Deconstruction!

SLH

Deconstruction!

SLH

I'm having my implants exhumed on Friday.  Anybody want some slightly used C cups?

So I had to sign all the papers today at the PS's office agreeing that he's not responsible for anything. The following had to be initialed by me...

The removal of my prostheses may result in:

Strong negative impact on my physical appearance...blah...blah...blah.

Severe psychological disturbance, including depression.

Loss of interest in sexual relations by either myself or my partner.

Possibility of barring reconstruction later because of scar contractures.

What do you Non-Recon vets say in response?

sally 

SusaninSF

Wow! That is messed up! I didn't have to sign anything like that when I had my implanted removed. I can also emphatically say that I did not experience any of those negative "results" You should sue him for making you sign such a ridiculous document!!!

nagem

I may be older than you, Sally, but I think I actually look just fine without boobs, and getting my boobs off relieved me of terrible anxiety. I feel I have a healthy body image. And my sexuality is unaltered. Be sure to ask your surgeon to go for a nice flat look, with no dog ears. You might check out breastfree.org, a website created by one of breastcancer.org's members for people considering mastectomy without reconstruction. You can see pictures and read first-hand accounts there. Also, it might be good to make a list of all the reasons you're having the surgery. If you do indeed have regrets later (which I doubt you'll have), you can consult the list and be reminded why it was important to you. Just making the list in the first place is therapeutic, in my experience. By the way, if your surgeon is so set against your implant removal, maybe you should discuss having another surgeon do this? Just a thought. Good luck.

purplemb

WOW SAlly, obviously that office believe women  are what their boobs make them... I have only one breast , after 2 failed implants, and haven't looked back.... my DH doesn't mind so much either, he massages the scar with oil...(hmmm, can lead to some fun) so... keep your head up and don't look back....

Deconstructed and happy..

MB

SLH

Hi guys,

Thanks for responding.  When I had my bilat w/expanders almost 3 years ago I didn't even think about the no-recon route. The surgeon and ps handed me the package deal and I bought it.  But I think it was necessary for me to be miserable for the last few years in order to go without boobs.  Trial by error, that's my motto!

Nagem, I did make a list of my reasons for choosing the bilateral, and reread it whenever I questioned myself.  This time, I'm living my list!  These *#!# things are driving me crazy!  They seem to be getting more uncomfortable than in the beginning.  Capsular contractions? I don't know. 

I've only had a computer for a few months, but this site and Barbara's breastfree.org have helped me out a lot!

Unfortunately, I can't have a completely flat chest.  The ps told me that the part of the implant that is attached (glued?) to the ribs won't come off, so there will be a ridge.  And then my tissues are all stretched out.  I told him I want to try a 2-step process where he takes out the implants, then gives me a month to tighten up my muscles, then I'll go back for the skin excising.  Just can't get enough of those IVs! 

 

O O

 ) ( 

sally 

 

SLH

Hi Nagem,

You're probably not older than me.  I'm 54.  But if you are, you're in MUCH better shape!  Wow. I was just checking out some of your posts about bouncing back after your bilateral. You're my hero!

I wish you could tell me how to get my pecs up and tight again.

sally 

nagem

Hi Sally, Part of my easy recovery was luck and part of it, I think, was my yoga addiction. I'm 57, so just a few years older than you. Because I also have borderline osteoporosis, I do weights as well. I'm using Smart Girls Do Dumb Bells, by Judith Sherman-Wolin, which gives dozens of short and varied routines so you don't get bored or sore. That might help tighten up the pecs. And yoga is just great for your mental as well as your physical state--maintains your range of motion, helps move the lymph around, keeps you calm. It's just delicious. Do I sound like a religious zealot? Anyway, I highly recommend it ...

SLH

Hi nagem,

I've shrunk 1/2" since starting Arimidex 2 yrs ago.  And I was only 5'3" to begin with!  I'm borderline osteo, so I need to get working on weights.  I like yoga, but I've only done the restorative, pretty easy stuff.

My reconstruction has really taken a physical toll. My neck/shoulders/back have hurt me so much that I've avoided lifting weights, because when I do weight-bearing chores, like gardening, my neck pain triggers my migraines.

I know that my surgery on Friday won't be an immediate cure for all my aches, but I hope it'll allow me to be active again without that constant awful tightness.

sally 

nagem

If you lived in New York, I would give you free yoga classes. That's my mission right now--providing free yoga for breast-cancer patients in my spare time. Have you spoken to a physical therapist with lymphedema training to get some advice on what exercises you should or shouldn't be doing? Unless proscribed, you might try doing weight-training without the weights--you know, just going through the motions--to begin with. Sucks that you're in so much pain. I hope your surgery gives you some relief. Megan

SLH

Thanks, Megan, for the tips.  I've been thinking these last three years that I couldn't get lymphedema--state of denial--but I need to get up to speed on it.  I need PT badly.  The yoga and weights I'll do as soon as I get the OK from my doc.  I don't want to push it and get a hematoma.  I've had that experience.

sally 

Binney4

Hi, SLH,

All of my very best wishes for your surgery tomorrow. Sorry about the idiot paper you had to sign. Sounds like the guy's a poor sport more than anything else...

For lymphedema information, check out the Position Papers on Exercise, Risk Reduction, and Air Travel at the National Lymphedema Network: www.lymphnet.org. Or hop down one board to the "Lymphedema After Surgery" board and join the discussions with us "swell" gals there!

Looking forward with you to real relief after tomorrow! Do let us know how it goes,

Binney