Still Uncomfortable with Implants

Kate ---sorry I use medical terminology and forget everyone doesn't know the words. But we do know B9----so, Brain tumor B9 and removed--very happy with that.

You're right about the silicone. Silicone is the package that either is filled with silicone gel or with saline. The biggest difference between the two is because the silicone filled implants are completely filled to stated amount in the factory , you won't have a rippling effect. With saline implants, they are filled with some saline during original placement during surgery and then during "fills" at PS office over a period of time. But that filling over time stops at a point. The silicone package of the saline implant then may not be completely full. Thus the rippling effect is visible. It can be corrected. I have chosen at this stage of my life not to have it corrected b/c I got through the 4 surgeries and all the fills without any infection. It's more important to me now, to  avoid an infection potential than to get rid of ripples. Others may make a different choice. I guess and hope this explains better why I may have chosen a silicone gel filled implant in a do over. You don't have fills because they are prefilled and there are no "air spaces left to allow rippling". I had an Augmentation in 1980 with saline implants, no rippling. Now rippling with these implants.

 Totally agree Kate, my PS sucked at explaining options. I was a patient first and a nurse last in this case. We shouldn't have to do extensive research. I entered his office that first day expecting that a Board Certified Plastic surgeon should be my teacher about all the options available to me. No other surgical specialty makes it so difficult for the patient to understand options. In fact, I all other specialties the docs choose the device. An ENT (ears,nose ,and throat) doc isn't going to ask a patient what kind of silicone or silastic material they would use in an ear. An orthopedists isn't going to ask a patient what kind of total hip or knee they want. etc. 

 Again Kate that is why the Times article link  you sited in the previous page is so perfectly on mark. It completely identifies the dilemma faced by BC patients. It may be worth asking the Mods if they can have that article placed somewhere in the teaching materials on the Main board as a permanent reference for newbies. The Mods would site copyright considerations , but they could likely make arrangements with the Times. If it's something that they wouldn't be interested in doing, then I could or you could add as a recommended article in my thread------which is ---duh? OH yes----"Just diagnosed -Get prepared". It's pinned They just reorganized the Forum index, I'll have to look to see what it's under b/c it was moved. Probably best to keep it simple. I'll go get the JD-GP'd thread link and post it at the bottom of this post and then if you would be so kind to add it as suggested reading with the link it's done.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/5/topic/748296?page=4#idx_116

Kate------okay tested link twice

I am almost one year with silicone implants and also not comfortable. I have resigned myself to the fact that this is just the way it is...

Sas- Your thread is so great. I wish I could have read it when I was first Dx. I didn't even find BCO until after MX. I'll definitely be linking any newbies I come across to it.

Kate: -  The DX mamo is for gals with history of BC and/or complaints of pains. A digital diagnostic mammogram is a specialized intensive set of
x-rays. This procedure is for patients with breast problems or
complaints. In addition to the routine screening views, certain special views
will also be taken of the problem area. The technologist will question the
patient thoroughly to help the radiologist with the reading.

Due to the intensity of the evaluation of the breast complaint, the patient
can expect to have additional views performed. The radiologist may also request
an ultrasound. You can expect to be at the Breast Center for two hours or more
to complete these studies. (I copied this from the definition from the Breast Center where I go).

A routine is that you sign off that the tests will be read by two radiologists and the type of equipment they use and can expect the results within 5-7 days if everything is ok. I did volunteer at the breast center for almost a year and would give out the appropriate forms to the patients.

Also, while sitting at PS' office before surgery, I had to sit in the "scary sitting area" formal room and he sat with me while I initialed each and every page of what to expect. Of course, it was to protect him. I do look back occasionally at these pages, and yes, it says, patients may not like the results, symetric, scarring, etc. Very detailed. I just get pissed off at the lunch menu I was given at the BS office, checking off what I wanted, although he stressed the fact about radiation could only be done once.

Last night I was thinking, I don't have any pain, just annoyance from this thing in me, and the severe scarring on the other one that was lifted and an implant put in their also. So tired of complaining...

Like you Kate, I did not know about BCO until after MX, I was googling to find an answer.

Love to all my sisters.

