POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction Reviews
Blessed to Have (Had) Dr. A on my Cancer Team - La Jolla, CA
UPDATED FROM AGreatLife
With my diagnosis, there was never a moment I did...
AGreatLifeJanuary 27, 2012
WORTH IT$8,000
With my diagnosis, there was never a moment I did not consider reconstruction. I was a long time patient of Dr. Krant who quarterbacked my "fight" and without him and Dr. A I don't know where I would be today.
The first 3 mos were the most difficult emotionally and physically having had 3 surgeries ~ a lumpectomy, the bilateral mastectomy (the best decision I ever made) and finally replacing the expanders with silicone implants. The nipple reconstruction and fat grafting surgeries were done in 3 surgeries that occurred over the next 11 months leaving me whole again! From day of diagnosis to my final surgery the process took 14 months.
For many reasons (which I am happy to share but not sure this is the right forum), I wish I would have done the bilateral from the beginning. Having had it, I was able to avoid having radiation, which was key for me.
It's very hard to describe the sensations I experienced. Besides the obvious pain, my "girls" did not have the "peripheral vision" they used to have - they could not sense when to get out of the way. I still have a tingly feeling in my chest that can be aggravated by working out the chest or flying. Also I always sleep in a sports bra as the "girls" like to be supported.
The first 3 mos were the most difficult emotionally and physically having had 3 surgeries ~ a lumpectomy, the bilateral mastectomy (the best decision I ever made) and finally replacing the expanders with silicone implants. The nipple reconstruction and fat grafting surgeries were done in 3 surgeries that occurred over the next 11 months leaving me whole again! From day of diagnosis to my final surgery the process took 14 months.
For many reasons (which I am happy to share but not sure this is the right forum), I wish I would have done the bilateral from the beginning. Having had it, I was able to avoid having radiation, which was key for me.
It's very hard to describe the sensations I experienced. Besides the obvious pain, my "girls" did not have the "peripheral vision" they used to have - they could not sense when to get out of the way. I still have a tingly feeling in my chest that can be aggravated by working out the chest or flying. Also I always sleep in a sports bra as the "girls" like to be supported.
AGreatLife's provider
Replies (5)
July 23, 2012
congrats! I am currently going through the reconstruction process myself. You look great!
August 8, 2012
Thanks for your kind words. I read your post ~ how sad insurance would cover the proper reconstruction for you. Having a great reconstruction doctor is the answer ~ you can always come to San Diego to get the girls fixed! My doctor is amazing!! =)) I hope you get the desired result you are looking for and stay well!
August 8, 2012
~ should have read - how sad insurance would not cover ....
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to email me. Stay well and be happy!
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to email me. Stay well and be happy!
July 25, 2012
They look great I have gotten my nipples yet but I am looking forward to them. God is sooo good!!!!
August 8, 2012
Getting the "nips" was a nice addition - I missed them the 6 mos they were gone! I added a new picture with the areolas tattooed. I think they look amazing!
God is soooo very good! Be well and stay happy!
God is soooo very good! Be well and stay happy!
August 29, 2012
Looks great! I would love to chat with you more - about the things you say are not appropriate for the forum.. I'm currently facing a very difficult decision - whether I should get Lx + rads or unilateral Mx.. I would really love some feedback if you have a minute.. Thank you!!!
August 29, 2012
Thank you. I have more than a minute ~ this is a BIG decision....and I have some insight for you. Private message me and then I will give you my phone number.... I would love to talk with you!
ORIGINAL POST
In the big scheme of things being alive and...
AGreatLifeJanuary 26, 2012
In the big scheme of things being alive and healthy is the most important thing, but the thought of losing my breasts was extremely scary. Thanks to Dr. Apostolides I ended up with Picture Perfect Poster Boobs for Breast Cancer!!! My new girls are better than the old ones!
Replies (2)
November 5, 2014
You look amazing - going thru reconstruction myself, I hope for similar results.
December 30, 2014
How are you doing with your reconstruction? I hope you have beautiful results as well!
December 29, 2014
Very impressed with the nipple and tattoo work. I am considering revision and I don't have nipples and aereol as. I have the Sientra textured rounds and they are very firm. You said you have silicone gel can you expand on that are they soft? how many cc's ?are they high profile ? You also said your PS did alloderm for nipples? You have very good projection.
December 30, 2014
4 years ago we didn't have the options today that you have with implants. I think the implants I have are the Mentors ~ they are firm yet squeezy. My implants are 700cc which for me is probably a C cup. (Remembering they took out over 400cc of my own tissue.)
My reconstructive dr, Dr Apostolides did an amazing job with reconstructing my breasts. He created the nipple from my own skin and then 6 mos later we added the alloderm so they would project and look like natural breasts, which they do! I got the tattoos done from Vinnie Myers, google him to see his work. He is the "Van Gogh" of nipple and areola tattooing! In the end my breasts look amazing!
Wow you look amazing, thank you for the detailed review and I am so glad that you recovered and are doing well.
Kate