all done with chemo, total remission, reconstruction

MsFit08 said:

HI JAMIE!!
What a wonderful site this is...to be able to reach out to people with questions, etc...wish I had this venue to vent, or get answers!!

Jamie, I was given that choice as well...I studied them all: tram flap, implants, etc... I chose, after much research, to go with the silicone-filled implants, for several reasons:

- Because I had been training for the Ms. Fitness pageant, I didn't want to lose my lattisimus dorsi muscle, so the Tram Flap was not an option for me.
- The belly flap, was a great choice, if I had children, and I needed a 'tummy-tuck', but once again, it wasn't a good option for me...wanted the muscle tissue to work out later.
- The implants were my final choice, but I didn't want saline, because they would have to fill it so full, it would not match my 'normal' side...this probably would have been an option if I had a double mastectomy, but since I only had one removed, I wanted to look and feel as natural as possible...SO
- I opted for the Silicone-filled implants...I have had them now for almost 8 years! I'm part of a test-study, but they hang naturally, and feel natural (movement, etc.)...PLUS...I got a boob-job out of it! Yippee! (not the way I ever had imagined, but nonetheless, it was).

During the mastectomy, the plastic surgeon inserts a tissue-expander, and then during chemo he filled it gradually with saline to stretch the skin...once chemo was over, which was Feb of 2001 (6 months later), I had my reconstruction (in April 2001).

Insurance covers both sides (it's the law), and the doctor will obviously put a 'tear-drop' shape on the mastectomy side, whereas the 'natural' side received a smaller, but round shape. It looks great, and recovery time was probably about a month (another reason why I opted for this type of reconstruction)...plus, once again, I needed this option so that I could get back into the gym.

I hope this helps...do your research, and choose what you feel comfortable doing...

God bless!!
Beth

MsFit08 said:

LOL...you're not being nosey Joyce...
...you're just curious...

No tissue expander was needed in the "healthy" breast, they do put in a different shaped implant - a round implant, whereas, the mastectomy side received a 'tear-dropped' shape (makes sense doesn't it?). I absolutely felt feminine and beautiful afterwards!

As far as increasing the measurements, that's between you and your doctor...I think the most natural increase, the better. I went up a cup size (yippeeee!), but that was my preference (actually wouldn't have minded even more, but there was alot to deal with during this time).

After the mastectomy, chemo, and then reconstruction, I had to have 8mos. of physical therapy for a "frozen shoulder"...I couldn't lift my arm all the way up, and scar tissue had formed on the mastectomy side, so discuss all options with your doctors, and see which size is best for you!

Congratulations on your survival!
Beth

jamiesue1 said:

Ok ladies, back to me
Ok ladies, back to me please!
Just kidding. I'm not trying to decide which surgery to have. I'm having the DIEP Flap reconstruction (no muscle intrusion). I'm trying to find someone who has had the DIEP flap recon to find out what their experience was as far as length of time for recovery. The nurse has gotten back to me and told me I would have to stay home for a month and then I could go to FLA for a month. I just can't go in water because I won't be totally healed yet. If anyone out there had the DIEP Flap recon please comment. thanks, jamie