Reconstruction Question
I also have to admit I do smoke :>( Does anyone have personal information concerning all this info.
You all are some brave people and "yes" I too am afraid to go through anymore!
Thanks bunches.
Comments
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Did you have radiation? It
Did you have radiation? It may impact your ability to stretch the muscle and skin to allow for the implants. Being over 5 years away from tx will help though. I am having implants after radiation and my doctor says that if I expand okay, and he anticipates no problems if we go slow, then he will also put a little oomph in the remaining breast when he puts in the final silicone implant on the mas. side. I am a B cup now and would prefer to be a healthy C. My doc. did warn that there is the possibility that an implant on the healthy side may challenge mamograms in the future.
As for smoking, my doc. will not do the operation on smokers and actually runs a nicotine test. This is a good time to quit...with something to look forward to other than climbing the walls!
I just had my first implant surgery on Friday and would love to answer any questions you have. Feel free to email me directly, or here. I am not in the least bit private...
As far as the pain - yep, its there. But after four days I am inconvenienced, definitely, but not in much pain anymore.
You know, I was conflicted a little going into this. Finally, I think I am going ahead because a) I love surprises and b) I didn't want to have to think about having it done the rest of my life!
Best wishes! love, Joyce0 -
Thanks for the info.Joycelouise said:Did you have radiation? It
Did you have radiation? It may impact your ability to stretch the muscle and skin to allow for the implants. Being over 5 years away from tx will help though. I am having implants after radiation and my doctor says that if I expand okay, and he anticipates no problems if we go slow, then he will also put a little oomph in the remaining breast when he puts in the final silicone implant on the mas. side. I am a B cup now and would prefer to be a healthy C. My doc. did warn that there is the possibility that an implant on the healthy side may challenge mamograms in the future.
As for smoking, my doc. will not do the operation on smokers and actually runs a nicotine test. This is a good time to quit...with something to look forward to other than climbing the walls!
I just had my first implant surgery on Friday and would love to answer any questions you have. Feel free to email me directly, or here. I am not in the least bit private...
As far as the pain - yep, its there. But after four days I am inconvenienced, definitely, but not in much pain anymore.
You know, I was conflicted a little going into this. Finally, I think I am going ahead because a) I love surprises and b) I didn't want to have to think about having it done the rest of my life!
Best wishes! love, Joyce
I have a consultation coming up so we will see what she says. The smoking thing is something I wish I had never started. Quiting will be a b...h! I never rec'd radiation, just chemo that the nurse called big red. Hair, eyelashes, eybrows gone. Getting ready for work I felt like Mrs. Doubtfire.
I know things will turn out great for you! Keep me informed because it sounds exactly like what I want to do. It has just been a long time since my operation.
Take care,
Susie0 -
I just had reconstruction on my left breast in November. I am also a smoker, who would like to quit. I am a 1 year survivor.
I had a hard time finding a plastic surgeon that would do my surgery, since I am a smoker. I had the surgery, where they remove skin,fat and muscle from your back and make a new breast with that. I still have to have a nipple made later on!!
I would have liked to had both of them larger, since I've always been small (34A)I asked my oncologist what he thought about having an implant on the right side. He did'nt suggest it, since it's harder to detect lumps or have a mammogram with an implant. He said if I wanted to be larger, I should have my right breast removed and then have them both redone!! My insurance company would'nt go for that though, since there was nothing wrong with the right breast. Plus I did'nt know if I wanted to go through all that. So I just decided to stick with the size God gave me!!
Good luck
Doris0 -
I am a 4 year survivor who just had a silicone implant put in my right breast area. Fortunately for me my Dr. did an ample skin save when my breast was removed so I was able to have a 450cc implant. It is half the size of my original breast. I am probably going to do the reduction on the left breast as soon as I am able. Initially I did not like the small mound I saw once the bandages came off, but now I am getting used to it and I think I am going to like my new size. I will be a new woman with nice smaller compact breasts. No heavy weight to carry around and get in the way of choosing clothing that I like, but could not buy because of my large breast size. Yahooo. I'm going to treat my self to a few sexy tops and will be so happy to wear tee shirts. And, oh my god, I will be able to wear swim suits that don't have to have those "big cups".
