Delayed recon after bilateral mast

I had bilateral masts and immediate DIEP reconstruction 6 weeks after chemo. You have to wait till your counts bounce back up-- usually within 4 weeks... but you want to book the surgery during your 5th round of chemo, cause surgeons book so far out in advance.

I had bilateral mast. with immediate reconstruction using the latissimus(back muscle) flap and expanders put in four weeks after stopping chemo. My onc said that blood counts are important in how long it takes-to make sure you can recover from surgery well. I'm still waiting to have my expanders removed and replaced with implants (I had a baby) which through things off schedule. But I can't wait to have nipples again!

I had a lateral mast with immediate recon (tissue expander) and will have a silicone implant put in next week. They wanted to wait 3-4 weeks after my last chemo to do surgery to make sure my counts were good. There are a lot of options out there for recon, some are better suited for different body types. You should be able to do a consult now so you can weigh your options for later. Also, if possible, talk to more then one ps. Sounds like you may have challenges w/your insurance, but hopefully the ps’s wont charge much, if anything for the consults. And talk to them about what will be involved in the future, like 5 yrs from now. And of course if possible, ask for referrals from women they did the same procedure on 10 yrs ago. Anyone can show you pretty pictures of recent surgeries, but what about the women 10 yrs ago, how do they like the work now?

In my case, I had to ask my gs about the implant for future imagining and possible problems. You are taking someone to all your dr appointments right? If not, get a recorder.

Hugs,
Issa

Ask away, Im totally open.

Expanders aren’t a big deal. I went in once a week and got about 100 ccs of saline put in each time. The worst part was the stick of the needle into the port, but Im a total needle wuss. The “pressure” some women talk about wasn’t bad. And certainly nothing that a few advils couldn’t cure. For me the hardest part of this stupid expander is the port. Im short and have a small frame so the port is very noticeable under my skin. Its about the size of a matchbook and its under my arm right where the elastic from my bra goes. Its hard to sleep on my side because of that port. Also, my boob is hard and looks like a pie plate on my chest. Very bizarre, but with some stuffing in my bra, no one can tell. And I believe you said you had a bilat mast, so you would have 2 expanders. So no worries about trying to look symmetrical.

Issa

Hi Lisa,
The port for the expander is part of the expander, so I suspect different then the one you already have. Now that my expander is gone, I doubt Ill be able to tell where that port was. Its just another "stick" we have to endure w/this chemo dance.

Hang in there,
Issa