IMPLANTS REMOVED: YAY!

Anonymous

great discussion.  Thanks to all.

glennie19

The temps are fun,,,, I may have to look into hennas too.  I put a temp tattoo of a butterfly over one of my HX scars, and I really like it. 

Bettyboops

Lovely tattoo Aroim. It is stunning! Nice pic of you too. Fun to have some artistic play over the scar area. I'm not a tattoo kind of gal but I really appreciate how it must make you feel.

Best,

Bettyboops

Well said Julieho! Almost exactly my experience with a few detours. I'm so glad you ended up with something that is comfortable and got rid of those nasty implants. Those tissue expanders are evil! I still think of all the pain meds I had to take to keep them in and have them filled over the course of 4 months. Awful. They do not let you know how excruciating it can be. I think the expander and implant process looks good on paper but there are a lot of us who would have rather skipped the whole thing. Kind of like legalized torture... I wonder if the docs know this but they still proceed to recommend this medieval procedure. I think that only the top PSs are capable of both implants and the microsurgery necessary for DIEP flaps and surgical skill necessary for other flaps. I was not told about all the options either. My PS only did implants or tram flaps. I have lower back issues so we agreed the tram would not be feasible for me. The very skilled surgeon who did my implant removal said that I would have been a perfect candidate for a DIEP flap if I had done it in the beginning . OMG who knows! I'm happy being flat-that's What I know!

Best,

Anonymous

Bettyboops, I love your information.  I agree with the legalized torture.  Also, the sentinel node dye injection without an anesthetic. Unbelievable pain.  Wonder if this was a man's surgery?  How much of this would be done?

Denise-G

Thanks for posting your story and stories.  I did not have reconstruction 3 years ago because I had a huge tumor and they just had to get it out.  At that time, I definitely thought I would do reconstructive surgery.  I know many women have success stories with surgery.  But I write a breast cancer blog and have heard absolute horror stories from many that have colored my opinion. I've learned to live with one breast... for now, it is the choice for me.  

I am so glad you had relief.

Bettyboops

thanks Denise!

Best,

newyear13

Hello, I wanted to share with everyone interested in getting 3D nipple tattoos that I just had mine done in Seattle by Vyvyn Lazonga (www.madamelazongastatoo.com). I traveled from San Diego for the tattooing. She did an AMAZING job! She is a brilliant artist, and has been doing 3d nipple tattooing for decades. She is also very kind and made me feel so comfortable. Her pricing was very reasonable. Vyvyn's shop is clean and lovely, right in the heart of the Pike's Market.

After spending 7 months recovering from my mastectomy, and 3 more surgeries thereafter, this final process was so special--it was painless and has made me feel like the reconstruction journey is complete because I feel whole again. My friends can't believe how real the tattoos look--I keep looking at them in awe. For anyone who lives in the Seattle area or is willing to make the trip to see Vyvyn is Seattle-- the miles will be well worth it!!

DoggieBytes

...and the pressure continues. Radiation Doc (after informing me too many people want free healthcare :-/. ) Discussed reconstruction with me. I said, not interested at this time. Can't afford it (no I don't want it for "free" I'm totally tapped out from months of unexpected bills AFTER paying thousands in co-pays). I also don't want to deal with more surgery and the inherent risks that come with it.

Anyhoo, after that she tells me my insurance should cover it and that I have a limited window to get it done. Apparently radiation causes a hardening of tissues that make recon more difficult. She was nice about it but very pushy. I told her I'm 95% sure I won't have recon. She said that she was going to talk me into it, with a wink and a smile.

Honestly I was angry. When radiation is done, I might have a few words with the good Doc. (P.s. She's a younger women and very pretty to boot)

Bettyboops

hi Doggiebytes,

Wow, sounds like a well meaning young doc who can't relate to your situation. A wink and "I'll talk you into it " sounds crazy. I did not have rads so maybe someone else can weigh in on that. Having pressure about tissue hardening may be true, I don't know. That may be a mute point depending what you decide.I think that the medical machine is all focused on recon and all the players work toward that end. Stay focused on what you feel will be best for you. Keep us posted.