Hugs,

Ronna, Yes most likely everyone went though some version of a diagnostic mammo. I had lumps and cysts so often when I was young, for many years I went straight to diagnostic..

Kate - great artical and Sas- wonderful thread! Thank goodness your tumor was B9! I knew you were having the surgery from another thread but hadn't heard the outcome- whew! 

 OK, so for me I too agree the BS did a wonderful job of explaining everything however he was the one who told me I should have the lat surgery for reconstruction as he said I didn't have enough fat for the tram flap and that he didn't recommend it to anyone because of the loss of abdominal muscles but expecially not to someone with MS. So I trusted him and thought OK that is what I need to have done.

Went to the first PS who was mean and horrible. He said he wouldn't dare do lat surgery on me because of MS - he didn't think I'd make it through the long surgery(actually later looking at his website- it isn't even mentioned) He wanted to use the hard silicone implants and yes he actually said he didn't understand why I was upset - it was Only DCIS and I should look at it as a cosmetic opportunity for improvement. I had been diagnosed two days before. He also told me because I was upset I was probably runing my chances for a positive prognosis. Gosh wonder why I didn't choose him? At that apt. when actually got even worse ... but moving along I hadn't had a chance to read or learn anything at this point but it occured to me that breasts are made up of fat along with the ducts and such and why can they just make them out of fat. At that point he left the room, came back with this HUGE black box which he slammed on the table and brought out this bra contraption that looked like a straight jacket with nursing breast pumps but made for a small giant and said "well you will have to sign an agreement to wear this 24/7and it could be for up to a year." Actually he was almost yelling at me.- Yes this was fat grafting but I'm sure at an early stage and since he still NEVER heard I didn't want to be bigger that is what he was going for. 

Oh shoot totally have gotten side tracked. Anyway, went to another PS and he was nice said he could do the lat and I THOUGHT he explained it all: 

Nope: here is what I did not know but if I had wouldn't have chosen this procedure:

Yes I knew my breasts would no long have feeling-= however he told me feeling would come back in about a year. 

Never mentioned my back. After the surgery he tells me feeling in my back will take longer to come back about 2 years- Been two years no feeling in my back or shoulders or breasts.... If I have an itch on my back it feels like scratching the bottom of your foot. Yep no more back massages either - they just feel horribly creepy. One of my all time favorite things.

Fat under my arms - well apparently that was just carelessness on his part. When asked he said" Oh I guess I just caught up some fat under your arms". Can it be fixed sure but not covered by insurance as now it is cosmetic! Also they would have to go in under my arms and what about LE???? No mention of that.... But the pain and the disfigurement makes me cry all the time....

Scars on my back. Oh sure I knew but was told they are hidden by bra( can't wear cause of fat pillows under arms) or bathing suits- of course he shows a picture of a thin young woman in a bikini. Not only have I never worn one- too think when younger and now older I think it is mean to scare people like that... well the one piece - it doesn't come up high enough. 

Are the scars even and small - like isn't that the reason you use a PS so you have the prettiest most even and nice scars. Nope one side is higher - when asked he said Oh I guess I just didn't pay attention when I was drawing the lines. Are there dips, yes, is one scar wider - yes, on the other scar is it thin in some places and wide in others - yes, are there little pockets of fat at the ends - yes.

Iron bra - never one mention . When I woke up and was conscience I didn't think I could breathe and panicked and pushed all the buttons saying I was dying - that is how bad... he didn't blink said oh yeah that is the muscle when pulled around - no it will get a little better but you will always feel it. 

Breast distortion- when I move my arms they contort strangely enough to be seen in clothes.

Nipples - oh the back skin is very robust you will have strong perky nipples and I'll match your original color. I brought pictures of my originals to make sure. Well nope they are pretty much flat and so pale they blend in with my skin BUT I do have the bright red surgical scars all around which makes me look like Frankin-boob. Didn't mention that part. Oh and wearing a bathing suit. Well since the nipples don't stick out or the areola - the circular patch with the stitches well that shows through just perfectly so I look like a scary sewn together doll. Didn't mention that either.

One is larger than the other even though he swears he put in the same size. I wanted to not be any larger than a B cup - I'm a C. Hate the feel of them- heavy and just awful! I would never have chosen this had I known all this..... 

