Nipple sparing mast / one stage recon AlloDerm

BRCA1
BRCA1 Member Posts: 78
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hi, I am going to participate in study by Dr. Zhong (Princess Margaret Hospital) hoping that I can get "the coin flipped" to my favor, so I can have one stage recon with AlloDeerm. My plan "B" is Dr. Mitchell Brown, who performs one stage recon with AlloDerm.

I am waiting for app with both Drs. Since I have healthy breast...for now, AlloDerm is the only option for me which I am comfortable with.

Anybody else on the board participating in study or had experience with Dr. Brown (I believe, if he is the one to perform recon it will not be covered by OHIP , it will be considered as plastic surgery, not sure yet) ?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • piscesdragon
    piscesdragon Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2010

    I haven't had any experience with either doctor since I'm in Ottawa but I did have bilat mast with one-step recon with Alloderm at the end of June. Unfortunately, my bmx was not nipple-sparing.

    If you have any questions regarding the procedure and outcome, let me know.

    I have no idea if you'd be covered by OHIP or not since your procedure would probably be considered "elective". I was covered because I had cancer in both breasts.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • piscesdragon
    piscesdragon Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2010

    I haven't had any experience with either doctor since I'm in Ottawa but I did have bilat mast with one-step recon with Alloderm at the end of June. Unfortunately, my bmx was not nipple-sparing.

    If you have any questions regarding the procedure and outcome, let me know.

    I have no idea if you'd be covered by OHIP or not since your procedure would probably be considered "elective". I was covered because I had cancer in both breasts.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited September 2010

    BCRA1 -- Dr. Brown has privileges at Sunnybrook, Women's College and North York General. Since you are BCRA1, the surgery might be able to be classified as preventive and OHIP might cover it. You can check his creds at www.cpso.on.ca  

    He has an excellent reputation, BTWSmile.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BRCA1
    BRCA1 Member Posts: 78
    edited September 2010

    Thank you for replies girls! Saw my family Dr yesterday, referrals sent to Dr. Zhong, Dr. Brown and breast surgeon at Women's CollegeSmile! All I need to do is wait now and hope that it's not gonna be too late (my yearly mammo is next week).

    Lindasa, I hope it will be covered by OHIP...

    I am wondering how long the wait is for consultation and surgery will be. Half a year or more?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited September 2010

    BRCA1 -- The referral to a surgeon at Women's College might be Dr. John Semple.  He is also an EXCELLENT plastic surgeon, specializing in breast reconstruction.  And yes, the waiting period for a consult will probably be a few months, and then a longer wait for the surgery since it's elective. 

    As for OHIP, one would think that preventive surgery costs far, far less than BC treatment down the road...... so that it should be covered.  Unfortunately, sometimes those making the decisions don't think long-term.....

    Good luck!   Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cat123
    Cat123 Member Posts: 296
    edited October 2010

    Hi BRCA1,

    I just met with Dr Mitchell Brown this afternoon!  My situation from yours is a bit different.  I have idc in my left breast.  I wanted to be part of the Alloderm trial but I can't be BUT...Dr Mitchell is still going to use Alloderm plus a tissue expander for the best outcome.  He was really great and has loads of experience.  I think it sounds like you are a great candidate for the Alloderm study.  You might want to contact Kate Butler who is the research co-ordinator for the study...she is amazing.  Talk to her and she will fast track you into applying for the study.  I think this is something you should really look into.  Just google Toronto Alloderm study and Kate's email and phone number will pop up.  Good luck and I believe you will really like Dr. Brown.

    Hugs to you,

    Cat 123

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BRCA1
    BRCA1 Member Posts: 78
    edited October 2010

    Thank you Cat123 and good luck to you as well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Finnigan06
    Finnigan06 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2011

    Hey everyone who has posted here.  I am considering to take part in the Alloderm Study.  I have already contacted Kate Butler and I'm just waiting for my doc to send in a referral.  I just wanted to know if any of you did go ahead with the alloderm reconstruction??  If so, any comments are truly appreciated.  I am BRCA1+ and a young mother of 2 boys.  I am really hoping  that I might be a candidate for the one-stage surgery.  Thanks so much as this is truly amazing to hear of others experiences!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories