Immediate Tissue Expanders Help

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NannaBaby
NannaBaby Member Posts: 510
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hello Ladies,

I am researching my options for surgery.  I realize that I must be well informed and knowledgeable before I decide anything.  I won't just accept whatever surgery they throw my way.  Ya know what I mean?

I did chemo first, next is surgery, then rads.  I have been told that I can't get tissue expanders in at the same time as my mastectomy.  That I need to wait a year.  The reasons are to avoid complications and prevent delay of rads, which I can appreciate.  But, there are multiple reasons why immediate TEs are best... less anaesthesia, less recovery, less mental trauma from being flat etc. etc. 

I am wondering what most Canadian women do? Especially those who received Rads. Did you get immediate tissue expanders?

I am in Ottawa, and it seems like there are only 2 plastic surgeons in this city that do breast reconstruction! I am wondering if I have to be lobsided for a year because of the shortage of surgeons? Does it need to be a plastic surgeon to insert tissue expanders?

 Thank you :)

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  • piscesdragon
    piscesdragon Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2010

    Hi Nannababy,

    I'm in Ottawa as well. Who is your breast surgeon and do you have a plastic surgeon?

    I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate "one-step silicone implants with Alloderm" at the end of June at QCH. Mind you, I didn't need either chemo or radiation which is why I chose to go this way.

    I didn't want to have any more surgery - the bilat mast happened after two bilateral wide excisions (unclear margins). My bust is now smaller (38B) than it was before (40C) and I've chosen not to have the nipples and areoli reconstructed though I might change my mind down the road.

    Let me know if you want the name of my PS.

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  • DebbieSue
    DebbieSue Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2010

    Hi Nannababy,

    I am faced with the same decisions as you.  I wanted to have immediate reconstruction but was told I would need time to heal from the mastectomy.  This is my second bout of breast cancer and I just wanted to get the TE's done to avoid more surgery later on etc.  I wish I had been able to do what piscesdragon did.  I wouldn't be facing who knows how many other surgeries and procedures in the upcoming year.  My first bout was 11 years ago and I was really disappointed when my choices were the same as they were back then.  I had hoped to have better access to plastic surgery at the same time as my mastectomy.  I am so underwhelmed by the lack of advancements in Canada or maybe it's just Ottawa, since we don't have any plastic surgeons available to do the plastics part of the surgery. 

    I've heard horror stories about the plastic surgeons that are available to us.  I'm thinking of travelling to Toronto or Winnipeg for the recon part. 

    I'm sorry you're going through this at such a young age.  I hope you have lots of support.  Take care.

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