Sorry this is so long but if someone is considering this - I'd like them to be aware of the problems I've had so at least they can ask more questions and be informed. thanks for letting me get this out. 

I love SFBC, here at home when I discuss it (if I discuss it at all) that is exactly what I say. I have a potty mouth at times, and that is my sentiments exactly.

Stanzie: Wow, some story. I felt like I was wearing an Iron Bra also.. I too have new foobs, one was lifted with implant to match mast. side. I seem to be shrinking on the mast side. Fipple has now turned into a rippled flat area. I am not tatooed yet, the nipple was removed from my lifted side, it is two times the size as my mast side. PS said he can fix that. I have a big round red ring around my "lifted boob". Of course that is scarring. I am Queens of Scars, and have one completely under my lifted one. He says that is on the list to fix (we tried that once already). I feel so bad for you, and all this is from the (lat) back tram??? PS finally acknowledged all the rippling in my new foob. I also have no feeling on my mast side. - just cold. To touch it makes me sick. I am so glad we can vent to each other.

Kate and Stanzie-- thanks re: the thread.please send folks when they need it, AND add thoughts as you think of them. Ideas, Ideas can't have enough ideas too get us through

Stanzie thanks for the thoughts re: SX------yes scarey, but at the same time we all so love those words B9-------------------with all that everyone has been through, we somehow should immortalize B9. Only cancer patients would get it.-------who cares if anyone else gets, it we love those two simple characters. We , also love NED

 Again Stanzie , so much is ditto to me . especially the scarring. . I question the fat under your arms as not being covered by required law of reconstruction. Consider a different opinion and doc. My doc used those fat pads for nipple reconstruction. I know that(nipple) doesn't apply to your situation, but that tissue should have been excised (cut away) as part of the shaping of your breast. The docPS as I read has told you it is now cosmetic-----not--------and has stated it may affect lymph-----how is that cosmetic?    Stanzie take a deep breath and a step back, start talking to local sisters and gathering info.        If you as a result of breast surgery that was not completed "properly" can't lower your arm or both without pain -----then the job was not done to completeness. ------------I know the feeling your talking about--it's as if you have a rolled up newspaper constantly under your arm. -------Plus---it seems you made several statements that the doc made that they "got distracted", They"forgot"...... that's unacceptable. They are supposed to be PROFESSIONALS  licensed to practice in a state.    " I forget to dust my furniture" is an excuse.    . A doc in surgery "Isn't allowed to forget the reason they are in surgery". If they are forgetting the "components of the surgical procedure" that they are to perform in the surgical suite. then they should be reported to the State Medical Board. What then would happen is a reviewer would be sent out to monitor there surgical actions(in surgery), make a written report and recommendation, and based on that there license to practice may be censured/ limited/limited with review/revoked. DUH-----forget-gimme a break.

On the page I'm on now I can't see your response, I may be responding to the wrong post. BUT the concepts still apply. I will review  The last several posts to make sure. I'm allowed to forget, they are not

Hi Eveberry and others... It is so true that PS are not forthcoming with information... and seem to only talk about what they think they do best or are capable of... I had the luxury of chemo to spend a few months researching my options and talking with friends who had implants and after having 3 consults, chose to use my own fat. My local PS who only does implants said I didn't have enough fat, but in the right hands, anything is possible.

So I travelled to New Orleans from NJ to have HIP flaps and a DIEP flap (fat from my buttocks and abdomen) used to build my breasts. That was last summer. I had revisions in November, and can honestly say that my breasts look like my old breasts, and feel like my breasts.. No pain, no iron bra feeling... Many of the patients who do this are women who have had implants and want them out. But this is where I started... had BMX at the same time.

Many PS will scare women about recovery time and long surgeries... but in the end, my MX was harder... and after the DIEP I was back at work in a month, feeling great. I think if you are having pain and can't see living FOREVER like this, I recommend you at least look into the fat transfer... I went to Dr Dellacroce at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery... 

And if you want, you can PM me.

I also edited an earlier post where I asked what is an iron bra.  Of course I know what that is. Went through it. So sorry.

