Unilateral mx

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Leko
Leko Member Posts: 2
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello, new to posting. Dx March 30,2015, unilateral mx May 13 with immediate recon. Will have 2nd of 4 rounds of chemo. No rads, no nodes involved. Whew hope I said that right.

Now here's my question.  What is it like to have one implant and one natural breast? Will one be more bouncier for lack of a better word?  Will I be able to get away braless? please advise? And thank u all. I really appreciate it.

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  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #2
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    Unilateral Mastectomy and Reconstruction

    I had a unilateral (right) mastectomy in Feb 2010 after a diagnosis of Stage II Grade 3 Triple Negative breast cancer. A tissue expander was placed at the same time. I then had a total of 16 rounds of chemo. No radiation. When I was done with chemo I had the expander replaced with a saline implant. I also had the breast on the non-cancer reduced in size as I was a DD and simply found no need to be that large. I was not at all pleased with the result on the implant side and went to a different surgeon for revision reconstruction. This time I went with a silicone implant. I couldn't have been more pleased.

    The breasts are now as symmetrical as they're ever likely to be. The "real" breast is probably a bit softer than the implant but it's pretty good. It is definitely more perky than it was before and that is a good thing in my mind. When the surgeon put in the implant on the right side she also used a product called Strattice which she said is essentially like an "internal bra" and gives the implant support. She said it is my choice whether or not to wear a bra. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. It depends on the weather and where I am going. 

    I hope reading about my experience has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further help just let me know. Good luck.

    IRENE

  • Leko
    Leko Member Posts: 2
    #3
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    jessiesmom1 said:

    Unilateral Mastectomy and Reconstruction

    I had a unilateral (right) mastectomy in Feb 2010 after a diagnosis of Stage II Grade 3 Triple Negative breast cancer. A tissue expander was placed at the same time. I then had a total of 16 rounds of chemo. No radiation. When I was done with chemo I had the expander replaced with a saline implant. I also had the breast on the non-cancer reduced in size as I was a DD and simply found no need to be that large. I was not at all pleased with the result on the implant side and went to a different surgeon for revision reconstruction. This time I went with a silicone implant. I couldn't have been more pleased.

    The breasts are now as symmetrical as they're ever likely to be. The "real" breast is probably a bit softer than the implant but it's pretty good. It is definitely more perky than it was before and that is a good thing in my mind. When the surgeon put in the implant on the right side she also used a product called Strattice which she said is essentially like an "internal bra" and gives the implant support. She said it is my choice whether or not to wear a bra. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. It depends on the weather and where I am going. 

    I hope reading about my experience has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further help just let me know. Good luck.

    IRENE

    Thank u Irene

    i really appreciate ur reply Irene. These questions just pop in my mind. Our stories are similar. I was stage 2a, grade 3. Right side mastectomy, bs will give left side a lift.  I am ER/PR+ and Her2- my treatment is cytoxan and taxotere. First treatment I felt like dying unbearable bone pain. But I know I must fight. I have 3teen boys and a 7yr old girl. My hubby supports me. I'll keep on keepin on to the end. Thanks again

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #4
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    I had a unilateral mx.
    Plastic surgeon put implants in both or he said one would be new and the other 44! They are abouy as good as I expected. Better than some. I wasnt expecting perfection, but I do not need a bra most of the time and twith a bra they look good i clothes.
  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #5
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    I'm a Uni~

    Hi Leko~

    I had a unilateral mastectomy, with a latissimus flap, saline implant.  reduction (lift) of the healthy breast~ I have been cancer free for 7 years, and sometimes I go without a bra, and they look fabulous.  It is hard for anyone to tell which breast is the "real" one ~ so I am pleased with my outcome.  Tho it was difficult to get to that point, it was worth it. 

    ~Melanie

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