problems with expanders/beginning of reconstruction

peg123
peg123 Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had to have my expanders removed due to infection. The plastic surgeon didn't know if my body was rejecting them or if a bacterial infection occurred. I only had them in for about 3 weeks. I was in so much pain. Antibiotics didn't help. Now I am uncertain whether to attempt reconstruction again or not. It is really a dilemma for me. Greatly would appreciate comments. Thanks.

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
    Hi Peg, I realize inplants are performed everywhere and the newer reconstruction alternatives aren't yet, but you might want to consider either a DIEP or GAP flap. The DIEP uses skin and subcutaneous tissue from your belly (you get a free tummy tuck) and uses it to build your new breast. The GAP does the same thing only using your upper bum as the donor sight. Either way, it's all natural and nothing to reject. Also no abdominal muscle needs to be cut for either.
  • Snookums
    Snookums Member Posts: 148
    #3
    Welcome to my world. Last year I had 5 surgeries. One bi lat with expanders put in. Second, removal after 3 weeks of my left expander (cancerous side) due to yes, infection. P.S. Same thing happened to my best friend in SC ??? I have been told at MD Anderson they encourage you to wait 3 months after surgery before you begin recon.?? So, then, surgery to put in my chemo port, surgery to put back in a left expander and take out right expander and put in rt final saline implant and finally in Dec surgery to finish my left breast. I am now in a 3 month wait and settle period prior to adding nipples and tattooing. Whew- that's a lot but I am still glad I did the recon because it was what I wanted and needed to feel finished. It is a VERY PERSONAL decision so get some quiet time and do some deep contemplation about what do you NEED? WANT? It IS ALL about YOU this time so get to know yourself. You are a survivor already so more surgery is something you have the fight in you for but is it what you need to feel good? Only you can answer that question. If you are a christian or religious person, pray fro that answer, it will come. Good Luck and God's Blessings- C
  • britgirl43
    britgirl43 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    Snookums said:

    Welcome to my world. Last year I had 5 surgeries. One bi lat with expanders put in. Second, removal after 3 weeks of my left expander (cancerous side) due to yes, infection. P.S. Same thing happened to my best friend in SC ??? I have been told at MD Anderson they encourage you to wait 3 months after surgery before you begin recon.?? So, then, surgery to put in my chemo port, surgery to put back in a left expander and take out right expander and put in rt final saline implant and finally in Dec surgery to finish my left breast. I am now in a 3 month wait and settle period prior to adding nipples and tattooing. Whew- that's a lot but I am still glad I did the recon because it was what I wanted and needed to feel finished. It is a VERY PERSONAL decision so get some quiet time and do some deep contemplation about what do you NEED? WANT? It IS ALL about YOU this time so get to know yourself. You are a survivor already so more surgery is something you have the fight in you for but is it what you need to feel good? Only you can answer that question. If you are a christian or religious person, pray fro that answer, it will come. Good Luck and God's Blessings- C

    Your message is just what I needed to read. Had my expander put in at time of mastectomy and have had 3 expansions done since (was on hold while I had chemo). Recently though, I've been in two minds about whether to proceed with the reconstruction. After reading your message I think I'm still inclined to go ahead with it. Thanks.

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