Thanks All! I was going to call my insurance co but so far I haven't found a PS near me who does lat surgery except the one I went to. Whippitmom also tried to find someone and it strikes me as odd seems like NO one is doing this one anymore.The second Doc said he would give me a good deal if I went to a different hospital and paid it all out of pocket and not involve insurance - made it sound like he was doing me this tremendous favor but I don't want him even trying to fix it. So still looking..... 

Running like crazy today but wanted to quickly pop in and Thank everyone.... !!  

Oh crap Kate. That just sucks. I hope Dr Khouri stops using those axillary incisions. I made a big mistake with that too : (

Kate, that sucks, LE is damnable.

To all those who are unsatisfied with having, or the idea of getting breast implants, there is a better way. That is the method of Dr.Khouri in Key Biscayne, FL, who uses liposuction to remove fat from your body and then makes the breasts out of your own fat. I had tried the silicone implants on both breasts after a mastectomy, but was so unhappy with them. They were so cold and hard, lopsided , and flat. They also prevented me from running, as it was so uncomfortable.

My original reconstruction process started almost 5 years ago when the cancer in my right breast reappeared 4 years after it had been removed and radiated. I am a slim woman and was told then that my only choice for reconstruction was breast implants or removing my buttock and repositioning it in the breast. Somehow that seemed ridiculous as then my buttock would be crooked. I can imagine how that could mess up your posture, so I went with just having an implant put in, but without the back muscle being brought forward to help. I was told that it would not look as good, as when the muscle is used, but I was also told that I would not be able to lift myself out of a chair, and that I would be weaker. So going the implant route seemed the only possibility. I was told not to expect much because of the radiation damage. I tried to live with this idea of excepting all this until I had the nipples made (even they came out incorrectly positioned). As tattooing is the final step, I was told not to do it until I was completely satisfied. Well I could not lie about being satisfied if I was not, so I just kept reading online about new ways to do reconstruction. I heard about Dr. Khouri and thought I had to check out his liposuction method for reconstruction. At first people may be turned away from the idea that this procedure will take a few operations. We all think that we want it over fast to get on with our lives, but from my experience of doing reconstruction both ways (implants vs total liposuction fat breasts), I can not rave enough about the liposuction method. My breasts are warm now, and look and feel more natural from the inside and out. If I gain weight, my breasts will grow too. I do not have to worry about getting future MRI's to see if the implants are leaking. At the same time my legs, back and tummy look better, as well. Also, it does not hurt when I run. Hooray!

If I had done the liposuction breast reconstruction method from the beginning, rather than the implants, it would have been so much easier, but I can't go back, but I can tell others about it. Indeed I would have had to wear the Brava bra, (I did not have to use it, because of having implants), but my surgeries would have been much quicker, as they would not have to keep putting smaller implants in each time more fat was put in.

Also, from the radiation damage to my skin, when my nipples were being made from my own breast skin, the wound would not heal on the left breast. It was very strange as it would look like it was healed and the scab would fall off, but then a new large yellow colored scab would appear. That kept happening repeatedly for a couple months, until I met a woman (I call her an angel), playing golf one day. I told her about my problem and she suggested I try using a hyperbaric chamber at a chiropractors office. I thought it was worth a try, and it sure was. I was so impressed, that I actually have one in my house now and try to use it regularly. It helps you heal faster and stay healthy.

You know doctor's should KNOW what they have caused by not being careful. Anyone who has had BC should have doctors who understand ALL risks and take care of their patients!Whether they are doing revion surgery or just taking blood or blood pressure! So terribly important since this is something that will affect you for the rest of your life! How can they not do this. How about some kind of pamplet that we could all have and take with us to any doctor apt saying here is why I'm at risk and here are the procedures that can cause LE. now YOU (the Doctor) need to sign this form saying your understand my risks and you will take ALL possible precautions to prevent me getting this. I have a friend who is a personal injury lawyer and I'm going to ask him about that... Of course the problem is we will then not be able to find ANY doctor who will touch us... so that isn't good but there has to be some sort of compromise. Kate- So Sorry (((HUGS))) and in Both arms too! Ugh!

 And moderate- I can only imagine how upset you are but at least you have a good LE therapist! Thank goodness for Binny!

Thanks Kate!!! I will take it along with me as well! Brilliant! Just think you are at least educating and helping all of us here!