IMPLANTS REMOVED: YAY!

The temps are fun,,,, I may have to look into hennas too.  I put a temp tattoo of a butterfly over one of my HX scars, and I really like it. 

Thanks for posting your story and stories.  I did not have reconstruction 3 years ago because I had a huge tumor and they just had to get it out.  At that time, I definitely thought I would do reconstructive surgery.  I know many women have success stories with surgery.  But I write a breast cancer blog and have heard absolute horror stories from many that have colored my opinion. I've learned to live with one breast... for now, it is the choice for me.  

I am so glad you had relief.

Hello, I wanted to share with everyone interested in getting 3D nipple tattoos that I just had mine done in Seattle by Vyvyn Lazonga (www.madamelazongastatoo.com). I traveled from San Diego for the tattooing. She did an AMAZING job! She is a brilliant artist, and has been doing 3d nipple tattooing for decades. She is also very kind and made me feel so comfortable. Her pricing was very reasonable. Vyvyn's shop is clean and lovely, right in the heart of the Pike's Market.

After spending 7 months recovering from my mastectomy, and 3 more surgeries thereafter, this final process was so special--it was painless and has made me feel like the reconstruction journey is complete because I feel whole again. My friends can't believe how real the tattoos look--I keep looking at them in awe. For anyone who lives in the Seattle area or is willing to make the trip to see Vyvyn is Seattle-- the miles will be well worth it!!

I have to say I did not care for the doctor's attitude,,,, "i'll talk you into it."      You decide what is best for you.

How dare she! I swear if a Doctor tried that on me, there' would be tears, before bedtime! What a condescending, self important, piece of work she is.

Obviously, your Doctor should be giving you every scrap of information, so you can make the right decision for you. I am not familiar with the radiation differences either. It isn't that I am against reconstruction, just that it would never be a consideration for me and I would be so offended, if any Doctor tried that wink and a nudge, that she'll talk me into it , on me. She'd change my mind for me? I don't think so!.

The only thing that would be changing, would be me, changing Doctors.

Hey Aug242007, flipping the bird to that Dicktor!

Lucky you, not ever having to talk to him again, I'd sure have a few choice words for him, what an absolute disgrace he is. I am constantly amazed by the childish petulance, of these idiots.

If I hadn't heard so many first hand accounts of this, I would never have believed that there were actually professionals out there, who would actually dare, to try this on, with women when they are at their most vulnerable.

Maybe a name and shame thread for them, would help. One for the ones who get the sulks up, because you don't want to engage them, for boobs you'd rather not have. Another, for the really vindictive ones, who I believe are bordering on criminal. They are the ones, who actually leave skin behind, after surgery, because they actually believe, you really don't know your own mind, or actually, even more insidious, they think, this will force your hand, to do what they want. I feel physically ill, when I read of these ones.

Unfortunately, it is becoming more prevalent, as more women decide they are not defined by their breasts. There should never be any interfearence, by a Doctor, their job is to outline all the options and merely to guide a woman through, never to impose their will, or should I perhaps say, push for a positive financial outcome.

Glennie, I know you got that one and it breaks my heart every time I hear of someone who has the same experience. This is one subject that really revs me up and the "Dance of the Humpyback Spider" is exactly, what I would like to do to them!

Who knew, going in for surgery that you'd thought long and hard about, that this could possibly happen? It truly beggars belief!

If nothing else, this thread, when read by women, who are making the decision about recon or no recon, can make sure that they make it crystal clear, exactly what they want and more importantly, what they don't want. Someone mentioned earlier that a simple document outlining the decision not to reconstruct, so a flat and straight incision and chest is the ultimate aim. It is obscene that this even has to be considered, but if that is what it takes, then so be it.

The other thing, I meant to mention, is that a lot of women feel intimidated by these Doctors, this is something that everyone needs to try, to move past, I know it can be hard, but never forget, they work "FOR" you. End of rant!

Glennie, do you really think removal of excess skin would cause an LE flare? I hope not as I'm hoping to get my implants and the skin removed after meeting with another PS for a second opinion. Gosh, I really really hope this isn't something else to worry about.

Amy

I was pretty nervous about the possibility of LE, too, so I really quizzed my Surgeon, before I had my revision, for the Dog Ear done. I only had the 1 node removed at my Umx and he felt that the chances were really slim, that I would have any issue with LE. Obviously, the more your Lymph system is disrupted, the more chance there is, that you could have a problem with LE. My Surgeon actually explained the surgery I had, as like another Mini Mx, with a 7cm. 3" incision and all the same rules afterward, as my Umx, with no lifting, or stretching for a few weeks.

All you can do is ask the questions and decide what's right for you, when you know what the surgery entails. It is easy for me to say, that it was the best thing I could have done and I wish I had done it earlier, because I had no issues at all, post surgery and the feeling of zapping and zinging cut nerves, was finally gone.

Everything on this journey, is a crap shoot. All the best with your decision AmyQ!

Nomatterwhat, I am so sorry this happened to you, too. I have no clue, what these people are thinking, when they take it upon themselves, to completely ignore the wishes of their patients. I wonder if there are any legal cases because of this, I sure hope so!

So, this woman denied you the surgery option you had chosen and then simply refused, to fix her error and refers you to someone else.I assume you have to pay for this, too?

She really deserves to be on the name and shame list, what a moron!

Nomatterwhat:  I can certainly relate!  Find a PS who will fix it. I went to one who tried to talk me into DIEP but at the end agreed to do whatever I wanted. Just to share what he told me:  >90% of patients like us will need a drain again!  That is so upsetting to me, but apparently it is necessary depending on how much skin there is left.  My best friend said it's like having a mini-mastectomy again. And in a way, it is.  This is not to discourage you from getting rid of your booblets, but just to let you know to not be surprised if you are told that.  But drains will be temporary (again) and then you will be nice and flat.  I was also told that I was so young (54 or 55 at the time) that why didn't I want recon??

Ariom:  Yes, of course, it will cost us more money. We (or our insurance) will have to pay the cost of the PS's time, and the anesthesologist, and the operating room, etc etc.   For me, it would not be so bad, as my insurance is great as long as I go to "my" hospital and "my" doctors (at the hospital that I work for), but I would still resent it!! And the pain and recovery time!!

I am so counting the days to meet with my new PS. The thought of getting up in the morning and not having to medicate just to get through the day is thrilling.

Glennie, it's Monday February 9th -