double mastectomy question

shanarose

Hi everyone,

I am just curious if anyone has had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the Kaiser Permanente plan in California. I am looking for personal experience using this healthcare system. Also, I was told that I was going to be sent home on the same day as the procedure. Is this typical? If you were sent home on the same day, did that go well?

Moderators

Hi shanarose and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

We're so sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us! You're sure to find our Community an amazing source of information, advice, encouragement, and support -- we're all here for you!

While you wait for the ever-helpful insight from our other wonderful members, we'd suggest you use our Search function at the top of your screen or in the navigation bar at the left of your screen with the keywords "Kaiser Permanente" to see other posts members have made in reference to this plan.

We hope this helps and that you get some answers soon! Best of luck with your surgery!

--The Mods

exbrnxgrl

shanarose,

I am a Kaiser patient in Northern CA. My surgery was 9 years ago. I had a bilateral mastectomy (bmx) and one step implants (no expanders) . Years ago, most patients stayed one or two nights but I understand that this is no longer the case at many hospitals, not just Kaiser. Most people are much more comfortable recovering at home unless you have circumstances that make an overnight stay necessary. I continue to get all of my care at the same Kaiser facility and nothing but praise for how my bc has been handled. Do make sure you have someone to help you out when you get home but avoiding hospital stays is better for your recovery. Please feel free to ask me any questions and good luck to you

MikaMika

Hello,

I am not a Kaiser patient, but I had my BMX + tissue expanders placement in Northern California one year ago. My surgery started at 7am, it took 4-5 hours, and I was released to go home at noon next day. I was 38 y.o. at that time, otherwise very healthy and strong. I was doing great just after the surgery, but I had some complications at night, e.g. very low blood pressure. I am glad that I was close to medical professionals. As I remember, they wanted to be sure, that I could stand, walk a little bit and pee without a catheter. I have never heard that people after BMX are sent home at the same day.

hnsquared

I had a bilateral mastectomy and direct to implant reconstruction 9/21. The plan was outpatient surgery. I had low blood pressure and low oxygen after surgery so I stayed 23 hours which is extended outpatient. I would say most of the people I know that have been through this recently regardless of insurance or location in the country have had this as outpatient surgery. They say recovery is better at home and there is a higher risk of infection in the hospital. I hope everything goes well for you

shanarose

Thank you for sharing! That is comforting.

Cutie

Hi,

I live in bay area. Had bilateral mastectomy last year. Before I made procedures, I went to see 3 surgeons , 1 from stanford Dr. Fred Dirbas who said would take 6+ hours, 1 from UCSF professor said 4 hrs and would do what she wanted, 1 from Sutter in San Francisco Dr. Nima Grissom who was very patient and experienced. I chose Dr. Grissom. I got her info from this board people shared their experience and am thankful for that. Now is my turn. Dr. Grissom took 1.5 hr to do BMX and I don't have drain bags which was very nice. She told me based on my breast structure, she decided not to put it when I woke up. I felt very thankful too. After surgery, she too care too. I stayed in hospital 1 night. It was helpful because nurses could help me when I wanted to use restroom etc. And helped pain relief. I suggest to stay overnight. Based on my experience, Dr. Grissom is the best doctor I have ever seen. She even gave her cell phone number to her patients and responded right away. I felt that she is working for people not for $. Other 2 surgeons would not see their patients after surgery.

Good luck. You should be fine.