Best,

DoggieBytes

A young, smart, intelligent, impatient Doc who lacks wisdom on several aspects of life.

glennie19

I have to say I did not care for the doctor's attitude,,,, "i'll talk you into it."      You decide what is best for you.

AmyQ

Such an utter lack of respect "I'll talk you into it" - whatever you decide, it's YOUR decision...not hers. Geez

Amy

Ariom

How dare she! I swear if a Doctor tried that on me, there' would be tears, before bedtime! What a condescending, self important, piece of work she is.

Obviously, your Doctor should be giving you every scrap of information, so you can make the right decision for you. I am not familiar with the radiation differences either. It isn't that I am against reconstruction, just that it would never be a consideration for me and I would be so offended, if any Doctor tried that wink and a nudge, that she'll talk me into it , on me. She'd change my mind for me? I don't think so!.

The only thing that would be changing, would be me, changing Doctors.

Anonymous

My doctor who is very well respected did a very similar thing.  He was disgusted when I chose no recon and has not spoken to me since.  I believe that recon is a huge money maker for doctors.

Ariom

Hey Aug242007, flipping the bird to that Dicktor!

Lucky you, not ever having to talk to him again, I'd sure have a few choice words for him, what an absolute disgrace he is. I am constantly amazed by the childish petulance, of these idiots.

If I hadn't heard so many first hand accounts of this, I would never have believed that there were actually professionals out there, who would actually dare, to try this on, with women when they are at their most vulnerable.

Maybe a name and shame thread for them, would help. One for the ones who get the sulks up, because you don't want to engage them, for boobs you'd rather not have. Another, for the really vindictive ones, who I believe are bordering on criminal. They are the ones, who actually leave skin behind, after surgery, because they actually believe, you really don't know your own mind, or actually, even more insidious, they think, this will force your hand, to do what they want. I feel physically ill, when I read of these ones.

Unfortunately, it is becoming more prevalent, as more women decide they are not defined by their breasts. There should never be any interfearence, by a Doctor, their job is to outline all the options and merely to guide a woman through, never to impose their will, or should I perhaps say, push for a positive financial outcome.

glennie19

You tell 'em, M!!!  We will all do the dance of the Humpy Back Spider on them!!  I got the criminal one, who left excess skin w/o permission, thinking I would have recon.  **well let's wait 6 months and see if you change your mind**

Ariom

Glennie, I know you got that one and it breaks my heart every time I hear of someone who has the same experience. This is one subject that really revs me up and the "Dance of the Humpyback Spider" is exactly, what I would like to do to them!

Who knew, going in for surgery that you'd thought long and hard about, that this could possibly happen? It truly beggars belief!

If nothing else, this thread, when read by women, who are making the decision about recon or no recon, can make sure that they make it crystal clear, exactly what they want and more importantly, what they don't want. Someone mentioned earlier that a simple document outlining the decision not to reconstruct, so a flat and straight incision and chest is the ultimate aim. It is obscene that this even has to be considered, but if that is what it takes, then so be it.

The other thing, I meant to mention, is that a lot of women feel intimidated by these Doctors, this is something that everyone needs to try, to move past, I know it can be hard, but never forget, they work "FOR" you. End of rant!

glennie19

exactly, M!!  Everyone facing this needs to see all sides of the equation, and make the best decision for themselves.

I would still like to get the excess skin removed, but I worry it would flare the LE more,,,, so I haven't looked into it again, at this point. Maybe one day.

AmyQ

Glennie, do you really think removal of excess skin would cause an LE flare? I hope not as I'm hoping to get my implants and the skin removed after meeting with another PS for a second opinion. Gosh, I really really hope this isn't something else to worry about.

Amy

glennie19

I am not sure, Amy,,,, ask about it when you go.  The PS told me it would not be a problem,, but I guess I'm paranoid. Always good to ask, I suppose! 

