Reconstructive Surgery & Women of Color?

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cece42
cece42 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer

Ladies,

Happy New Year to you and yours, and thank you so much for the inspiration and strength I have already gained from your posted messages.  I received my BC diagnosis last month and am having to decide between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy.  The size of my lump relative to the size of my breast makes me a tough lumpectomy candidate and, for all the other reasons women choose to have a mastectomy, I am leaning that way, though it is a really painful choice.  Is there anything specific to women of color and reconstructive surgery that I should raise with the surgeon or can anyone share any post-surgical experience with issues with like keloids or scarring that I should be aware of, particularly after the flap procedures?  Though there is so much great information available on this site and elsewhere, I just wasn't sure if there were some issues specific to women of color when it comes to surgery and treatment.  

Peace and blessings,

Cece42 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2009

    Hi, CeCe and welcome. Sorry you had to find us, but glad we were able to offer you something on your journey - even if it was only a bit of inspiration!

    I've had all the surgeries you mentioned: lumpectomy, mastectomy and flap surgery, so I guess I can answer some of your questions. I'd had 9 lumpectomies before my diagnosis and all the scars were flat and non-keloid. Same with the mastectomies (I had a bilateral), but some of my scars from my IGAP are a little raised - on both my chest and my butt (the donor site). Could have also been the nature of the surgery (moving tissue from one place to another). I did have issues with radiation, though. My skin did not handle it well and eventually I lost one of my implants because the skin wouldn't stay closed (thus, the IGAP). 

    You know how your skin reacts to trauma better than anyone. I suggest you talk over your concerns with your PS and breast surgeon - especially if you are subject to keloids. All the best to you...

    BTW, what type of flap are you looking into? 

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited January 2009

    Thought my good friends story might help you:

    http://breastreconstruction.org/Monika.html

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  • cece42
    cece42 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2009

    Felicia, thank you for sharing your own journey.  I honestly cannot fathom the amount of strength and endurance you needed to go back so many times for surgery.  Today I met with a plastic surgeon for the first time to discuss specific surgical options, and we are looking at a latissimus flap with a small implant.  It appears that I am outwardly a good candidate for a TRAM, but due to a prior extensive fibroid surgery and a subsequent C-section, we have some concerns about whether that is as viable an option as the other.  I also have a toddler at home, and I have been worried about the abdominal options and the longer recovery (though I could certainly use a tummy tuck).  My breasts are relatively small, so harvesting the latissimus is a really encouraging option for me.  I saw photos today in the doctor's office and was amazed to see the reconstructive options available now.

    This might be a total coincidence and hopefully not rude or intrusive, but if you are the Felicia featured in the New York Times piece, you should know that your story moved and encouraged both my husband and I and gave me profound hope and guidance at exactly the right time.  You will never know just how much that picture translates into not just surviving cancer, but kicking it's *ss.    

    Be well,

    CeCe 

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  • cece42
    cece42 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2009

    Beth, 

    Thanks so much for sharing Monika's success story with me.  Because she and I are about the same complexion, the pictures really helped me understand what I might look like throughout the process and I am incredibly encouraged by her results.  I was saddened to read the extent to which she had to push toward her ultimate diagnosis, but it only confirms that we usually know our own bodies best.  Please thank her for sharing and let her know that she helped me get closer to understanding what my healing will entail.  My thanks to you again, Beth, for seeing my message and responding.  

    Take good care,

    CeCe 

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited January 2009

    She's actually been finished with her nipples and her scars have faded a lot. I'm sure I can put you in touch if you want. Just keep me posted.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2009

    CeCe, my first biopsy was when I was only 16. I had to have lumps remeoved every couple of years since - the last in September 04. Calcifications under the lump were malignant and I opted for the bilateral (my mom died of BC in '92). Didn't seem like so much while the surgeries were being planned, but looking back, I probably should have bought stock in a company that makes the drugs for anesthesia, lol...

    And yep, I'm the Felicia from the NYT article. Makes me happy to hear it was helpful to you and your hubby Smile

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  • cece42
    cece42 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2009

    Felicia, I'm so very sorry to hear that you lost your Mom to BC and that your own BC path began so young.  Thank you for keeping up the fight and for not yet tiring of sharing for the benefit of those of us who just landed in this wilderness.  I'm sure your NYT story and that great photo helped hundreds more women that may never get a chance to thank you as I'm doing, so allow me to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU and YOU GO GIRL on our collective behalf!

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  • cece42
    cece42 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2009

    Beth, thanks so much.  I am praying for similar good results down the road!

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