those areas, compared with virgin skin.
    Wish you the best and am so sorry that you are going through this.
    Hugs,
    Carol
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #5
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    Vent away!!!  This is the

    Vent away!!!  This is the place.  I am so very sorry that you are having a hard time.  Sending hugs and positive thoughts for healing!!!!

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #6
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    You are lucky

    It took them 4 years to close a crater in my chest from rad damage. Nothing worked including skin grafts and wound-vacs, and a myriad of other prodedures. When enough inner tissue came back they went for the tram and bingo!  I was finally bandage free.

    Yes. I was ready for the looney bin several times. From 2002-2007 I was an alien but I am very happy that I persevered and didn't "settle" and took advantage of the best they had to offer which was awesome and I am grateful.

    It is really up to you and the "One Day At  A time" mantra definitely applies here and you will see, regardless of your decisions, that we all adjust to every re-invention of ourselves.

    Just do what you want, and try not to avoid it because it freaks you out.  You will get over that because it will be what you want in the end.

  • andi44
    andi44 Member Posts: 196 Member
    #7
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    tufi000 said:

    You are lucky

    It took them 4 years to close a crater in my chest from rad damage. Nothing worked including skin grafts and wound-vacs, and a myriad of other prodedures. When enough inner tissue came back they went for the tram and bingo!  I was finally bandage free.

    Yes. I was ready for the looney bin several times. From 2002-2007 I was an alien but I am very happy that I persevered and didn't "settle" and took advantage of the best they had to offer which was awesome and I am grateful.

    It is really up to you and the "One Day At  A time" mantra definitely applies here and you will see, regardless of your decisions, that we all adjust to every re-invention of ourselves.

    Just do what you want, and try not to avoid it because it freaks you out.  You will get over that because it will be what you want in the end.

    tufi000

    Does that mean you were finally able to get implants?  My family is suggesting that I just take out the expander and be done with it - But, when I had my new expander put back in December, the doctor also put in an implant on my 'good' side to 'lift' up my small boob.  I went from an A to a B on that side...That is kind of why I'm leaning towards trying the skin graft on my left side. 

    You mentioned you had the tram flap - I believe that's taken from your stomach - is that right?  Do you have any 'lack of mobility' from that graft?  My plastic surgeon said I would have a lack of movement since he'll be taking it from my back.  And, that's my concern...I don't want any limitations. 

    I have an appointment to get a second opinion the end of this month...so, maybe I can get some of other questions answered... 

    Thank you for your post....

    Andi

  • andi44
    andi44 Member Posts: 196 Member
    #8
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    thank you

    I want to extend a big thank you to you gals for your posts and concerns - I'm still questioning as to what I want to do, but I need to make my mind up soon - my sores are getting bigger...You know the funny thing in all of this - My radiation oncologist had never heard of radiation causing this issue -  I don't know if he was just playing dumb so he didn't want to get blamed for this in anyway - but, I know of a few ladies that have had similiar situations...

    Again, thank you for your thoughts...

    Andi  :)

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #9
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    andi44 said:

    thank you

    I want to extend a big thank you to you gals for your posts and concerns - I'm still questioning as to what I want to do, but I need to make my mind up soon - my sores are getting bigger...You know the funny thing in all of this - My radiation oncologist had never heard of radiation causing this issue -  I don't know if he was just playing dumb so he didn't want to get blamed for this in anyway - but, I know of a few ladies that have had similiar situations...

    Again, thank you for your thoughts...

    Andi  :)

    This is what I did

    I have an implant on the rad side and the tummy tissue from the flap on the left.  No lack of mobility after healing and the skin was totally healthier too.  I felt I was wearing a suit of armor under my skin for a few years but thats gone too.

    The screen they put in to hold in my guts...have to eat smaller meals more often if necessary cause the screen was tight at first. I have an incisional hernia from hip to hip and I don't care.  Just can't wear a bikini!

    I have zero regrets though the process was daunting for sure. I maintain that you do what you want and weather the process which is temporary. That's my take on the matter. Only you know what is right for you.

    Good luck with it all.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #10
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    I have not dealt with any

    I have not dealt with any reconstruction so this is striclty my opinion from reading your post from my points of view I would say I tried and let it go...

     

    I have had 2 lumpectomies and my sugeron (each visit suggests Plastic surgeon and I think about it and decline.

    I am sure you'll get some great advice from some other here who have similar circumstances.

     

    Denise

  • 1blessedmom
    1blessedmom Member Posts: 14
    #11
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    disneyfan2008 said:

    I have not dealt with any

    I have not dealt with any reconstruction so this is striclty my opinion from reading your post from my points of view I would say I tried and let it go...

     

    I have had 2 lumpectomies and my sugeron (each visit suggests Plastic surgeon and I think about it and decline.

    I am sure you'll get some great advice from some other here who have similar circumstances.

     

    Denise

    I understand what you're saying Denise, but it sounds like you still have your breasts. Having had a double mastectomy, it's a whole different situation mentally and physically than having lumpectomys. I know every woman is different, but removing my breasts has really affected me as a woman. For me, I don't feel complete. I know no one can see under my clothes but I feel incomplete and the prosthetics are heavy and binding. Then you have to deal with the numbness from surgery under your arms and the discomfort/lack of mobility in your shoulders. I was very large breasted and the prosthetics I wear are alot smaller than my breasts were. So even with the prosthetics on, I'm not the same. Since menopause I have gained quite a bit of weight which I would really like to loose before I have my reconstruction. But I struggle with waiting. I guess I need to stop and take it one step at a time. I truly give kuddos to those women who are able to move on and be completely comfortable without reconstruction. Yes, everyone is different and that is why it's so great that we can come together and voice our views and experiences. I'm so thankful for all of you, my fellow survivors!   

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