IMPLANTS REMOVED: YAY!

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited April 2016

    Hi Bettyboops...its now a couple years since you de-constructed....Are you still happy with the outcome? I was miserable with my expanders and often thought of deconstructing. I hated my first implants....At the second fix, I had the PS put in smaller implants, the smallest he could. I went from 300cc high profile to 200cc mid profile. This set of implants were put in July 2008, so going on 8 years ago. They are okay. In clothes I look like a small chested women, but naked, well that's a different story...they look like hamburger buns on my chest!! For a long time, I've said when the implants have run their course, I will have them taken out and go flat. Still think that way, but now thinking again about de-constructing. I haven't seen my PS since September 2009 as I quit going to him. Didn't see a purpose in one more doctor visit. The only doctor I see is my medical oncologist. He does a "breast" exam at each visit which is still every 6 months. I wonder if he would be able to tell if there was a problem with the implant. The only thing keeping me from doing it now is that I don't want to go through surgery. I had 8 surgeries in 2 years from diagnosis in 2006 to 2008. When I was done, I said no more surgeries that aren't life and death!! If and when I do de-construct, I plan to go flat....I have no desire to wear a bra or a prosthesis.

    I only read the 1st page and some of this last page....so other gals who have de-constructed, please share your experience post de-construction. Thanks so much

  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 769
    edited May 2016

    I had my implant removed last week. I feel great about this decision. I had been so uncomfortable. The prosthesis works beautifully for work and when I am out in public.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2016

    Although I did not have recon, I do believe that everyone should make up their own mind. I don't believe that doctors tell everyone the truth concerning the recon. Many women do not know that they will need to have them replaced or that they will not have sensation. Just sad.

  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 769
    edited May 2016

    Beginning recon with expanders for implants usually comes with the mastectomy, So, there wasn't really any time for me to think about it.

    Recently, one of my docs admitted that she wondered whether or not they do a good job of helping us understand the recon procedures and ramifications, pros and cons...


  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2016

    I just talked to a plastic surgeon who was taking care of my husband. She stated that if she has breast cancer that she will not choose to have recon.

  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 769
    edited June 2016

    Aug242007

    Did she say why?

    ~gardengypsy

  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 769
    edited June 2016

    karen1956

    Even though I am still healing from the expander removal, it feels really good not to have that thing inside of me.

    After 8 surgeries, I can understand not wanting more! You and I have the same staging and type of cancer. Were all those surgeries related to this?

    I only had the expander removed, not actual implants. Given the length of time you've had them, you surgery will probably be more in-depth. When you are ready, I hope you have loads of help so that your healing happens as it should. And...you find a great plastic surgeon.

    Your writing seems to indicate that it's something you'd really like to do for yourself.

    ~gardengypsy

  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited July 2016

    hello all i went 4 reconstruction But got high fever rushed to E R expander removed body rejected it been wearing prothesis in bra no problems no worries bout it hardened now a 22 yr Survivor Praise God. msphil idc stage 2 Lmast chemo rads and 5yrs on tamoxifen.

  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited August 2016

    Thank you all for this thread!!!!!! Just love all of you.

    I decided to have my implants OUT OUT OUT.

    I am not looking forward to being flat, but more to being cancer free...what ever it takes.

    I had my implants put in in 1988...I was so little that a B cup implant was perfect for me. Fast forward to 2014....

    BC reared it ugly head. After all the scans you can imagine and an inconclusive biopsy I decided to have a bi lat MX. I opted to keep my old implants and my nips. December2015 I had a recurrence in the BC boob in the nipple so had THAT tumor out. NOW I have another recurrence near the same spot in the nipple.

    Today, after speaking with my BS iam going flat...getting rid of EVERYTHING.

    I cant wait, no more pain no more worries. BS said I would be FREE. oh my free of this scourge.

    After reading your posts I am encouraged I am making the right decision. I wont deny that this is very difficult but I will come out on the other side, once again, and move on.

    Thanks ladies

    Eve

  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 769
    edited August 2016

    Eve~ You sound so relieved about your decision. You'll feel great. Good luck with everything. <

  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited August 2016

    Hi gardengypsy,

    Love your handle, I too love to garden. Good for the soul.

    I originally ended up with 6 tumors all IDC. akk!

    I wanted to try and keep my nips and the old implants but things just didn't work out. The implants have ruptured but only in the last couple of years. Interesting the the PS say you have to have them replaced every 8 to 10 years??? money money money.

    I am 60 and don't really care if I have boobs or not...maybe a bit but not enough to stay on this merry go round. Hubby doesn't care, he's a rear end guy, lol so here we go. I am looking forward to being out of constant pain.

