Immediate Reconstrunction

theBCavenger · November 2011

It took a long time to get my diagnosis, thanks to my Primary Care Physician... After biopsy, I was told I had early stages, very easy to deal with. Once the MRI finally got approved the results changed. 2 additional tumors were found, that were missed by the two recent mammagrams, and they tell me that it has gone to my lymph nodes, upgrading me to stage 3. I have elected to have a double mast, as I am the mother of two beautiful girls, and I do not want to go through this again!

I have still yet to meet with an oncologist, (insurance denied the first request) my surgeon got the second approved right away. Have meeting planned for next week. I also have yet to hear if I am hormone receptive.

I was told by my surgeon that I can have immediate reconstruction, which is great because I do not know if I would elect to have another surgery later (I hate being put under). I now feel under the gun to make the decision if I want implants. I do not want something that will need to be repaired later and from what i have been reading, the gummies are a little hard. This is a lot to go through all at once.

Although it has been fun to joke with my friends about getting nice perky boobs to replace my gravity stricken old sick ones... the reality is, I did not ask for cancer and I never planned on having cosmetic enhancement. I know you all understand exactly what I am saying!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful they caught my cancer. I am thankful for my supportive family, and I am thankful for this wonderful forum, which on the sleepless nights, gives me the knowing of being not alone!

SpunkyGirl · November 2011

I had immediate reconstruction, and everything worked out fine, so if you can do that, great! I wish you good luck with your surgery and this journey. I'd be happy to answer any questions that you might have, but it sounds like you are early in the process right now...

NancyD · November 2011

I felt so overwhelmed at first that I decided not to have reconstruction right away. Another surgery didn't bother me, but picking the right method of recon, and the right plastic surgeon, was very important for me. Even though I had neo-adjuvant chemo, which gave me plenty of time to do research, it only made me more sure of the kind of recon I wanted (DIEP flaps), and that there wasn't any plastic surgeon in my immediate area that did those. So I waited about a year and half after my BMX to have my recon.

If it is the whole surgical experience (anesthesia, hospital stay, etc.) that bothers you, I can understand getting both over at the same time, but do more research on the other recon methods besides implants if you feel uneasy about them.

bdavis · November 2011

I am like NancyD... I had time during chemo to research and I chose DIEP also... using the abdominal fat. The advantages of DIEP are:

once you are done with surgery (2) there is no more revision needed vs implants have multiple fills after initial surgery, then an exchange surgery, then replacements every 10 years
Using your own fat, your breasts are warm and soft
You benefit from a tummy tuck (silver lining)

But this is microsurgery... So even though I live in NJ, near NYC and Philly, I chose to go to New Orleans where the best DIEP doctors in the world are... AND if you are not a candidate for DIEP due to not having enough fat, they have alternatives... This is what happened to me. In the end, they used my hip fat (butt) and ab fat... The second surgery shapes the fat and they lipo the love handles etc to contour your body.

Check out their website at www.breastcenter.com and follow the thread NOLA in September... The surgeons are artists, and I am amazed with their work... In July, I had my BMX and first reconstructve surgery... today I have two beautifully shaped breasts and hopefully will never need another surgery...

Had I gone with implants, I would not be able to say that.. and many women, not all, will complain of pain from implants, and ultimately choose to have them removed and have DIEP... and don't be confused by DIEP and TRAM... TRAM takes muscle... Only the best surgeons will guarantee that they won't take muscle.

I would read the different threads and meet some plastic surgeons... and submit photos to long distance doctors and see what thye have to say.

theBCavenger · November 2011

Thank you all. I will look into it. I was under the impression that I do not carry enough body fat for this, but now I am intrigued!

jennyboog · November 2011

I was feeling overwhelmed at the beginning also and chose no recon so, I have no advice but I wish all the best in your journey. We're here as you go from phase to phase so come here often. Sending you hugs.

theBCavenger · November 2011

Jennyboog - I love the quote you have re: being sheltered from dangers, but fearless in facing them. I pray for that too:)

Snobird · November 2011

If you have to have radition treatments it is best to wait and do reconstruction 6 months after you treatments are done. If you are not going to do rads then you should seriously look into DIEP or SGAP flap techniques. Once and Done! I am 1 week post Diep stage 2 and almost 1 year Diep Stage 1 for BMX. It is a tough surgery to recover from but the results are truly amazing. Please find the proper surgical team to perform this surgery. If your cancer is not located to close to the nipple you can most like get a nipple sparing surgery which will give you the result that basically gives you back your own breasts. The incision is usually under the mammary fold and virtually undetectable. I was unable to have nipple sparing due to the location of my cancer but I would have if it was the right thing for me. Do not be afraid of traveling to get the surgery you need it is very doable. Diep 2011 thread and Nola thread are good resources and oyhers there from you area can suggest surgeons to work with.

Immediate Reconstrunction

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