Reconstruction Concerns

Karagina

Hello

Iam scheduled August 2017 for DieFlap Surgery Iam a bit scared as I had prior tissue expanders a year ago and the left breast after the 4 th fill got infected . I contracted Cellulitis in the left breast which I had a bilateral masectomy . While I was in the hospital I also had contracted MRSA needless to say I was not a happy camper ! After 7 days of antibiotics I finally went home !

I had both expanders surgically removed my choice . After the let down , now a year later Im feeling strong mentally and Physically. I honestly Not happy being flat ! At the same time Iam scared about what if I get a staph Infection again ? I have talked over my concerns with my plastic Surgeon he said we will swab your nose before to make sure you are not a carrier .

He thinks I should have no problem and he did go over the risk which Im well aware of .

Ive had breast cancer 2 times the first time I was only 33 yrs old had a lumpectomy and radiation after 18 years the beast returned same breast different kind of cancer . Naturally I opted for Masectomy/Chemo , now I really need some advice on this procedure. I am a very strong person but now Im 49 and thinking Should I just be flat ? I have the prosthetics and I hate them !

Any advice would be appreciated Im driving myself insane with this ! Thank you

Alli

what an ordeal you have been through. Is it possible to attempt implant reconstruction again ?

I had implant recon after bmx. I had BC 10 yrs ago and had lump +rads. Had recurrence this time in same rads breast. Had direct to implant 2 weeks after bmx. Have smaller implants than I wanted but the rads skin was not too stretchy. Lost the left nipple.

If this did not work then plan B was lat flap on rads side and implant of good side. Also likely implant under the lat flap. Don't know if this is an option for you. Do they think the previous rads if the culprit in causing the problems?

DIEP is such a big surgery and not something I was interested in. A lot of girls do it and are very happy in the long run.

Best wishes to you as you try to make a final plan