What's happens after the implants are in? Is it........

2Floridiansisters

a yearly mamogram or a yearly MRI? Wouldn't the mamogram squish or possibly bust the implants? My plastic surgeon said I would be getting saline implants and never discussed other options. I want to know everyting so I can be sure of my decision to keep moving forward, if I don't feel okay with what I hear I may just change my mind about those expandrs and implants. To me those expanders sound horrible.

Love Ronda

Ritzy

I had a lumpectomy Ronda,
I had a lumpectomy Ronda, so, I don't know for sure. I don't think you get a mammogram with implants, but, I think you still have MRI's and possibly an Ultrasound done. I am sure that your bc sisters will post that know muchhhhhhhhhh more than me! I have mammograms and ultrasounds done since I had the lumpectomy.

Sue

Jean 0609

Implants
Hi Ronda,

Looks like we have a lot in common, including our first chemo date. Have you started your reconstruction process? My mastectomy was May 4th and my reconstruction was started at the same time with the spacer and saline. I have had several visits with my plastic surgeon, where she injected me with more saline to get my breasts basically the same size. Once this is done, it is my decision as to get saline implants or silicone. From what I've read and heard and silicone is more natural. Right now, with the saline injections, my breast is rather hard.

Since then I had my first chemo treatment last week, so does anyone know, will the reconstruction, continue as planned, or will they wait until the chemo is done?

Hugs to you all,
Jean

greyhoundluvr

Ronda -
From prior posts, it has seemed like this is anoter area where maybe the docs disagree. My onc said that after my bilateral/implants there would be no mammorgram or MRI - that the evaluations would be by manual exam only because any recurrence would be very superficial. I know you have a wonderful oncologist - you might want to run this by him to see what his routine is.

Chris

Christine Louise

Hi, Ronda
My onc also said no mammograms or MRIs. Yeah, implants would get squished. I'll get manual exams every 3 months or so. (Since I'll continue to have follow-up office visits with oncologist, breast surgeon and gynocologist, I'll stagger those exams so I'm getting checked often.) And, I'll continue to do manual checks myself.

I'll only get blood tests, scans, etc. if I develop pain or any other indication that further checks need to be done. Not expecting any of that.

Expanders are more annoying than horrible. I'm fairly uncomfortable now, but I'll get my implants are in a week!! I have no regrets.

Can you ask your plastic surgeon about silicone? Perhaps it has to do with size?

My expanders are hard not only because they're saline-filled, but because the filling port is quite thick and hard, and there's scar tissue around them. The scar tissue will be cut and "released" when my implants are inserted.

Jean, I started chemo after my implants were filled. Don't know if doctors will continue to fill DURING someone's chemo or have to wait. I hope someone gives you an answer. Love, Chris

Alexis F

greyhoundluvr said:

Ronda -
From prior posts, it has seemed like this is anoter area where maybe the docs disagree. My onc said that after my bilateral/implants there would be no mammorgram or MRI - that the evaluations would be by manual exam only because any recurrence would be very superficial. I know you have a wonderful oncologist - you might want to run this by him to see what his routine is.

Chris

It seems like Chris said
It seems like Chris said that doctors do disagree. Some have no MRI's, and, some do have them. It seems several just have the manual exams.

Trust in your doctor. He will do what is best for you.


Lex♥

jo jo

Hi Rhonda
They should give
Hi Rhonda
They should give you an option of saline or silicone. But give their opionion on which one might be better for your situation. My doc preferred silicone for me cuz i had thin skin from the expanders and they show less rippling.
During chemo they hold off on any surgery unless its necessary but you can get your fills during chemo and my doc said i couldnt get my implants till at least 1 month after chemo.
Yes i dont think any of us like the expanders but they are TEMPORARY and tolerable and hopefully worth the wait...i will find out cuz i get mine in on the 14th...im excited!