15 years later....

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booniper
booniper Member Posts: 4
edited August 2020 in Breast Reconstruction

I had right-sided breast cancer in 2005 and received radiation and chemo. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy "just in case" and had reconstruction done with silicone implants. Last year, the implant on the radiated side was calcifying, so I had both implants removed and ended up with seromas and incisions that would not stay closed. I had about five surgeries last year, including a lat-flap procedure, to try and get the incision lines to close. I still have an open wound on my chest on the radiated side and am at a loss as to what else I can do to try and get this last spot to finally close!

The plastic surgeon I've been seeing says that the radiation all those years ago changed the environment, and the lat-flap procedure is their "go-to" procedure in difficult cases like mine. Unfortunately, the spot that won't heal is just next to the lat-flap incision. UGH!

Anyone have any, or know of any similar situations? Looking for treatment suggestions I can take to my doctor.

Thank you!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2020

    I can sympathize - I did not have radiation but my skin behaved like I did, you can see in my signature line, I’ve had a lot of surgery. I had very thin skin that lacked vascularity, and very thorough Mastectomy surgery. My skin tore easily, and I also had thin pectoral muscles. That provided next to nothing to nurture the skin laid over them, and I had difficulty keeping incisions closed. Fat grafting is the thing that made all the difference for me - multiple small grafts over a number of months. The grafts, along with 100g of protein a day, and supplementing with bromelaine, and zinc. I have seen some people also supplement with Arnica Montana. I would suggest discussing hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments with your surgeon, some have used them successfully to aid in skin healing. Good luck, I know this is tough.

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  • booniper
    booniper Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2020

    Thank you! I tried to get hyperbaric oxygen treatments after my last surgery in October; however, insurance denied coverage. After incurring all of the "out of pocket" expense from the surgeries, infections, and hospital stays, I was not too keen on shelling out more for the treatments. Looks like I may have to, though. Prayers for you!!

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  • booniper
    booniper Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2020

    Thank you! I tried to get hyperbaric oxygen treatments after my last surgery in October; however, insurance denied coverage. After incurring all of the "out of pocket" expense from the surgeries, infections, and hospital stays, I was not too keen on shelling out more for the treatments. Looks like I may have to, though. Prayers for you!!

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited August 2020

    Since this is all related to cancer is this not required to be covered by insurance? You may want to do some checking on with that further.

    You should be able to be treated correctly or there may be appeals you can file or have doctors file appeals for you.

    If you have a social worker in your cancer center they may be able to help assist with services and direct and coordinate your care as well. Best wishes to you.

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