Exchange Surgery

Bonnie_Marie

I am new here and was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breast last November 2018.  By January, I had a double masectomy with the understanding that I did want to do reconstruction surgery later.  So, my surgeon left me alot of skin to help with this.  Although, I knew that was the plan I was not happy with how I looked after surgery since I had alot of extra skin around.  Thankfully, I did not have to do any chemotherapy or radiation.  And by April I had Tissue Expanders done for reconstruction surgery.  Weekly after this surgery I had fillings done which were quite painful, but by the last filling I expected to have some type of round looking breast, but that was not the case.  I still had an indention across the center where my incisions were.  Before my exchange surgery I talked with my surgeon about this and she felt she could help some with that, but that I might have to have an additional skin graft to help make them more round.  My exchange surgery was last Thursday and I still have those indentions.  Has anyone else went through this with same results and does time help fill you out?  Or did you have to do other procedures?

wallis2

Hi Bonnie, 

Hi Bonnie, 

I was diagnosed with BC last year 2018.  I had double mastectomy in November 2018 too.and I too was left with extry skin. My doctor stated if I wanted reconstruction the door is left open.  Although I haven't had my reconstruction yet, but you definitely have given me a lot to think about.  The way it seems like after your reconstruction you still didn't like the outcome.  I still haven't made up my mind to get the reconstruction because I really enjoy not having such large, large, breast.  Before my surgery I was wearing a 46 DDD and my back was hurting(I was about to have a reduction before my diagnose).  I know this doesn't answer your question you asked, but I must tell you, Bonnie I will give you 5 stars for having the procedure done so soon after after the surgery.  I freaked out when my doctor told me they can do both surgeries in one day.  You have gave me a lot of information when I do decide to have my reconstruction done.  I know you have wonderful doctors that will take care of your concern or you can get a second opinion.  I am sure someone on this board will read your comment and provide more information.  

Bonnie_Marie

wallis2 said:

Hi Bonnie, 

Hi Bonnie, 

I was diagnosed with BC last year 2018.  I had double mastectomy in November 2018 too.and I too was left with extry skin. My doctor stated if I wanted reconstruction the door is left open.  Although I haven't had my reconstruction yet, but you definitely have given me a lot to think about.  The way it seems like after your reconstruction you still didn't like the outcome.  I still haven't made up my mind to get the reconstruction because I really enjoy not having such large, large, breast.  Before my surgery I was wearing a 46 DDD and my back was hurting(I was about to have a reduction before my diagnose).  I know this doesn't answer your question you asked, but I must tell you, Bonnie I will give you 5 stars for having the procedure done so soon after after the surgery.  I freaked out when my doctor told me they can do both surgeries in one day.  You have gave me a lot of information when I do decide to have my reconstruction done.  I know you have wonderful doctors that will take care of your concern or you can get a second opinion.  I am sure someone on this board will read your comment and provide more information.  

Thank you for sharing back

Thank you for sharing back with me.  My shape has changed a little to the better and I had a follow up.with my surgeon today that went really good.  I understand a little more now and know that it will take some time and that I just might have to have another procedure, but I am learning it is still a journey and process and am okay with that now.  I wish you the best in your journey and hope you figure out the best next steps for you.