Delayed Unilateral Reconstruction

Anonymous

Delayed Unilateral Reconstruction

damazon

Hi everybody,

Really need to hear experiences and/or tribulations regarding moving forward with reconstruction after mastectomy and after any or all treatment (chemo/radiation/prescription). I have signed up for reconstruction after four plus years with a ps well known for his abilities of reconstruction, particularly DIEP. However, I am going for implant as he tells me I have a 75-85% chance of success, whereas, almost five years ago, he said forget implant due to my course of radiation; forget DIEP due to not quite enough body fat, and SGAP would work but I would have to travel outside my city to achieve. However, my skin has healed and I still have my inframmatory fold preserved and I am in good health.

So I am now waiting for a surgical date for implant reconstruction on the one breast. Should be soon. He suggests that it might be likely that will need a small implant in other breast to match. He says that will be determined after 3 to 6 months with an expander operation.

Great! But I am already wondering if I should back out. Why, because I am scared. I have adjusted to the stick-on breast. I go to work, go to the gym, and by husband loves me any way I am. But I do not totally like myself. I have mammary memories.

Nonetheless, I have committed to move forward. But what if I could look worse (and I do not look bad, just look like an amazon with a very long light scar instead of my right breast. If I stretch my breast by expander and it does not work out how will my chest look. I know, few will ever see me, but I see myself everyday and I am concerned.

Erica3681

I really sympathize with your dilemma. I had a lot of the same concerns when I first was told I needed a mastectomy. I wound up having a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction. But I really considered reconstruction seriously. In the end, I decided that I would be so depressed if the reconstruction didn't turn out well that I preferred to have a flat chest.

Since my mastectomy (in 2006), I've had moments when I've thought about having delayed reconstruction, but have decided against it for several reasons. First, that old anxiety that it wouldn't turn out well and I'd really regret it. Second, a concern (like yours) that if it didn't work out I'd wind up with my ribs compressed and a more concave appearance. This is a realistic concern. And third, I appreciate that, like you, in clothes I look as if I have breasts, I'm pain-free and comfortable, I'm able to exercise without any limitations, and my husband loves me just as I am.

Still, if your feeling of not liking yourself is strong enough, that might override a lot of hesitation. I hope that whatever you decide, it works out great. Wish we had a crystal ball sometimes...

damazon

Thanks Erica! Really appreciate your post. I have made a new appointment with my PS to talk about the upcoming operation. I saw an explantation of implant picture the other day and it really bothered me. I have made an appointment with my PS. He's great. He is getting me in November 14th to answer any new questions, and to explore Brava Fat transfer again. It seems to me that if the Brava system did not work well I would not ever look worse. I assume I would, at the very least, have a better looking patch. Maybe not. I hope to find out.

damazon

I am scheduled for implant surgery December 14th, yeah! First will be an expander placement on the right radiated mastectomy side. A new incision will be made underneath the mastectomy scar. My surgeon is well respected so I am hoping for a good result.

Unfortunately if it does not work out I will probably look worse for wear. Well at least I know and willing to venture.

Wish me luck, 3 in 4 it does work out. That is 75%. Better than my stats of surviving cancer (67%).

Loveroflife

Best wishes to you. I had unilateral delayed recon (did not have radiation or chemo) and so far the only complication I have is spasm in my deltoid muscle on the MX side. I don't scar very well so it could be from that. Trying to do stretch excercises given to me by my PT Btw, I am 6 mons out.