TE Placement after Rads for delayed Unilateral Reconstruction

damazon

Surgery four days ago and I woke up with a breast mound (100cc) after TE placement for the first time after four years. Happy! Drain (right radiated mastectomy side) is being pulled today (less than 30cc two days running). I look great and feel pretty good (do take tremacet as prescribed). PS made a new incision below inframmatory, a little lower than one he might make on a non-radiated breast. He said wound dehiscence always a concern with radiation. I can't see the new scar and my old scars from mastectomy are fully healed after four years.

Do I wish I did this years ago. Not really. It is a process. It took me one year to discover Amoena attachable prosthesis and another year to figure out the perfect sizing. I learned that wearing a prothesis was not really a problem but having had a breast reduction and lift a year and a half on other side made wearing and matching one side so much easier. Also, having feeling in one breast made life equal to the old life except for (me) the embarrassment of losing a breast.

I chose to ignore my embarrassment and bought next size up padded uplift bras and wore them with pride. I joined a gym. I sought out a new part-time career as an actor/extra in local TV commercials and movies. I am successful. Unfortunately I sometimes have to change with other women but I keep my panties and sports bra or black uplift bra on (which hides my prosthesis) and never talk about cancer with those at the gym or on set. I always fear my prosthesis will be seen. So I heard about fat grafting and went to see a PS. He told me my skin had healed well and he would attempt a breast reconstruction by implant. He told me there is a good chance that I might get a good result.

I realize that wound dehiscence, capsular contraction, infection may be in my future but I have to say the operation was relatively a breeze (with only one breast to heal) and the sense of accomplishment seeing a breast mound (amazon warrior) attesting to my fight against cancer provided pure joy.

ual0307

damazon,

I am so excited for you. You must feel energized...and dare I say close to whole. I can imagine all of the decisions you have had to make and they must feel so great.

Best wishes to you!

damazon

Thanks ual0307! I do feel really energized! Happier and more positive about the future than I thought was possible. All the best to you too in 2016!!