Robert C Wanless (retired)

I had had numerous lumpectomies in prior yrs and 13 in that year alone, finally electing to be proactive, I chose the procedure of a bi-lateral mastectomy to reduced my already high risk of cancer and the number of times I was having to go in for lumpectomies. My lumps were solid non-malignant tumors thus far but who knew when/if that would change. They were never able to aspirate them and given that I was at high risk, the surgeon said the only way to be sure was to remove the lumps. My risks were having started periods before age 12, never having had children, having had several prior tumors (malignant or not), prior smoker, over weight, strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancers, and those are just the ones that I can remember having had. After several consultations with each, my surgeons worked closely together to coordinate everything which I greatly appreciated. I felt I had done a great deal of research before hand and knew what I was getting into. Today I feel like I could have done more including getting a second opinion on the reconstructive options and potential results. The surgeries were relatively easy and exactly as I'd been told they would be. I came home with drains after a 3 day hospital stay (to ensure control of medications, with my significant allergies) and was quickly on the mend. They inserted expanders with 100 ccs each, to reduce total number of surgeries needed. I'm glad they did. I think it was nearly a month before PS felt comfortable with starting the process of the expansion, wanting to allow time for swelling to go down first. The expansion process was not painful at all as I had very minimal feeling. He did the expansion fills in his office weekly to bi-weekly depending on the tightness of the skin. He would insert a needle which I barely if at all felt and inject saline, usually 100 ccs. Being impatient, I didn't feel that process was going fast enough, however I'm also sure that it minimized the pain and tightness others mention. I believe the initial surgery was in December and the implants inserted to replace the expanders was in April of the following year. The PS did a nipple reconstruction at the time of expansion replacement, using tissue from my groin area. Initially the nipples looked fabulous, he suggested I wait on tattooing to give time for healing. It never did take place. as I went back and forth in decision to do it, fearing the potential pain and liking the fact that they didn't show through clothing. I later decided to do so, but his office never calls me back with the information on where to have it done (which is a little frustrating). Over time the protrusion he initially created for the nipple, has flattened out to where it's barely there and the skin has faded so much that you can hardly tell I have any nipples. Strangely, I loved the way my chest looked with the expanders, shape and size wise as we were nearing completion, they had an amazing fullness to their shape. My PS actually started saying that I might be getting them to full for my body size. While I disagreed, I started noticing that where in the past the fills increased the projection, suddenly that was no longer happening, instead they were becoming rounder in diameter only, which I didn't care for, so I agreed to stop the fills and move on in the process. I explained to the PS that I didn't like that one sat higher than the other and seemed to be larger, or the fact that they seemed to sit so far apart, which he explained he could remedy with the changeover. Those issues still seem to be the case. I came out of surgery with my entire chest very bruised and I think I recall him telling me something about he'd tried to address my concerns but that my breast cavities can't be changed. ?? I sort of get it but it would seem like there were other ways to achieve the desired look. Then as then almost immediately after the removal of the bandaging, I noticed that there was a dip in the top of my left breast, which he said would make it look more natural. I didn't like that response, as I'd never had dips in my real breasts and didn't have one in the right one, so why should I need to have one in the left? I began to feel like I was being ungrateful after all that had been done, so I walked away unhappy. I was a little surprised because every time anyone in the medical industry saw them, they commented on what a great job he'd done, that it was the best they'd ever seen. Over time, it made me feel that maybe my expectations had just been unreasonable. I am now 7 years post op and had recently heard that the implants would need to be changed out, that they weren't a life long material and that my body would eat away at them until they'd need replacing. In addition, I have gained an additional 25 pounds or so, as a result of no longer smoking and the many medications I'm on, having fibromyalgia, and not being able to exercise with any intensity. I also have a great deal of issues with swelling which make weight loss efforts virtually impossible. So with the fact that they appear almost flat when clothed now and the statement that they'd need to be replaced at some point, I started researching the truth to such a statement (initially finding it correct with replacement being 7-10 years in). So given that I was at 7 years and not happy with the size, I started researching my options at this point and came upon this web site. I have now learned that there is no expiration on the implants and that they could in fact last for many years to come. In addition, I've learned that there are options out there that can address the things I don't like. I was and am still impressed with the laws pertaining to mastectomies and reconstruction, such as if an insurance company covers the mastectomy, they MUST then cover the cost of reconstruction. Who would have known? I will continue to look further into what I'd like to do in order to address the issues I'm unhappy about, but overall, I don't regret for one day the decision I made 7 years ago in the removal or the reconstruction process either one. There is a peace of mind in knowing my chances for breast cancer have been reduced to less than 2% now. There are occasions I've encountered since where having the reconstruction made things much less awkward for me as a woman, such as at the YMCA where children share the locker room, or when my grandchild came storming in while I was changing cloths as kids occasionally will do. For adults, I really don't care what they think but in the case of a child, shouldn't their parents have the ability to choose the time and place where they discuss such things verses having to because they happened upon the situation by accident? Not to mention the convenience it provides me of not having to deal with bra inserts and such. Heck, often times I don't even wear a bra and when I do it's strictly for coverage under sheerer items or trying to make them appear larger since the weight gain, not for support. Updated on 19 Sep 2011: Cost is what was billed to insurance carrier, my cost was nothing, thank God ;) and looking at photos, strangely it almost seems like doctor went for a prior to surgery appearance instead of for what my optimal desires were.

