joytori

Same story as you and susudoggie. Not sure what to do now with all the failed attempts at expanders and implants. Choice now tummy tram flap or latissimus . Both with very small implants. Not sure what's less invasive but think I really need my shoulder for lifting... Tummy tram may be better? Good to know I'm not alone and all this failure due to radiation and tissue not healing is somewhat common.

Good luck with your decision. You can contact mayo clinic email with questions too.

That exactly happened to me. I fi is he'd chemo and radiation, waited 3 months and had the expanders switched out to the implants. One of them ripped open .. The side with the radiation and they can only do the latissimus now. Nothing devastated me except that because I thought I was finally done after the years of surgery, chemo, radiation.. I feel your pain. Are you going to do the latissimus. I haven't done anything for a year because I don't want my family to go through all of that all over and( me too) I'm worried about losing movement in my shoulder or making the lymphedema worse. Too young to have the additional impairment of uber swollen arms and shoulder. I'm afraid surgery will make it worse. Did they tell you that you'd have an increase in lymphedema or reduced range of motion. They claim I won't and asked me to call a girl with successful outcomes but you need to look at your own body. What job do you have. What hobbies, do they involve lifting like gardening, kids or someday grand kids, hiking kayaking. Good luck with your decision. Do you live inthe Midwest?

well with only one unfinished implant but healthy. no option except tram now because of all the surgeries and i really don't want to do that. I don't want more cuts in my body and don't want to suck up more famiily time in hospital beds. I'm thinking about what's next with reconstruction, mulling it over. It's been a year this week since one of the implants ripped out so I'm healed. Need to think about sacrificing muscle for fashion. Way too young to go without anything though. shopping is a disaster as is swimming :)

my sister was stage 2 at 35 bilateral and is doing great 10 years later, I'm 49 with 3c stage now with botched attempted bilateral reconstruction. Don't feel guilty, it is what it is. You can be the best
support for your sister