Reconstruction after RADIATION

1…6791112

Comments

  • 4sewwhat
    4sewwhat Member Posts: 2,093
    edited July 2014

    HaHa!  I love it!!!

    image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited July 2014

    good morning my ladies! It's been 2 weeks of TE placed in. And it burns. Hurts I don't know how to describe it.. Doc said it will away with time. I don't want it to go away with time.. So he said he will start fills next week. I don't want any fills it will hurt more ??! !!! I guess he won't give me any pain killers he said Motrin will do really???? ... Any one here know any Miami PS with FG experience. Will do a new research ewwww

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kareenie
    kareenie Member Posts: 339
    edited July 2014

    Dr Roger Khouri in Miami is one of the pioneers and experts of fat grafting. Miami Breast Center. Also his trainee Dr Silvia Rothenburg who now works at a different Miami practice.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Michele2013
    Michele2013 Member Posts: 350
    edited July 2014

    Good morning everyone,

    I also have some burning, but not to bad. Mainly the TE is painful in the rib area. 

    Live the turtle power pics!!!!! I am not a patient person, but this whole experience has taught me differently.

    When all is complete, perhaps the fat grafting is used to tweek everything. It certainly is something I will as my ps.

    Hope everyone has a pain free day!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited July 2014

    kareenie thanks for the info, but dr khouri does not take any insurance ewww I'll call Monday see if her assistance will and maybe works at a hospital which I really dought but I'll try thank you, 

    Does any one fill lumps on their ribs I found one right by  my TE but it feels like on my rib

    Have a nice weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited July 2014

    how many of us are having FG ?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Raelan
    Raelan Member Posts: 200
    edited July 2014

    I had delayed reconstruction and 2 rounds of fat grafting before I had my TEs placed 4 months ago.  I'm almost done with my fills and so far so good.  My radiated side is definitely firmer than the prophlactic side, but we're hoping it will soften up once I finish my fills and just let things sit for 3-4 months.

    I don't believe I would have made it this far without the pre-placement fat grafting.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dogsneverlie
    Dogsneverlie Member Posts: 278
    edited July 2014

    Hi,

    I have a consultation on August 5 for FG.  Any advice greatly appreciated!!!!

    Donna

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • smrlvr
    smrlvr Member Posts: 422
    edited July 2014

    I saw a PS last month ho thought TEs were doable for me if I did not go bigger than a b cup.  No mention of fat grafting.  I am getting a second opinion

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2014

    Hi there, I am new on this board, I have been on the Deip 2014 board for a little bit, but wanted to see if others had the same problem I do with my TE's. I had a DMX May of 2013 and TE's put in the same time. (and everytime I had them filled I thought I was going to burst) I don't understand the FG and when you are having it done or why if you are having TE put in. Also, what is HBO? I had my TE's filled before radiation, and now I have had two different PS tell me my skin is to thin from the radiation, my muscle that was over the TE has split and worked its way up on top of the TE towards my armpit. So they have both told me the Deip flap is my best bet for reconstruction. I have read alot about that, and really dread the idea of going thru it. Can I just say,this whole thing sucks!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2014

    annieb4 - HBO is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. I had a wound from my lumpectomy that wouldn't heal even with a recision. I sought out a wound care specialist who told me the tissue was damaged from my rads. I went through 25 tx 5 days/wk and had great results. Surf this site and the net and you will find info on HBO. The wound care doc suggested having HBO before, during and after any surgeries I might have on my radiated breast in the future. It isn't used much for BC wounds but certainly should be, in my opinion. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Michele2013
    Michele2013 Member Posts: 350
    edited July 2014

    Great info Cakes...thank you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kellymci
    Kellymci Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2014

    Hi ladies,

    I have very limited options for reconstruction at this point, given that I am thin and have had extensive radiation to one side. Lat flap recon is my PS' preferred option now that my tissue expander (placed at the same time as my mastectomy) has constricted due to radiation, but he is willing to do a straight swap for a new expander with the addition of alloderm for support if I insist on going that route. He says there is a high risk of complication with this option, though, due to the fact that he will be working with radiated skin. I'm SO nervous about the flap reconstruction! it seems like such a huge surgery. I am worried jt will be an extremely long recovery time and that I will lose strength and ability to do the things I used to do...and how bad is the back scar going to be? That is harder to hide than the breast scars...