Ariom

I was pretty nervous about the possibility of LE, too, so I really quizzed my Surgeon, before I had my revision, for the Dog Ear done. I only had the 1 node removed at my Umx and he felt that the chances were really slim, that I would have any issue with LE. Obviously, the more your Lymph system is disrupted, the more chance there is, that you could have a problem with LE. My Surgeon actually explained the surgery I had, as like another Mini Mx, with a 7cm. 3" incision and all the same rules afterward, as my Umx, with no lifting, or stretching for a few weeks.

All you can do is ask the questions and decide what's right for you, when you know what the surgery entails. It is easy for me to say, that it was the best thing I could have done and I wish I had done it earlier, because I had no issues at all, post surgery and the feeling of zapping and zinging cut nerves, was finally gone.

Everything on this journey, is a crap shoot. All the best with your decision AmyQ!

Nomatterwhat

Doggie - I can relate to your story, but stick to your guns.  I told my surgeon to take everything the day of surgery and woke up with "booblets".  She told me she left some skin to do reconstruction with when I changed my mind.  She has encouraged me to do reconstruction every time I see her, because I am "so young" (54), but I have not ever wanted reconstruction.  At my sixth month check up, I told her I was ready for her to fix the problem she left behind and she said NO.  However, she referred me to a PS for a consult.  I will not be returning to her, but I am going to the PS for him to make me flat and if he will not, I will find a PS who will. 

Ariom

Nomatterwhat, I am so sorry this happened to you, too. I have no clue, what these people are thinking, when they take it upon themselves, to completely ignore the wishes of their patients. I wonder if there are any legal cases because of this, I sure hope so!

So, this woman denied you the surgery option you had chosen and then simply refused, to fix her error and refers you to someone else.I assume you have to pay for this, too?

She really deserves to be on the name and shame list, what a moron!

DoggieBytes

One thing I've discovered since the "C" bomb went off in my life is that while most medical professionals I've dealt with have been kind and compassionate, there are a surprising number who aren't.

Thanks for all the supportive comments!! I really appreciate it.

I watched Melissa Gilbert on GMA this morning. While she's not coping with breast cancer she did a good job outlining the downs sides of this elective procedure and how she felt pressured by society and MDs too. Her main warning is "Breast Implants Have an Expiration Date". I did not know this prior to my DX. I found out here on this site. None of the docs ever mentioned it. VERY bad.

Here is Melissa's blog about her journey with elective breast surgery, some comments below from BC patients too.

http://melissasmidlifemusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-tale-of-two-titties.html

glennie19

Nomatterwhat:  I can certainly relate!  Find a PS who will fix it. I went to one who tried to talk me into DIEP but at the end agreed to do whatever I wanted. Just to share what he told me:  >90% of patients like us will need a drain again!  That is so upsetting to me, but apparently it is necessary depending on how much skin there is left.  My best friend said it's like having a mini-mastectomy again. And in a way, it is.  This is not to discourage you from getting rid of your booblets, but just to let you know to not be surprised if you are told that.  But drains will be temporary (again) and then you will be nice and flat.  I was also told that I was so young (54 or 55 at the time) that why didn't I want recon??

Ariom:  Yes, of course, it will cost us more money. We (or our insurance) will have to pay the cost of the PS's time, and the anesthesologist, and the operating room, etc etc.   For me, it would not be so bad, as my insurance is great as long as I go to "my" hospital and "my" doctors (at the hospital that I work for), but I would still resent it!! And the pain and recovery time!!

glennie19

DoggieBytes:  Thanks for posting about Melissa!  I just read that blog post and it was excellent!! 

 I am putting it again at the bottom of my message here.  Just a suggestion:  when you paste a link here,, then put your cursor at the end of the line and hit "enter".  Then it will highlight the link, and you will be able to click on it. 

 

http://melissasmidlifemusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-tale-of-two-titties.html

 

 

AmyQ

I am so counting the days to meet with my new PS. The thought of getting up in the morning and not having to medicate just to get through the day is thrilling.

glennie19

Excellent, Amy.  When is your appt?  In the bag!! 

AmyQ

Glennie, it's Monday February 9th -