I am 51 years old and I wear a 36 DD. I have been experiencing upper back pain, shoulder pain and permanent indentation from my bra strap digging into my shoulder for the past 5+ years. I have had chiropractic, therapy, acupuncture and a MRI done over the years. I am a Medical Device Sales Representative and I do a lot of driving 5 days a week. Needless to say gradually my pain has worsened and my posture is totally ridiculous . My PCP had recommended I have breast reduction surgery for the last 3 years. However I have put it off as long as I could . So in March 2013 I went back to my PCP complaining with severe upper back pain. He insisted that I reconsider his recommendation for the surgery. I had gained 50lbs which did not help matters and not only was having increased pain but I now had hypertension and borderline high cholesterol and had to start prescription drugs to keep it under control. I advised my PCP that I would consider getting the surgery and ask him to set up an appointment with a PS. He did just that and 3 days later I had my first consult with my PS. He agreed that I do need the breast reduction and a lift. I advised him that before I would really consider the surgery I wanted to lose the 50 lbs that I had gained and if my insurance would cover the surgery I would agree to do it. He agreed that i should lose weight prior to having the surgery. In April 2013 my primary insurance BSBC approved the surgery at 90 % and my secondary also BCBS would cover the other 10%. So I immediately started a very strict diet /exercise plan. I have lost 45lbs and no longer need the prescription medications because my blood pressure is now under control and my cholesterol is excellent. Since losing the 45 lbs I went back to my PS to inquire if he still recommend that I need the surgery. He did confirm even though I lost weight my breast did not get any smaller and they are sagging even more. My surgery is scheduled for December 4th, 2013 @ 7:30 a.m. So here it is only 2 weeks away and I am so scared. I am mostly scared of the anesthesia. A few years ago I had a small unrelated procedure where I had general anesthesia and it was done out patient. I ended up having to be admitted because I had a problem waking up. So scary!!! This week I have really been nervous and on edge. I am feeling really anxious. My pre-op appointment is this Monday with my PS and I am hoping he can give me something to calm my nerves. I have my pre-op testing this Tuesday. It's getting down to the wire and a part of me is excited and again I am really nervous too. It looks like I will be....."Dressing up the Girls for the Holidays". Lol Sandra Updated on 26 Nov 2013: Yesterday I went to my pre opp appointment with my PS. He said I did not need any side lipo, so that should hopefully make my recovery and little easier. We discussed the Anesthesia and he understood my concerns. He told me to discuss it again with the anesthesiologist at my pre -opp testing today. I am feeling more confident about my procedure. My PS will. be doing the anchor procedure on me. I told him I want them to be a nice firm C cup and that I want them high and tight. My husband and I also watched a video there on breast reduction. My surgery is now just a week away and I am really excited and ready for this. I can't wait to see how my new smaller breast will look in my new smaller size clothes. So excited to be " dressing up the girls for the holidays"!!! Updated on 3 Dec 2013: I am so appreciative of all the support that everyone on here has giving me. It has definitely helped me overcome some of my biggest fears and concerns. I am feeling more relaxed and just ready a tad bit nervous but can not wait to see the new me. Thanks again everyone for all the words of encouragement and for sharing your BR experiences. xoxo Updated on 3 Dec 2013: It's been a real long day for me emotions going in all directions. I have been suffering for many years with all the pain and discomfort of having these big saggy breast. I owe each and every one of you a huge "THANK YOU" for all of your support. It has been a real roller coaster for me. Seeing all the pics of each and every one of you has made me realize I can do this and will be so much more happier. I am trying to take the advise of many of you and try to relax but it is so difficult not to think and dream of how I will look, every second of the day. My P S will be admitting me to the hospital following my surgery for a day or two for observation. I have all my stuff in order for my recovery. My husband took off the whole week to take care of me. I will be off work until January 6th so I am looking forward to reading, updating and following up with all. I am sure I won't be able to get a wink of sleep all night but that's okay because it's all worth it!! I am posting a few more" before surgery" pics because the pics of everyone else on here really helped me tremendously and I hope I can pay it forward. Thanks again to all for your support!! Updated on 4 Dec 2013: I slept a a few hours last night. All in all I feel really good. Not to nervous at this time. I will be checking in at the hospital in about 30 minutes. Can't wait to see my new small perky boobs!! Updated on 6 Dec 2013: My husband and I arrived at the hospital. Once we signed in they took me back to a my private pre-op room. There the nurse went over my medical history once again. Instead of the traditional hospital gown they put a "Bear Paws" gown on me. The bear paws system is designed to offer you comfort and clinical benefits during your surgical experience . Temperature controlled air flows through the gown to keep you warm and comfortable before, during and after surgery. It helps avoid unintended hypothermia by warming you before surgery. Most patients lose the majority of heat during the first hour under anesthesia. Anyway something new and kind of a neat experience . I was very calm and not nervous at all. Vitals were all excellent. My PS came in and did all my markings and in my favorite color