    What do you think I should do? Help!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • smrlvr
    smrlvr Member Posts: 422
    edited July 2014

    Kelly,I am like you except I did not have tissue expanders put in at the time of BMX and I so not want to go through a surgery with a long recovery!  I did see a pS who said she could put in TEs with radiated tissue but I would have to stay small which is fine with me.  I am skeptical about his from all I have read on this board and I am getting a second opinion in that.  I don't want to make things worse!  We are I. The same boat.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited July 2014

    Kelly and SMRLVR

    I too am thin and was told that LD was the only way to go due to my radiated skin.  But I was not prepared to lose some mobility on my left (rad side) and to have a long surgery and another scar.  So, I had TE's done, knowing full well that I could have a complication.  After my second fill I had an infection (later diagnosed as cellulitis)  After another bout with that I had my left TE removed.  But, then I had fat grafting (actually twice) and now my radiated skin looks and is MUCH better!!!!  Look into FG before you do the TE.  It may be a better way to go.  I am out of fat now so my next step will be a very small implant on my rad side (I dont want to go the TE route again on that side) and will have my exchange on my right at the same time.  My PS and I are hopeful that this will work, but no guarantees.  The FG also gave me some upper pole fullness so even with my prothesis I look more "normal" now

    Any questions, feel free to PM me

    Babs

    PS I love my PS in NYC-Dr Adam Shaffner

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SharonS
    SharonS Member Posts: 326
    edited July 2014

    kellymc, annieb4, babs6287

    I too am small and had complications. Just finished 60 HBO treatments and 2 expanders since May 1. Going well now. Had a 25 CC fill last week will go three weeks in between and all is well. My TE is 350 CC but we will just see how it goes. If we get it bigger than the left the PS says my skin over there is good enough just to exchange the implant. 

    I am glad to be done with HBO and trying to stay positive for a good outcome. 

    Cakes thanks for the encouragement. Good luck to all with whatever process you are doing. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2014

    SharonS ~ I bet you are so glad to be done with HBO. 60…WOW! Did you do the HBO in a tube, like me, or in a chamber with other patients? I watched more movies while in that tube than I had seen in my whole life. I am so pleased your results have been positive thus far. It appears you are 6 years out from rads and that is very good; your tissue has has time to rebound from that. I will pray for a positive outcome for you. Your attitude is excellent! Thank care Dear.

    Cakes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SharonS
    SharonS Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2014

    Cakes

    Thanks!  I was in a tube. I watched GMA and Kelly and Michael. I hadn't been able to do that since my mastectomy in Nov 12. Looks like you have passed the one year mark which is good. I hope things contine to go well for you. I see you are taking Femara, do you have to get the bone shot with that one?  I get my next one in Sept. 

    Have a great weekend 

    SS 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 157
    edited August 2014

    SS ~  I did get Reclast and I don't like it at all. Due for that baby again in Oct. Nasty stuff but I will put up with it because I am petrified about getting osteoporosis. I have a sister with osteo and my mother had Ward's disease in her hips. So far I have osteopenia in my hips. Between the radiation, Letrozole and family history I will do anything to keep my bones healthy. Thank you so much for noting my one year mark; my family doesn't comprehend how important it is to me. 

    (((Hugs))) 

    Cakes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kellymci
    Kellymci Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2014

    Thanks babs6287, I'll definitely ask my PS about that when I see him this month. Just curious to know where he took the fat from if you are thin? I suspect he will laugh at me if this requires any form of liposuction, as I don't think there's really enough anywhere to grab from... Although I do think my butt could use a lot of toning and a lot less fat! I'm not looking to have large breasts. I just want enough of a mound so that I am not completely flat and so that a padded bra will be able to 'catch' on the mound and not be riding up to my neck the entire time I'm wearing one!

    On that note, though, are you able to wear a bra?? I had quite a few lymph nodes removed (october) from one side and then it was radiated (december-january) as well. I haven't been able to tolerate anything remotely tight along my ribcage for longer than 15 minutes without having daggers-like pains in that area. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, does it go away??

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited August 2014

    Kellymci

    They took fat from my thighs, my love handles etc and wherever they could find some-there wasn't very much.  Yes, it does involve lipo.  I do have plenty of fat in my buttock but according to my husband, that's his favorite feature on me so I wouldn't let them touch me these.  I got a small mound with some upper pole fullness so I look more normal in t shirts, bathing suits etc.  I do wear a bra with a prosthesis.  If you want to see a picture, I have no problem sending it to you-just PM me

    Babs 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dogsneverlie
    Dogsneverlie Member Posts: 278
    edited August 2014

    Good morning!  I need to post this on a few boards as I mentioned it on a few so sorry for any duplications!

    I was very happy with the PS consult!  I was not sure if I would be told that I was not a candidate for FG or truly, WHAT I would be told.  I have a 3D mammogram in October and told her I want to wait until after that just to make sure, would not want to go thru this FG procedure to then get disappointing news from the mammogram but WE KNOW I will get great news, right?!

    Happy

    So, my DH came with me as he does to all doctor visits, he is so wonderful.  I am 40 pounds overweight so I knew I had enough fat SOMEWHERE to help refill my left breast and adjust the right one so they look more like each other!  I told DH that this is different from lipo where the patient wants to get thinner, the amount of fat extracted for what I need is not going to make me skinny but he had to hear it from the PS, which is a good thing.