Right now I am still sore and the implant feels tight, but it stands up all by itself while the other one has really gone south. I just hope that after I reduce the other one and heal that cancer doesn't appear in it. With so much love and support from other survivors I know that I will be able to handle any of it, no matter what the future holds. As for "smoking", I just lost my younger sister 9 months ago to lung cancer. She always felt bad about my having breast cancer. But when she was diagnoised over a year ago, she finally quit only it was too late to save her life. You are stronger than you think and can do it. I wish you lots of courage and strength. Catherine0 -
Here's my experience: I had
Here's my experience: I had bilateral mastectomy dec. 21 2007. since then I have had chemo and radiation. I had expanders (like implants, but not supposed to be long-term) because I knew I wanted reconstruction but would have to wait till after the effects of radiation and chemo healed up. I am finishing up chemo in feb. I plan to have new breasts constructed with my own body tissue from my abdomen, but I want to wait till Summer because I work in a public school and that will give me the Summer to recover and be ready for work again. I chose that surgery instead of implants because I have heard from every Dr. and article I have read that implants eventually have to be redone. The surgery is simpler and recovery time is shorter, but I do not like the idea of having to do it again. Also, I have lived with the expanders for just over a year now. There is no pain, but I am constantly aware of feeling like there is something in my breasts that still does not feel like part of me. I know that feeling may not go away after the other kind of surgery, but what have I got to lose? I have also found out that my insurance company will cover the procedure and the Dr. I plan to have do it. If you have not already, be sure you talk to your insurance co. about your procedure and your Dr. and the facility where the surgery will be done. I say...go for it, girl! But it is a very personal issue and you are the one who will have to live with your decision.
Take care, seof0 -
Happy with perkyCatherine65 said:I am a 4 year survivor who just had a silicone implant put in my right breast area. Fortunately for me my Dr. did an ample skin save when my breast was removed so I was able to have a 450cc implant. It is half the size of my original breast. I am probably going to do the reduction on the left breast as soon as I am able. Initially I did not like the small mound I saw once the bandages came off, but now I am getting used to it and I think I am going to like my new size. I will be a new woman with nice smaller compact breasts. No heavy weight to carry around and get in the way of choosing clothing that I like, but could not buy because of my large breast size. Yahooo. I'm going to treat my self to a few sexy tops and will be so happy to wear tee shirts. And, oh my god, I will be able to wear swim suits that don't have to have those "big cups".
Right now I am still sore and the implant feels tight, but it stands up all by itself while the other one has really gone south. I just hope that after I reduce the other one and heal that cancer doesn't appear in it. With so much love and support from other survivors I know that I will be able to handle any of it, no matter what the future holds. As for "smoking", I just lost my younger sister 9 months ago to lung cancer. She always felt bad about my having breast cancer. But when she was diagnoised over a year ago, she finally quit only it was too late to save her life. You are stronger than you think and can do it. I wish you lots of courage and strength. Catherine
Hi Catherine
I too was very large breasted (DD) heavy and very south bound. I had a lumpectomy on the left breast. The lumpectomy left me with a big size difference so I opted to have reconstruction on left side and reduction on right side. I am now a C cup and I love it! Everything is so perky lol. (I paid a $20 co-pay for the entire surgery.) My chest felt really tight for a while. It either went away or I got used to it. I wasn't used to having boobs on my chest where they were suppose to be.lol
So sorry for the loss of your sister.
Hugs
Jadie0 -
I see you posted this on the day that I was having my expander removed and my silicone implant placed. I had the expander put in the day of my mastectomy (8-1-08) and a latissimus dorsal flap placed (part of my back skin, muscle, blood vessels and nerves were tunneled under my skin to my breast). The graft took well. The expander was at times uncomfortable, but the implant so far (almost 2 weeks later) is comfortable. I don't even feel like there is something in my body. I had a 700cc implant placed. This made me larger on that side. I was between a B & C cup, so now I guess I am a D cup on the left. I just got back from the plastic surgeon who says all is looking well. I will have surgery again in March to lift the right breast and probably augment it so it is the same size as the left. So I will probably have implants in both.
I have never been a smoker (I saw what it did to my Dad). I do know that when I first met with both my general surgeon and plastic surgeon they asked me if I smoked. They said it can affect the healing from surgery. I also know it can cause problems with anesthesia. I would really recommend you try your hardest to quit. There are many medications and aids available now to help one quit. I have had patients of mine say that they were able to quit easily with the patches. Of course, I also have known many who weren't able to. My Dad quit when he had to be on oxygen 24/7. But he still craved them. I hope you are able to quit. (Think of all the money you will save!)
