No reconstruction- Happy w/your decision?

I don't know where you live bluebird, but I live in Canada and we get pretty cold weather. I've heard from women who can FEEL the coldness of their implants!!! Yikes!!! I've also wondered about the one-step surgery, but how is the implant going to be held in place? The TE's are for that, so how is your surgeon going to make yours stay on the front of your chest and not fall into your pits?

The first winter with my implants, those mothers were COLD!! The following two winters were not so bad. I am finding that after having my implants removed and deconstructed this year that I am feeling the cold again big time! No padding or insulation since I am going form free. Hope it's just another adjustment.



From what I have read, the one step recon uses a "sling" to hold the implant. The sling is usually created using some form of dermal matrix, such as alloderm. This helps avoid the expansion phase, but I believe that smaller implants are used with this process. Each type of implant recon has its own issues, pros and cons.

MaryElizabeth,

I had one MX in March 2011. I feel like I look like a little boy on that side. My LB is small anyways. I encourage you to message the scar and the entire area. Move the skin around with your hand so it does not adhere to the muscle. My physical therapist taught me this procedure and I do it everyday. Those nerve endings will be sensitive for a very long time, like a year or more. The more you message and manipulate the area, the better. Scar tissue is a huge problem and you'll sleep better and be more comfortable in your clothes and if you choose to wear a FB. Also, stretch often. You don't have to stretch for a long time, just stretch as much as you can tolerate. My surgeon had me doing stretching the day after my surgery. Frozen shoulder is no fun, although I did not get one but have heard about it.

 I personally feel recon makes all this harder and I'm glad I did not get recon.

I wish you the very best and know that many of us are right in there with you!

Rianne 

I still get little jabs every now and then and its 3 years on. Still havent had recon and am undecided as to whether I ever will. The prosthetic does a good job and its second nature now. Grab bra, pop prosthetic in and off I go. Admit it was a pain to throw out some of my favorite clothes. Amazing how difficult it is to find tops that dont show at least a minimum of cleavage. Now soon as I find a style that doesnt dip into the cleavage area I buy as many as I can in different colours lol. Dont think any clothes designers have had BC cause the stores sure dont cater for us. Thank god we can get bras & chamisoles designed for our prosthetics.

just wondering about the camisoles form TLC, The one with the lace looks comfy, has anyone tried those yet, thinking about getting some and wear instead of my bras.

Nancy

Thanks Starak I e-mailed  Erica

Nancy

Hi,

I was 40 when diagnosed on 2010 and turned 42 in December 2011.

I was a D cup prior to having a mastectomy.  A mastectomy was recommended and I chose a bilateral (both came off).

Getting through treatment was a priority for me and I chose to get a reconstruction 'later'.
I was scheduled to discuss reconstruction options in November and had chosen to defer any extra surgery for another two years.

After having a recurrence (November 2011) reconstruction is again not a priority for me.

I wear foobs when I remember and have had to adjust my choice of dresses. I must admit that i really miss wearing strapless tops and tastfully low cut tops, but I manage.

For me, living an extra day to see my husband and children is a highlight.

One day I may have a reconstruction - but it is way down my list of priorities.

I do miss my boobies sometimes.  However, I know that my boobs (although asthetically a positive) don't make me.  My beauty and attitude comes from within.  And although he misses them (he is a man after all), my husband loves me exactly as I am.

I hope that helps : )

I am noticing that many of you are recommending massage to prevent the skin from adhereing to the chest wall and reduce the chances of LE.  Was it suggested that you start right away after bandages were removed? I have full ROM of the right side, but my left side remains swollen even after the drains were removed. I have not gotten as much info from the BS as I would have liked.  She just says everyhting looks normal, get fitted in 3 months if I choose and see her in 6 months. I am 6 weeks out from surgery now and still loving being breast-free, but I am not sure what is "normal".

Momine:  Thanks for the info.  I am so ready to get back into my life full throttle with no physical limitations!

Hi All, I met with my PS yesterday to tell him of my decision to removed the remaining TE and forego further reconstruction. I was prepared for him to argue and try to convince me to change my mind. I was pleasantly surprised at his response which was very supportive of my decision. I am scheduled for the surgery 2 weeks from today. I never thought I would be looking forward to deconstructing but I can hardly wait!  

Hi Jane,

I'm glad your PS was understanding and supportive about your decision to remove your TE. It's great that he will do the deconstruction surgery himself since, being a PS, he'll know how to make the surgery site nice and neat. I probably don't need to say this, but if you want a nice flat chest, please make sure he plans to remove all the extra skin and gives you as cosmetically-pleasing a result as possible.

Good luck with the surgery and please let us know how it goes.

Barbara

Hi I just wanted to share some good news. I had an ekg a month ago after having my implants removed this summer. The technician was new and the dr said that the machine shows that i had a heart attack. I then had an echocardiogram and it showed that I did NOT have a heart attack. All this worry could give me one though ! anyway, if anyone gets an echo make sure the technician is experienced in placement of leads with no implants. I wanted to write sooner but unfortunately, my Dad passed away two weeks ago so i am finally back on the computer. Thanks to those who have helped me through all this.!!

Momine: I got myself to the LE this past week.  The therapist took some baseline measurements of my arms as at this point there is no swelling.  She also suggested that I wear a sleeve on both when excercising or when I fly. The other precautions were concerning blood pressures and blood draws along with the general LE stuff of watching out for insect bites, cuts, gardening, etc.  Truth be told I am just so over this...I have bi-lateral edema in my legs from OV surgery 7 years ago and wear compression stockings.  I know it could be much worse and am truly grateful to be here, but the thought of spending more time on self-care is very frustrating...

Hi, Murmist - Sounds like you are on the ball and having your LE addressed ASAP. Excellent! From one lympher to another, I was wondering if you have popped over to the lymphedema forum to get some good info on the treatment of very early LE. Mine wasn't treated with manual drainage or appropriately wrapped and it became worse. Now is the best time to get a jump on halting your LE from progressing. I was wondering if your therapist has you wearing a gauntlet or glove with your sleeves? Please pop in and ask Binney or Kira about appropriate treatment for pre-clinical (non-measurable) arm or trunk LE. They are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I'm sorry you are also dealing with bilateral leg LE after OV surgery. LE stinks!

I have both the lacy ones and the ones from Amoena from TLC. I like the ones from Amoena much better. The pockets are made with a better elastic in front. The ones with the lace seem to sag in front and look sloppy to me. I like the front to look nice and tight. Best of luck my sister in pink.

Shirley