    The plan is a final consult and prep on October 14 and then it will be scheduled for November.  October 23 is the 3D Mammo so I will still have time to postpone if I need to.  Need a full physical in October from my primary.  She did tell me that for this one, she wants me knocked out and it will not be done in her office and the actual procedure would be about an hour.  If I need any "touch ups" she may do them in her office.  She explained the procedure which most of us know (light liposuction to the abdominal area, separate the good fat from the liquid, inject via needle into the breasts) - I think it's sort of an "eye ball" approach (as in - OK, they look good).  She did explain that some people need several touch ups because they just can't say how much will be absorbed, how much will survive, if there are any areas in the breast tissue that are like pockets and the fat settles in there, etc.  I am OK with all of this and truly, if they just look better and there's not a huge difference like now, I probably would not go in for touch ups but I can't guaranty that!!!!  She measured both from my collar bone and whatever that measurement was she was pleased with and I don't think she believes my fill will be a big deal - not minimizing the procedure but I understand what she is saying because she sees masectomy patients, etc so for her, I am probably an easy one!!!!!!

    Recovery was a little more than I read about - she said plan to be out of work 5-7 days, compression garments I THINK she said for 4-6 weeks, swelling and bruising - - she said even though it's not quite as intense as lipo for weight loss, it is still basically the same procedure.

    Anyone have insight on their FG experience?

    I feel a sense of relief that I am able to do this.  I do not have large breasts, like a B cup (well now an A or AA and a B.....lol).  I just want to be able to look in the mirror and "feel" like my breasts are happy!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • babs6287
    babs6287 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited August 2014

    Dogneverli

    You can PM me-I've had FG twice so I can answer most questions you might have

    Babs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • patriciahurtado
    patriciahurtado Member Posts: 489
    edited August 2014

    hello my ladies just wanted to let you know that I had 2 fills in 120 cc and no FG he said they don't do that .... So Friday will be 60cc more .. My scar dosent look like is getting fill but I will know this Friday how it looks I'll you guys know 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 4sewwhat
    4sewwhat Member Posts: 2,093
    edited August 2014

    Going for my second fat graft and TE placement tomorrow!!

    Hope you all are well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dogsneverlie
    Dogsneverlie Member Posts: 278
    edited August 2014

    Babs: Just sent you a PM, thanks so much.  Been away due to family visiting and then my upstairs bathroom pipes leaked and caused major damage so been working with insurance, contractors, etc.....some of the work will be started next week but going to be a loooooooooong process.........

    4sewwhat:  Please let me know how your FG goes - what is your transfer site?  I am looking at FG in November using abdominal area as transfer site........

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bcnonsense
    Bcnonsense Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2014

    hi- anyone have success with implant reconstruction with fat grafting occurring at the time of permanent implant placement? 

    I have consulted with a microsurgeon who specializes in DIEP reconstruction.  In my initial visit and follow up visits with him while I was undergoing treatment he was advising a DIEP reconstruction rather than implants due to the high rate of failure in implants in irradiated tissue.  

    Now that I am 7 months out of radiation, he has said my skin is healthy enough (lent/soma score of 2) that he recommends implant reconstruction, not DIEP. 

    I consulted with a second PS (who did my TEs), and he won't give a recommendation for my reconstruction, only can share his experiences with patients who have chosen flaps and patients who have chosen implants post rads and there are potential complications either direction, so I need to choose what direction to go.  But, if I choose implants, he would do fat grafting at the time of exchange. 

    I am thoroughly confused as I expected implants were not an option.  Anyone who has had to weigh a flap vs implant reconstruction and can share how you arrived at your decision?  And are you happy or regretting the decision? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited September 2014

    Bcnonsense - I had fat grafting at the time of my exchange.  I had TE during radiation.  I was not expected to need radiation at time of BMX, but had unclean margins.  TE were overfilled before rads.  I was against a flap procedure due to other health issues.  I switched PS , for a variety of reasons during this time.  My new PS wanted to do fat grafting during the exchange to help heal the rads skin and tissues.  I had fat grafting again a second time during a revision.  The fat grafting has done wonders to heal my skin.  I no longer feel tight, skin color has improved, breast has dropped to match the other and is no longer higher and tighter, etc.  For me, this was the right choice and I have had excellent results!  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bcnonsense
    Bcnonsense Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2014

    thanks so much!  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SharonS
    SharonS Member Posts: 326
    edited September 2014

    good to see all the success stories. I had yet another setback Aug 14. Had just seen the PS and gotten a fill and saw Onc on Tues. They both thought all was well. Wed, had a great day at work and then at dinner got a chill. It wouldn't go away and I ended up with a temp of 102 and cellulitis. It was between my skin and TE. PS drained in three times, antibiotic had me feeling better by the 16th. Still have a small scab nothing like when I had to redo TE but I am scared to death to do anything else. 

    Hope everyone has a good week

    Ss

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories