What kind did you have?

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DParks63
DParks63 Member Posts: 5
edited July 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

2 years ago I was diagnosed with Breast cancer. It was hormone related and very small. I opted for lumpectomy. It was right below my nipple and the lumpectomy left my nipple hard and puckered and pointing down and under that I termed it a cave. It almost looked like a walrus. I had radiation but no chemo. While I hated the look I was really hating the way it felt. It was uncomfortable and so on. This February I went in for breast reconstruction. I opted for a dermal fat graph and implant. For nearly 4 months it was healing beautifully. I loved the way it felt and it looked great. However, right at the 4 month mark, the fat graph got infected and ruptured thru the skin. It was disgusting and unfortunately I had to have the implant removed. This was a week ago. Now I am more deformed than ever. This was even more painful than the other 2 surgeries I had. (lumpectomy and reconstruction) It has left me feeling devastated and depressed.

My surgeon said that it was about a 50/50 chance on whether or not the reconstruction I had would work due to me having radiation. He has offered now to do a flap from my back area but he said that my mobility would be a little damaged and quite frankly this type surgery really scares me. So, my question is this...has anyone had it done on a radiated breast and if so, how do you like your results, what is your mobility like now? Did you have an implant also? And how long has it been since you had it? Are you having any trouble with it? I want to know if its success rate is better, etc..

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited July 2018

    I am sure others will reply but wanted you to know that I had a BMX with tissue expanders nearly on year ago fully expecting I would get implants. However after talking with my PS and reading the statistics, I decided to have DIEP surgery on my radiated breast. DIEP takes tissue from your abdomen and no muscle. My first PS does the Lat Flap yours is suggesting but my understanding is that this is an old procedure and the DIEP is the preferred flap procedure. I found a new PS who does this procedure and am having the surgery tomorrow. If you want to read more go to the DIEP 2018 thread. Best of luck.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2018

    welcome DParks63, and we are truly sorry to hear what you are experiencing. OCDAmy offers a good alternative to ask your reconstruction surgeon. Hoping to hear opinions of others who have been through this!


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  • DParks63
    DParks63 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2018

    Thank you Amy. Thing is, I had a dermal fat graph taken from my lower belly.. Is that the same thing? It was that and implant.

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited July 2018

    DParks- dermal fat graft and DIEP are 2 different things. The dermal fat graft is used in place of acellular dermal matrix or a cellular sling. They are used to create a bottom support for the implant. Your PS is now talking about using your latiisimus dorsi muscles from your back to support the implants from the bottom. Before you let anyone touch those last dorsi muscles, take a crusade over to the lay dorsi recon page and make sure you want to sacrifice your back muscle.

    A DIEP flap recon is where they basically do a tummy tuck making sure to harvest the DIEP blood vessels and then transfer the tissue to your chest creating breast mounds. With that being said, did you have an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck to get the tissue for the dermal fat graft? If not DIEP may still be an option. If the dermal graft procedure eliminates DIEP as an option for you there is also SGAP recon where they take tissue from your upper butt/hip area.

    Both SGAP and DIEP are muscle sparing procedures that require microsurgeons, not just your run of the mill PS. It sounds like your doc is not a microsurgeon. Luckily, many of us on BCO can refer you to microsurgeons. I had mine done at NOLA/the center for breast restoration surgery in New Orleans. I traveled from NC and would do it again in a heartbeat. You have to look very closely and know where to look to tell I had anything done. You would never guess I had BC. Here’s a link to their site complete with before and after photos and a link to a great video about reconstruction called ‘I Wish I’d Known’ that can greatly benefit any woman looking at recon options no matter where you’re having it done:

    www.breastcenter.com

    https://www.breastcenter.com/2018/05/01/i-wish-id-known-dr-ordonye-speaks-to-ypo-about-modern-breast-cancer-care/



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  • DParks63
    DParks63 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2018

    They did a mini tummy tuck. I am limited to who I can go to because of insurance. I had someone in my city I was going to go to that took my insurance and before I could get the procedure scheduled he decided he would no longer do reconstruction. So, I had to go to UF Shands in Gainsville, FL - 4 hrs away. I will look at different options for sure and ask my ps when I see him again at the end of the month.

    Thank you so much for your words of wisdom!

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  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 500
    edited July 2018

    Hello - I am so glad I found this thread! I has a single mx in December 2016, chemo followed by 20 radiations and 2 boosts of 5 radiations each (total 30) which I finished end of June 2017. I am seriously thinking of DIEP breast reconstruction - my concern is I have been dx Stage 4 end of January 2018 - is this sensible? My PS, who I saw yesterday, is sending his determinations to my Oncology team to get their feedback, but he does feel that if I remain stable it is doable. He also explained the implant surgery, which is far less invasive is an alternative for me to think on. Does anyone here have feedback seeing as I am stage 4? The PS Is a microsurgeon, so I am confident in his ability. Thank you for any thoughts...sending you all good wishes for health and healing!! J

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  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 500
    edited July 2018

    OOops - I should add that I have 1 bony met on my right illiac crest that had shown minimal reduction ater 2 cycles of Ibrance. I go for scans July 18 and and hoping and praying for even better news!!!

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited July 2018

    janky- I think DIEP is sensible if that is the recon you feel is the best choice for you. A lot of times the docs are looking at things differently....they’re looking at survival rates of stage 4 and weighing options based on cost and their perceived quality of your life. You on the other hand are looking at being around as long as possible NED and your personal quality of life and body satisfaction/confidence. I personally think the quality of life, satisfaction and confidence go a long way toward helping to stay NED and providing the best shot at a long life. Just my $0.02.

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  • DParks63
    DParks63 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2018

    Amy, how did your surgery go?

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  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 500
    edited July 2018

    Lula73 - Thank you so much!!! That is what the RO of my Trial said as well, and though it sounds like a lonnnnng recovery, in the past I have healed quickly and well - so much to think about!!

    Best wishes and gentle, healing hugs for speedy recoveries to all of you experiencing surgeries!!!

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited July 2018

    Dparks, so far so good! Three nights in hospital and now home recovering. Seeing nurse tomorrow for my one week follow up. Breast looks really great and my tummy is flat. Recovery so far has been easier than I expected.

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  • DParks63
    DParks63 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2018

    awesome! Glad to hear it. I have a couple of little holes that have not closed yet.. Freaking me out but my ps said they should close. I see him again on 27th.

    What an ordeal for us all who have went thru it.

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