Devastated by turn of events

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MusicianfromMaine
MusicianfromMaine Member Posts: 2
edited January 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Well...so much can happen in a little over two weeks. After years and years of internal debate, I finally bit the bullet and scheduled a PBM with direct-to-implant reconstruction (I'm BRCA 2+). Surgery was on Dec. 28. All went well, I was home the next day, feeling pretty darn good. Got my drains removed 7 days later, then 2 days later tissue necrosis and cellulitis was noted in my right breast. PS immediately sent me to the hospital for high-dose antibiotics. After 72 hours of ivs, minimal improvement was noted so I went into surgery for removal of necrosis and the implant. So, here I am now. Got rid of two healthy breasts, ended up with one reconstruction and one, well, for lack of a better word, crater. Had I known this would happen I never would've had surgery. I thought I'd be out in the world with reconstructed breasts, not shopping in the market for prostheses. Now, on a cognitive level I know that I've reduced my risk of BC by a huge percentage. Now, on a cognitive level I know that I can have reconstructive surgery once again, after a 4-6 month wait. But, I'm not feeling it too much on a cognitive level. Emotionally and physically, it's been a huge hit. It's only been 6 days since the second surgery, so I'm still a bit in shock. And I'm pretty resilient, so I know I'll be able to pick myself up by the bootstraps and move forward. But today, right now, I'm feeling devastated.

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited January 2017

    Sorry to hear about your failed implant. I was a candidate for DIEP and went for that because the implant being a foreign object and the risk of problems resulting from them. Also risk of rupture and need for updates about every 10 years.

    Plastic surgeons push implants for many it is their only option. Many people have no problems but some do.

    I guess if I were you I would shop around for another solution to repair, my scars are pretty minimal considering the surgery I had. I am very happy with results and it is a permanent fix.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited January 2017

    I hear your resilience, and it still sucks and you get to feel your negative emotions about it.

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited January 2017

    Ugh! How frustrating! Although I've never undergone reconstruction myself, it seems to be a crapshoot. Some women have easy reconstructions; others don't. You can try to improve your chances of a "fix," however, by considering a different plastic surgeon perhaps. Wishing you the best!

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited January 2017

    This can be fixed, but totally understand your feelings. I absolutely hated waiting 5 months after mx to get my reconstruction.

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  • Emily2008
    Emily2008 Member Posts: 605
    edited January 2017

    Oh man, that just sucks.

    I'm BRCA 2 pos as well, and yes, you are right. You've reduced your risk of BC by a HUGE percent. Try to stay focused on that, and maybe even remind yourself that there was not other wise option for you.

    You'll get through it, as you know. It just really, really sucks right now.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2017

    Musician - I'm sorry you're having to go through this. There are a number of women who have had implant removals due to infection. Several are now very happy after fat grafting and another shot at it down the road. If you need someone that has been there to bounce it off, let me know & I'll PM you her name.

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited January 2017

    I understand your devastation. Rest now. The mastectomy alone causes so many physiological changes. My PCP physician has a theory that the loss of breast tissue alone triggers hormonal changes and crashes in some women. I'm so glad you had those ticking time bombs removed. Yes - it was a high price, and there is still a long road ahead. Yay for no more high risk screenings and those worries. Rest. Then regroup. You've got this. Big hug.
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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited January 2017

    hi sweetie i had reconstruction also but it went bad i was lying down watching t v with Fiancee(was diagnosed while making weddingvplans) i had severe pain in my expander site was rushed to hospital with very high fever took me rightaway to remove implant my body rejected it i have been wearing prothesis since i am a Praise God a 23 yr Survivor this yr. i never wanted reconstruction again prothesis works just fine. msphil idc stage 2 0\3 nodes Lmast chemo n rads 5 yrs on tamoxifen. Keep Hope n Positive thinking worked All these yrs for me. God Bless

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