Best Wishes,
Cathy0 -
work in progress
I had a double mas this past June (soon I can say last year!). I had the expanders put in at the time of my surgery. After the final pathology was received turns out I needed radiation. I was fully expanded in August, just before the radiation began. I finished radiation with no damage to the expanders in October. What I really didn't count on was the healing time needed after the radiation. My plastic surgeon says the standard is 1 month for every week of radiation. 7 months seems like an eternity, almost full circle to the month I was diagnosed. I was very small before this (34A) and took the advantage of going a bit bigger to between a B-C. I continue to feel those little muscles under the breast pull, especially on my right side. I don't like the hardness in my chest. Nothing shifts; no natural movement of your breast even just to lay on your side. I'd love a massage but can't picture laying on my stomach for any length of time. I go to bed with a small pillow that I wrap my arms around just so I can feel the softness close to my chest. I know this is temporary but I do get discouraged. I have no regrets, just no patience. I'm focusing that in a few days I'll be able to say I had cancer LAST year and THIS year I get new boobs.0 -
You guys are the best!dbs1673 said:work in progress
I had a double mas this past June (soon I can say last year!). I had the expanders put in at the time of my surgery. After the final pathology was received turns out I needed radiation. I was fully expanded in August, just before the radiation began. I finished radiation with no damage to the expanders in October. What I really didn't count on was the healing time needed after the radiation. My plastic surgeon says the standard is 1 month for every week of radiation. 7 months seems like an eternity, almost full circle to the month I was diagnosed. I was very small before this (34A) and took the advantage of going a bit bigger to between a B-C. I continue to feel those little muscles under the breast pull, especially on my right side. I don't like the hardness in my chest. Nothing shifts; no natural movement of your breast even just to lay on your side. I'd love a massage but can't picture laying on my stomach for any length of time. I go to bed with a small pillow that I wrap my arms around just so I can feel the softness close to my chest. I know this is temporary but I do get discouraged. I have no regrets, just no patience. I'm focusing that in a few days I'll be able to say I had cancer LAST year and THIS year I get new boobs.
I wish all of you the best and appreciate your non-judgmental advice. I know things have changed for the better over the years but I had a very good friend who had a double years ago. She had reconstruction and then had them removed. One problem after another. When I found out I had bc she helped me to know the unknown. As I was getting better she tested positive again after 15 years. Only it was everywhere. She lived for 3 years after that and I still miss her today. One thing she said stands out in my mind...."I just want to feel normal". She quit trying plastic surgery. I know now she feels complete.
I am sorry, don't mean to be a downer. Things have changed a lot over these years and I know it will make me feel whole again. I spoke with one lady and she said that when she is seventy she will still have perky ones while her friends are hanging down to their belly buttons because she had reconstruction. She is a sweet lady who is now getting her hair back.
I got rid of everything that reminded me of those times. It was one of the hardest times in my life. I had to be strong because my husband and mother had trouble handling it. I am sure you all have been through as much if not more.
Thanks for letting me vent and I know the best is yet to come. I thank God every day for the simple things that I used to ignore.
God Bless You All.0 -
implants
I had mastectomies at two different times (one preventive, the other for cancer) and had reconstruction on both. I had lattisimus dorsi flap reconstruction, which takes a muscle from your back but in which implants are also used, so yes, I do have implants on both sides. I have heard this is unusual, but my particular surgeon was able to do the procedure in one step (others on this board talk about having expanders put in and then permanent implants placed later). I am very happy with the results. I would say the only bad thing is that there are big scars on my breasts, but I think this is unavoidable. Otherwise, they look normal. I just got back from the hospital today after having the first phase of my nipple reconstruction. They drew the skin together to fashion a nipple, and then later I will have an appointment in a doctor's office to tattoo on the aereolas.
Please write to me if you have further questions.
Ohilly0 -
Hi Jadie, Perky is a happyJadie said:Happy with perky
Hi Catherine
I too was very large breasted (DD) heavy and very south bound. I had a lumpectomy on the left breast. The lumpectomy left me with a big size difference so I opted to have reconstruction on left side and reduction on right side. I am now a C cup and I love it! Everything is so perky lol. (I paid a $20 co-pay for the entire surgery.) My chest felt really tight for a while. It either went away or I got used to it. I wasn't used to having boobs on my chest where they were suppose to be.lol
So sorry for the loss of your sister.
