Breast Reconstruction - Alabama

callipygian

Hi there -

Just joined this website, so if I am posting in the wrong way, I'm sorry.

I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and am going to have to have a mastectomy. I am researching reconstruction options. I live in Huntsville, AL, and the plastic surgeons here seem to just do a lot of implants which I do not want. I'm 40, I don't want to have to replace them, and my body historically doesn't do well with foreign objects.

I have BC/BS -- the nearest surgeon who does the DIEP flap is Dr. Jobe Fix, and I was considering consulting with him but I wanted to get some feedback. Everything posted about him is from 8-9 years ago, and wondered if anyone has and current feedback? I mean, after a while they have to get shaky hands, right? lol

If he did your DIEP - how far post op are you? How did he control pain? What do your breasts look like? Did they save your nipples? Did he also re-attach nerves? What complications did you have? How long were you off of work?

I was interested in the group in NOLA, but they are not under my insurance. I also considered getting the mastectomy, waiting until next year when I can change my insurance, and going to see them for re-construction. Input on that would be great too.

Any recommendations for plastic surgeons who can do the nerve reconstruction if Dr. Fix can't would be welcome as well -- I am looking at Nashville and Atlanta too.

So much to think about..

Thanks in advance!

Moderators

callipygian, welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry for what brings you here, but glad you've found us!

Yes, it's true there's so much to think about right now, but it will get better! Hopefully someone who knows this doctor comes along to give you some advice. In the mean time, you may want to ask/join also the 2018 DIEP Surgery thread.

Best wishes,

The Mods

conscorner

It is good to research before making these important decisions. I made an emotional decision because I wanted to get it over with quickly, They used my lat muscles and silicone implants. I wouldn't recommend using the lat muscles at all. As far as the implants, one needed to be replaced early on, since then I haven't had any problems at all. That was about 10 years ago. Everything looks fine in clothes. I do have a friend that opted not to do any reconstruction. She only lost one breast. She uses some kind of prosthesis in her bra. She just didn't want anything artificial. She's happy with her choice. In hindsight, I would have done the tissue expanders, but reading this site has made me wonder if that would have been the right choice. You know yourself and take your time deciding. You seem to be doing the right thing by asking questions and researching. All the best to you!

Runrcrb

callipygian,

I can’t speak to the specific surgeon. I can offer advice. My breast surgeon recommended double mastectomy and implants. I wanted to pursue DIEP and found a plastic surgeon through the first plastic surgeon i saw who doesn’t do DIEP.

Schedule an appointment with the DIEP surgeon. You’ll know through that consultation if it’s some one you want to work with. Do not work with a surgeon who you feel doesn’t listen to your concerns and needs.

Also don’t rush to reconstruction without knowing your full treatment plan. I had a tissue expander placed mastectomy and did reconstruction 15 months later. My PS didn’t want to do reconstruction of any kind until after I’d healed from radiation. Radiation took a toll on my breast.

I know I wouldn’t have been happy with implants. Taking a full two years for treatment and reconstruction was worth it for me.

Private message me if you want more information or pictures.

Kanona7795

callipygian,

I just had the DIEP reconstruction surgery on Feb 1, 2019 and Dr. Fix is my surgeon. I absolutely love him!! I had a bilateral mastectomy with delayed reconstruction on Oct 17, 3018 and Dr. Fix put in expanders then. I did have a few complications with my skin and Dr. Fix and his team were on top of it. He is a sweet and caring person who I feel listened to me and answered all my questions. He was happy I had done research going in to our consultation and had a clear view of what I wanted. He never tried to push implants or DIEP on me but hedid think I was a better candidate for DIEP. I'm 41 with 3 kids and have already had implants so I was happy with the change. Now I'm almost 3 weeks into recovery and it sucks but I'm sure in the end I will be satisfied. I'm looking forward to my revision surgery next

callipygian

Thanks just a bit overwhelmed right now.

callipygian

conscorner --

Thank you so much - if anything my constant ocd-ness has taught me.. it's that i want what i want damnit If I have to choose between not getting it and just no reconstruction, so be it. Thanks for the input! Glad to know she was okay with doing that.

callipygian

@runcrb

I am hope hope hoping that I don't have to do radiation, but I guess if that's what happens once they get in there, It'll be what has to be done. I'm glad you came out on the other side!

just for clarity - the only reason you had the tissue expander with diep was due to the delay, correct?

callipygian

Hey! do you mind if I PM you?

Runrcrb

yes i had tissue expander at mastectomy knowing Id have DIEP later.

Kissy72

Hi callipygian,

I am in Birmingham and Dr. Fix is my plastic surgeon as well. I think he is fantastic and is very caring and considerate of what the patient desires. I actually just came form my appointment with him. I was diagnosed in 9/18 and had unilateral masectomy on 12/18. Icurrently have a tissue expander. We are planning on exchange to implant and I am trying to decide whether to do anything on the healthy side for symmetry. I am not a candidate for DIEP, however, if I we're considering it, I would talk to NOLA as well. I think Dr. Fix is the best in Alabama.