Delayed direct to implant reconstruction.....

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politicomama
politicomama Member Posts: 187
edited September 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

A brief history, diagnosed at 32 on Oct 12. Skin sparring BMX in Oct 12, 4 AC, 12 Taxol, and 25 IMRT. I waiting on recon because we were unsure at BMX if I would need rads, and because I had a one year old and just wanted to be able to hold and snuggle him. Now that we are nearing three years I am ready to have something that resembles breasts again. I have met with several plastic surgeons. Today I was told that a direct to implant on my non cancer side, and a lat flap with implant on my cancer side would be a good option to reach my goal of being a large B, small C cup. Is there anyone out there that has done this? In my endless research over the past two and a half years I have not seen many stories like what he is offering.

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  • richdor
    richdor Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2015

    Hello!

    This is my first posting on this site . I am in a different situation regarding the time period of when you had been diagnosed with your cancer. I was diagnosed 22 years ago and had lumpectomy to the right breast. Things went along fine but the cancer returned to the same breast--it was DCIS again. The first time, I had radiation to the breast area, no chemo and lymph node removal, which left me with lymphedema. I never did take Tamoxifen as endometiral cancer ran in my family and doctors said I could not go on this drug. I will never know if taking the tamoxifen would have prevented the second occurence in my rt. breast. So, I was advised to have the mastectomy since it returned. I did and I had a terrible infection from having a reconstruction----both times ( I had two failed recons with tissue expander and never got to have an implant at all). I was advised by my family not to go and have it done a third time.

    So, I pretty much gave up the idea and I have worn a breast form for the past 15 years. Now, after all this time, I am wanting to have my breast done again. I have seen two surgeons re: my decision and the doctor I chose is very experienced in doing recons, her specialty. She wants to do the tram flap procedure on me. I was very concerned over the amount of recovery time and length of surgery and possibility of infections. I would rather do the lattisumus flap but also have reservations regarding the loss of mobility and strength in my right arm ---I am rt. handed. I have an appointment with my surgeon next week to discuss a final decision as to what I want done. I may not do anything at all because of the fact I am fifteen years older and at age 66 , is this really a good idea? I am sort of in same boat as you as I would want the lat flap and want to know if any of the ladies that post on this site would recommend this procedure over the tram flap. My surgeon also wants to lift my other breast and possibly make it somewhat smaller to match the other side. My left breast is in between a C and D cup size. I would be happy with any size at this point and I ask myself daily, why would I do this procedure now after all this time. Well, I can only say that I want two breasts to put into a bra . So, like you, if any ladies out here can recommend which procedure they think (or had done) is best and what kind of issues or problems you experienced, please inform. Thanks for your help or suggestions.

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  • politicomama
    politicomama Member Posts: 187
    edited September 2015

    Richdor thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry to read about your trouble. Hopefully we get some good feedback from our wonderful sisters on this board. I was originally looking at the TRAM/DIEP route but the surgery time and recovery time really overwhelm me with having two active kiddos and working full time. I have seen results in person of DIEP and Implants and they all look wonderful. When talking with a few plastic surgeons they said many doctors do not want to perform lats because of the change of position during surgery. Most instances I have read the shoulder muscles take over for the loss of lat muscle. Many thoughts and prayers to you as you make your decision.

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited September 2015

    I did diep on left and I like it, feeling gets better all the time.

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  • richdor
    richdor Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2015

    Good day Politicomam:

    Thanks for your reply regarding my situation. Yes, I perfectly understand your active lifestyle and with two little ones and working, it would be a major recovery time for you. Actually, my PS wants to do the diep flap on me ---she told me she did a 73 year old woman who is a marathon runner a short time ago ( I was concerned about being too old) and the woman had great result. I would have had a diep flap years ago, but like you, I was working full time and my daughter was only nine at the time , so I just let it go for all these years plus I was at least 12 lbs thinner and had virtually no tummy in which to cut off---now I have more than I want! Now that I am fully retired and have great medical coverage from my former job ( I was in the Postal service) I can have it done and not worry about the time element or not having enough sick time.

    What really concerns me more than anything is the possibility of infection ----I will tell you, I was was close to death with the previous infection back in 2001.The infection had taken over my entire body. A nightmare! Another worry of mine is that I knew a man at my previous job whose wife had the tram flap and it was not successful for her. She did develop necrosis so there is always a possibility of that. I had wondered how a person would be able to be maneuvered during the surgery with the lat flap myself. Plus , you can not sleep on your back, just the side only but I usually tend to sleep on my left side anyway .

    I know I have a lot to think about by next Tuesday, the 22nd. I wish you all the best in your life and and hope that whatever recon you do, it will be wholeheartedly successful with not one problem. God bless and take care.

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  • richdor
    richdor Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2015

    Hello Meow!

    So happy for you that your results were great----I think I am living in a lot of fear right now. I may not decide to do anything at this point. My husband is on board with anything I would choose to do but I have two girlfriends that think I am bonkers to want to do anything now after such a long time period has lapsed. I will keep you posted. Good luck and God bless you.

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  • IDartist
    IDartist Member Posts: 40
    edited September 2015

    Politicomama,

    I was a full D cup when I was DX'd with my stage 1 BC. I had a DM in September 2012 and didn't have reconstruction right away because my breast surgeon wanted to wait to see what my Oncologist wanted to do re: my treatment plan. Luckily I didn't need chemo or radiation so I took the next 3-4 mos and did come physical therapy to get good ROM with my arms.

    In January 2013, I had direct implants and didn't need the TE's since I already had a enough skin and pocket for the new implants and was going down to a B cup. The PS placed both B cup implants under my muscle and that was it. Granted my surgery isn't exactly what yours will be but the direct implant part I went through.

    If I can give you any feedback on the direct implant portion and what I went through, I will be happy to share my experiences with you.

    Kelly


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