    Question..did you all have drains? Did you have the surgery as an out-patient? I know my BS will have to sew the muscles back together, what was rehab like?

    Thanks again

    Eve

  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 769
    edited August 2016

    momaton~ Well, my garden sure did suffer during the five weeks of radiation. I hope to have time from now till frost to have a go of it.

    I just had the expander taken out, not the implants, so I can't really answer your questions.

    Good luck! After the healing happens, you will feel GREAT!

  • Kaption
    Kaption Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2016

    Thank you all for this thread!!! My mastectomy and implants were done in 2012 after DCIS in each breast-7 years apart. One year later I was diagnosed stage 4. So, I've been busy with that. But, I hated my implants from the beginning. I think it's time to take off my "tight little saddle" as I've always called it. Going to bring it up on my next MO visit.

    Does it always have to be done by a PS or can my general surgeon do it? I liked him much better!!

    Again, thank you for this thread. I'm so glad to hear of so many people who are happy they did it.


  • hsant
    hsant Member Posts: 790
    edited September 2016

    I opted out of recon. No regrets. I love being flat and fab. I always hated wearing bras, and now I just throw on a tshirt or sweater, depending on the weather

  • Kaption
    Kaption Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2016

    Hi hsant. Nice to see you on this board. I'm sure I won't regret being flat. Wish I had picked it initially.

    Just want to be sure there are not complications I'm not aware of now.


  • MaryG59
    MaryG59 Member Posts: 28
    edited September 2016

    Hi hsant!

    Did you op for DMX because you were high risk? I am in the process of deciding what course to take concerning breast surgery and recon later??

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2016

    Just fyi, I had bilateral mast after having a lumpectomy and rads. No regrets! My surgeon has not spoken to me since I had the bmx. The surgeons "sell" the recon.

  • hsant
    hsant Member Posts: 790
    edited September 2016

    Kaption, I would use a plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstruction. Besides taking out the implants, the PS may need to take out additional skin to make the area tight and flat.

    I had cosmetic surgery done on my prophylactic side, because I had a little extra skin and fat, and I wanted it to be symmetrical with my other side. It was a really simple surgery, but I still used a PS who specializes in recon.

    If you aren't comfortable with your PS, I recommend finding someone else.

    Mary, I opted for a BMX, because I have a strong family history. I just wanted them out. They weren't that great looking anyway.:) My BS didn't really give an opinion one way or the other, but I got the impression that he thought I should've gone the lumpectomy route. I'm so glad I didn't, because I was initially diagnosed with DCIS, with a possible borderline micro invasion, but IDC was found in pathology.

    If you're considering recon. at a later time, the BS will leave extra skin and fat,so there will be room for tissue expanders.

    I've read some horror stories on this forum regarding surgeons not honoring a patient's wishes to be flat. My BS strongly encouraged me to meet with a PS. I declined, because I knew it wasn't for me. I think (at least in the case on my BS) that these surgeons experience women who change their mind about recon at some point. My surgeon put in his notes that I wanted to be flat. I assume this was to protect himself.

  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited September 2016

    I go for my explant and total flatness on The 16th. I am torn about it but in the end it is what is best.

    I think the decision to have your breast surgeon or a plastic surgeon should be based on your previous experience. I totally trust my breast surgeon...who is a general surgeon that specializes in breast issues. She is THE BEST...I trust her. She did say to me if I wanted new implants, going the route of tissue expanders etc, that I would need a plastic surgeon on board.....Not gonna happen. I am looking forward to feeling real albeit flat.

    best wishes to everyone,

    Eve

  • Kaption
    Kaption Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2016

    momaton,

    Interesting comments. I really liked and trusted my BS too. Not so much my PS, although he did agree to keep them small (b cup). BUT he did not tell me up front that my left side, which had received radiation, would not match my right side. He told me, but not until I had agreed to proceed. They don't match, and neither side looks great.

    But most of all I'm very uncomfortable!! Ready to get them out.

    First I have to get some new rads done, recover from that then move on. I'm hoping my MO has someone to recommend.


  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited September 2016

    Kaption,

    so interesting you are having RADS twice? I thought you could only have it done once.

    My BS told me that she thought that my old implants may have blocked the cancer from invading my chest wall. Heh! well allrighty then.

    So, had my pre-op blood tests and ekg today. Love my hospital, I was in and out in 20 minutes.Getting ready to head for the other side again.

    So what do you flat ladies wear? I live in Florida, so sweaters are out except for about three weeks in January.

    I am 60 yo. Not really into fluffy stuff but looking at highly patterned tops. ????