Hugs
Jadie
Hi Jadie, Perky is a happy place to be. I too was a DD and sometimes DDD. Now I think I am a C with the DDD on the other side. However, my New Year's resolution is to firm up the other breast with better diet and exercise BEFORE they downsize it. I wanted to lose weight this year, but ate all that wonderful food too much. NOW is the time to get real serious about reshaping this body. I've already taken the first step by getting the implant, so now step two (diet update and more exercise) is ahead of me before step three (more surgery) will be done. By summer I hope to get into a very nice swim suit and be very happy with it. Yep, I've got a plan. Grandma will Hop Hop exercise her way to a new body. I start as soon as the doctor says it's ok. So, I'm hoping that the soreness and tightness will dissolve as I exercise. I would just like to encourage others to find something that makes you move a lot and is FUN so that you will more likely do it. I would have never guessed that I would listen to Hip Hop let alone dance to it. But, I was at a tennis social recently where the younger women were dancing hip hop and once a few of us older women joined in, we had so much fun. After all the pain, I welcome JOY. Happy New Year and Joy to you.0 -
Mrs DoubtfireBayousue said:Thanks for the info.
I have a consultation coming up so we will see what she says. The smoking thing is something I wish I had never started. Quiting will be a b...h! I never rec'd radiation, just chemo that the nurse called big red. Hair, eyelashes, eybrows gone. Getting ready for work I felt like Mrs. Doubtfire.
I know things will turn out great for you! Keep me informed because it sounds exactly like what I want to do. It has just been a long time since my operation.
Take care,
Susie
LOL, That was Hilarious! Thank you Sue for my last laugh of 2008!0 -
Hi Catherine, I too haveCatherine65 said:Hi Jadie, Perky is a happy
Hi Jadie, Perky is a happy place to be. I too was a DD and sometimes DDD. Now I think I am a C with the DDD on the other side. However, my New Year's resolution is to firm up the other breast with better diet and exercise BEFORE they downsize it. I wanted to lose weight this year, but ate all that wonderful food too much. NOW is the time to get real serious about reshaping this body. I've already taken the first step by getting the implant, so now step two (diet update and more exercise) is ahead of me before step three (more surgery) will be done. By summer I hope to get into a very nice swim suit and be very happy with it. Yep, I've got a plan. Grandma will Hop Hop exercise her way to a new body. I start as soon as the doctor says it's ok. So, I'm hoping that the soreness and tightness will dissolve as I exercise. I would just like to encourage others to find something that makes you move a lot and is FUN so that you will more likely do it. I would have never guessed that I would listen to Hip Hop let alone dance to it. But, I was at a tennis social recently where the younger women were dancing hip hop and once a few of us older women joined in, we had so much fun. After all the pain, I welcome JOY. Happy New Year and Joy to you.
Hi Catherine, I too have opted to live a healthier life and worry about myself a little more. I'm hoping to go down to my normal weight after gaining too many pounds. I've started exercising and eating much smaller portions. Happy New Year to you too, Hugs, Lili0 -
expandersdbs1673 said:work in progress
I had a double mas this past June (soon I can say last year!). I had the expanders put in at the time of my surgery. After the final pathology was received turns out I needed radiation. I was fully expanded in August, just before the radiation began. I finished radiation with no damage to the expanders in October. What I really didn't count on was the healing time needed after the radiation. My plastic surgeon says the standard is 1 month for every week of radiation. 7 months seems like an eternity, almost full circle to the month I was diagnosed. I was very small before this (34A) and took the advantage of going a bit bigger to between a B-C. I continue to feel those little muscles under the breast pull, especially on my right side. I don't like the hardness in my chest. Nothing shifts; no natural movement of your breast even just to lay on your side. I'd love a massage but can't picture laying on my stomach for any length of time. I go to bed with a small pillow that I wrap my arms around just so I can feel the softness close to my chest. I know this is temporary but I do get discouraged. I have no regrets, just no patience. I'm focusing that in a few days I'll be able to say I had cancer LAST year and THIS year I get new boobs.
I had a double mas. December 2, 2008 32 days ago I have expanders in they are at 120 cc's my surgeon is going to 270cc's I am to very small 34 A I am going a little bigger but this is very uncomfortable. I have a way to go but I guess this is normal to feel so tight. Also still feel sore where the drains were. This has been a long road it started in May 2008 I had cancer in both breast the right side was operated on 3 times a lymph node biopsy. on both side no lymph node cancer, I had chemo. Now I am on my way to recovery. There is light at the end of the tunnel.0
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