implant failed and now it's time for a prosthesis

angeljoy · December 2008

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here, although I have been reading here for "research purposes" for a few weeks. I had bilateral mastectomies in Nov. 07 and had reconstruction with implants. The implants were placed in August. The left one has been fine, but the right one is the side where the cancer was and where I had radiation, and just my luck, that one has been nothing but trouble. First it was a bacterial infection, next I was getting pretty bad contracture, and then I started having skin issues and extrusion. So I had to have the implant removed yesterday. I'm OK with it, I've known it was a possibility for a couple of months now, and I've been reading here and at breastfree.org to get an idea of what living with no reconstruction on one side would be like.

But now I'm at a loss. I could really use some advice. How long do I wait before I get fitted? Where do I go? What do I wear in the meantime? Today, I tried a puff in my surgical bra and it seems fine, but certainly not for the long haul. What do I wear to the gym until I get a prosthesis? So many questions. I'd appreciate any advice you could give me.

Thanks, Angela

sandy_simpson · December 2008

Hi Angela!

I chose not to have reconstruction, did not want any more surgery. Had a mastectomy on one side and so I wear a prosthesis. It is not a big deal at all. I pop that thing in my bra and off I go. It is comfortable and I never notice it in there. I go to Nordstrom's in San Diego. They have good fitting bras and insurance will cover it for me.

You are smart not to try to have any reconstruction. Get a fake boob and a good bra and enjoy life! Just stuff that old bra with something until you get the new one. Most of all don't let it get you down. My motto-Life is more than hair, housework and boobs! We are survivors and we don't focus on these silly things.

I am a believer in Jesus and I focus on the joy in my heart and the life I have been given!

Blessings to you!

Sandy

Binney4 · December 2008

Hi, Angela,

I'm really sorry you've been forced into this decision, but you sound like you're already rebounding from the (major!) disappointment, not to mention the trauma of the past several months.

You're right, the puffy isn't going to get it for the long haul. Most surgeons seem to tell their patients to wait about six weeks, so all the post-surgical swelling is down before you get fitted. I rushed it and got my first prosthesis at three weeks and didn't have any problems with that, but of course we're all different. Your skin has definitely been abused since August and may need longer to recover. Until then the puffy worked fine for me for everything, even exercise. Or I put the puffy aside and used nothing -- just depends on your comfort level. People are more understanding than we sometimes give them credit for, as long as we're willing not to take offense easily.

I called my insurance company and asked them where I could go for prostheses and bras, since if you want them covered you'll have to go where they're contracted. There was a choice (thankfully!) and I chose a medical supply fitter rather than a boutique just because I wasn't up for cutesy or fussy feminine. I just wanted efficient and well-stocked, and for me that worked well. My fitter was a darling who took very good care of me and really knew her products. It does seem from reading here that most of the gals prefer the bountique approach, so it's great that the option exists. I did try a boutique at one point and ended up in tears -- I think it's really very individual.

I guess what I'm trying to convey is that there's no rush -- give yourself time to heal and also to think through what you want. As Sandy says, using a prosthesis really does let you get on with your life simply and enjoyably, but that first fitting is stressful, and you need to have your feet under you enough to be able to stand up for yourself and not be "bullied" into taking something you don't want. Look over the prosthesis reviews at breastfree.org, and if you want to try one your fitter doesn't have, it can't hurt to ask her to order one for you to try. It helped me to take my daughter (who's also my best friend) along. She's more objective than I am, has a good eye for these things, and kept me on course. We also went out afterward and enjoyed a treat together -- dripping with chocolate, of course! That part I definitely recommend!

It'll be good, Angela -- thanks for posting here and adding your bright spirit to our discussion!

Be well,
Binney

anianiau · December 2008

Hi, Angela. From what I've read on this site in the research forum, failure rate for implants after radiation runs about 33%. I'm not a good candidate for immediate reconstruction, so I am especially interested in hearing about the experiences of others. I wish you luck with finding something that will work for you. How sensible you are about planning to get back to the gym!

Binney4 has a good point about insurance reimbursement. But there are other options if you don't like what they have. You already know about www.breastfree.org so you can check some of their recommendations. I am especially intrigued by the knit bits--knitted prostheses you can make yourself. That site also mentioned brands of prostheses that I'd never heard of, but which look worth checking into. For an inexpensive mastectomy bra (and they only carry one!) check out www.barenecessities.com --their shipping is priced well, and they carry the very best lingerie washing bags I've ever had. They carry several styles of washing bags, all with fine mesh that is somehow study & doesn't catch the bras' hooks, and most are at incredibly reasonable prices.

I don't plan on having reconstruction immediately--if ever. The information on Breastfree.org helped me arrive and become comfortable with the decision to heal first. My bilateral mastectomies with SNB are tomorrow. As Sandy said above, life is more than hair, boobs & housework.

Aloha to all,

Jean

Jellydonut · December 2008

Hi Angela,

Gosh, you're dealing with a lot.

I also went through my insurance company and found a local place with a certified mastectomy fitter. She was great! At about $300.00 for each foob (fake boob) that's a lot of money to pay out of pocket. My insurance covered the entire cost. In fact, it's been two years and I went back there last week and got a "new set of foobs"!! Every two years they are covered and four bras per year are covered.

I highly suggest a certified fitter if you can find one in your area.

I'm sorry you've had these added problems and hope that your fitting goes well and you're happy with your foob.

Jelly

SusaninSF · December 2008

Angela,

Sorry to hear about your failed reconstruction. I had a failed reconstruction with implant as well. You seem to have a positive, constructive attitude about it.

I found that once I had the implant removed I healed pretty quickly but you should wait until you are completely healed before going in for a fitting. I had a great experience going to Nordstroms but I don't know if you live near one. The women are very well trained and they also know a lot about bra fitting which can really help. When you wear a prosthesis it's even more important that you wear a bra that fits correctly. I found I had gone through most of my life wearing the wrong bra size.

Hopefully, you find, as I did, that wearing a prosthesis is more comfortable and natural feeling than an implant. I think that the prosthesis also looks more natural. It moves more like a natural breast. My implant sat on my chest like a softball and really looked funny when I did things like back bends in yoga.

Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more.

Hugs, Susan

angeljoy · December 2008

Thanks everyone for your advice and support! The encouragement really helps. I have been using a puff in my bra and I ordered an Amoena leisure form that I hope will help me get by until I'm healed enough for a fitting. From what you've all told me, that should be in mid-January. That's good I guess. The holidays will be over and I'll be able to concentrate on what I want and need. There is a Nordstrom close by, but our insurance is changing on Jan 1. so if my new insurance will cover it I will probably go there.

One thing I've been surprised and dismayed by so far is how my chest looks. I didn't expect to be concave, but it looks like I'm going to be. I also expected things to be a little more neat-looking. I asked my PS to make it look as good as possible. Hard to believe this is the best he could do. He also did a little work on the implant on the other side, removing some excess skin, and it doesn't look as good as I had hoped either. I'm trying not to be too disappointed. I know it's early, so maybe things will change a bit as time goes on.

Jean, I've been thinking of you...good luck with your bilaterals. I hope your recovery is quick and easy!

Susan, I just may PM you...i just have to figure out how!

Best to all of you, Angela

implant failed and now it's time for a prosthesis

Comments

Categories