    Peace

    Eve

  • Kaption
    Kaption Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2016

    Eve,

    My rads have been in different spots. First was left breast after the first bc lumpectomy in 2005. Then when state 4 was diagnosed in 2013 I had several lumbar tumors radiated. Later, other lumbar tumors. Last November my left femur. Next week I start rads on T3 and left iliac (outside tip). Technically you can radiate the same spot more than once if it's done at a different angle and hits slightly away from previous spot.

    Glad you have a great hospital.

    I had to completely change my wardrobe after getting my mastectomy and implants. Had to switch to looser tops with prints to camouflage my not so great new breasts. I buy a lot of tops at Chicos. They may work when I get to go flat. You'll probably experiment and find what works for you. It took me a while.


  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited September 2016

    thanks all

    So another question.......among many

    I have surgery on Friday the 16th.

    My BS's nurse told me to expect something similar to my BMX. including drains...yuk.

    An over night stay and same recovery. Ok fine.

    Is that what you all experienced?

    Tonight is my MAD, sad, scared, wanting to back out night. Just having a pity party. I am a really strong person but just want to cry over losing my boobs...sad

    E

  • Kaption
    Kaption Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2016

    So sorry E for what you are going through. I have the same questions as you about recovery. I'm just ready to get rid of this tightness.

    I haven't even brought it up to my MO yet. Next visit is about 2 weeks away.

    Hopefully those who have been through it will reassure us.


  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited September 2016

    I'll be sure and let you know my experience.

    Hubs brought me red roses tonight. He knows. So sweet.

    All I know is I'll be ok. Just letting myself explore my feelings. helps to get the bad out in order to let the good in.

    All will be well.

    Love

    Eve


  • Luna52
    Luna52 Member Posts: 147
    edited September 2016

    Eve,

    You might want to order a pair of Knitted Knockers now.

    I had my surgery (BMX) on Monday Sept 6 and made my first "public appearance" yesterday at the local library. I'm flat and so far happy with the result. I still have my drains in, giving me a sort of "oompa loompa" shape so I was pleased to have a pair of knitted knockers to slip into my compression garment and balance things off a bit. Does anyone else care or even notice? Nope! But it made me feel good -)

    Best on luck on your surgery.

    Luna


  • fipjoemom
    fipjoemom Member Posts: 29
    edited September 2016

    Hi Ladies. Really glad I found this thread. I am contemplating having my implants removed. I had a bilateral mastectomy in October 2015 (second breast cancer diagnosis) and had exchange surgery in February 2016. Because I had radiation on my left breast back in 1998 with first diagnosis, I had the lat flap surgery also. I have never felt comfortable with the implants and still have a lot of tightness and sometimes pain. After researching more about implants and the problems they can create the longer you have them, I want them out. I don't think my current plastic surgeon would agree with me about this so I am researching other plastic surgeons in my area. I wanted to know if any of you all also had lat flap surgery because I'm not sure how this would work with breast explantation. TIA.

  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited September 2016

    Thanks Luna for the reply.

    This is my third surgery for recurrence. I had 6 IDC's the first time and "it" keeps coming back in the same place. Hence....getting rid of as much skin as possible and with the very old implants.. Like fipjoemom I am also in pain which seemingly is increasing. wearing a bra is extremely uncomfortable even after almost 3 years out.

    I know about the knitted knockers. Pretty cool. they also have a pattern for crocheted knockers. I am much better at crocheting than knitting so I will try and make my own. Thinking it will be good therapy. Guess I better pull out all my yarn and hooks now, I couldn't even open a water bottle after my BMX.

    Not very worried about what others think...just my first look at me.

    Sorry fipjoemom I cant help with your situation. We are all so unique in what we have experienced. I have had my silicone implants since 1988 just an augmentation. No problems at all. Now the implants have ruptured and it is time for them to go. AND to get rid of the cancer prone skin and nips.

    So here we go. tomorrow will be a day of rest and then Friday after surgery a new beginning.

    Ill check in as soon as I am able...Sunday perhaps?

    Loopy

    ThumbsUp

    Peace

    Eve

  • hsant
    hsant Member Posts: 790
    edited September 2016

    Eve, you have every right to have as many pity parties as you deem fit. How nice that your DH brought home roses!

    I like wearing little tops and sundresses that are cut low in the back. I also like halter tops and dresses. I don't try and camouflage my flatness, but I don't go out of my way to emphasize it either.

    Prayers out to you for an easy surgery and an easy breezy recovery!

  • momaton
    momaton Member Posts: 780
    edited September 2016

    Thanks for the love ladies.

    Hubs has on "live at Daryl's house" That's daryl hall of Hall and oates...So I turned up the sound and am dancing my way into surgery tomorrow.

    I'll check in Saturday....couldn't do it without you!

    Love

    Eve

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