purple. Lol. After he marked me the anesthesiologist came in and explained what was going to happen. He said he had a margarita cocktail for me. He had my husband and I say our goodbyes and he put it in my IV. They wisk me off to the operating room. After that I do not remember anything. I don't remember being in recovery or anything. I only remember them telling me they were ready to take me to my room as I was being admitted over night as planned by my PS. Once I got up to my room my husband came in I was very sleepy still and to my surprise NO pain. It has been such a great experience . I had minimal pain maybe just a tad bit of burning. I did not get much sleep in the hospital because I had to get up every 2 hours to pee!! Lol they gave me a lot of fluids. I didn't have to have any drains put in, he said I didn't need them. My PS came in at 11:00 am the next day a changed my bandages under my surgical bra. He gave me 2 Surgical bras and all the bandages for my dressings to do at home. He said the stitches he used do not need to be taken out. I have a followup appointment next week on Thursday. He discharged me to go home. So at about 1:30 I went home. I got home around 2:00. I felt fantastic and still do. I did not do much of anything all evening just relaxed and took it easy. I did not see my boobs until this morning when I took my shower. I love them ,,, I still have no pain at all. My PS did not put me on antibiotics or any other meds. He did give me a script for pain medication but I really don't have any pain so I never took any. My only regrets is that I should of done this sooner!!! Feeling Fantastic!!! Updated on 6 Dec 2013: Today has been great. I have been doing exactly what everyone has told me to do. Relax, Rest and Recover. I have been up walking a bit but only inside. We have a snow storm passing thru today. It's really cold out there so great to be able to stay in and enjoy it looking out the window. I really don't have any pain or complaints. I know it's only been 2 days but so far it's been a great experience. I have only seen my new boobs once and can't wait to get my shower tomorrow so I can admire them again!! My ps suggest that I keep the surgical bra on at all times and only take it off for my daily shower. Does anyone know when the PS will take the tape off? I think he will on my fu appt but I was wondering if they put new on or just leave it off? Updated on 11 Dec 2013: I am doing excellent , so far I am very pleased with my results the size shape and nipples look good. I know that i probably still have some swelling but not really to concerned. It would be okay if they end up a tad smaller. My biggest concern would be that they do not drop to much. Love where they are now. I go for my 1 week f/u tomorrow. I am wondering if this tape will get removed? Also I have 2 super ugly bras that I have to wear per my PS and they have lots of compression and smash my boobs!!. I am hoping he will let me wear a different support bra. Ugh!! So ready to dress up the girls for the holidays!! Updated on 11 Dec 2013: Just a small amount of yellow bruising. Updated on 12 Dec 2013: I had my 1 week f/u visit today. My PS was very pleased with how my recovery is going. He said everything looks great!! He said i still have a little swelling but not a lot. He did not take the tape off but he did say that I could wear my Under Armour sports bra when I go out!!! Yay!! That pretty much sums it up!! I am still very pleased with my results and I am feeling pretty awesome!! Happy healing to all!!!

Well, I have already reviewed the tummy tuck procedure, now to something a little less cosmetic and a little more medically necessary-breast reduction. I have always been pretty well-endowed, I don't think I was ever in a training bra-I swear I jumped straight into the c-range in third grade. Like, overnight. :P Lets fast forward to 2013, shall we? Yes. I am 33, 5'7 and hovering around 150 pounds. My bra size is 34DD. In addtion to the permanent grooves in my shoulders, the past two years, I have had excruciating back pain. I have developed spinal stenosis, bulging discs, pinched nerves, neuralgia in both arms, all in my neck and upper back. I have endured physical therapy, endless narcotic/anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers and even seizure drugs to ease nerve pain. I have had countless injections into my spine for pain and none of them have helped in a long term scenario. I have a TENS unit and I use that every day, just to get by. I will be discussing it with my PCM this coming Friday (9-6) and requesting a referral to see about getting a breast reduction. I have never really thought of them as enormous, but they are just big enough to cause a lot of back and neck problems. My insurance is through Tricare, as my husband is in the Air Force. I will be bringing my chart from my pain control specialist as well to back up my claims for a referral need. My question is, has anyone here had a breast reduction through Tricare? From what I have read about their coverage, having such symptoms is more important than [gargantuan] size. I will be adding some current photos. I would appreciate people with similar stories share their experiences!!! I will also be updating this all on friday, as well as along the way! Updated on 3 Sep 2013: I measured 34DDD. EEEK! I dunno whether to be happy about this as evidence of need or flabbergasted at the addition of another cup. Holy-moly! Updated on 7 Sep 2013: I saw my PCM yesterday and we discussed my health issues. I was so relieved that my doctor is a woman! She was concerned about my size, she said, "We'll, you're not gargantuan, but you definitely are having symptoms that a breast reduction could definitely relieve". She put in a referral for me to be seen and evaluated for a breast reduction. I'm trying to be objective and not get my hopes up too much; I am really hoping for the best but expecting the worst. She saw my shoulder grooves and thumbed through my pain management chart and thanked me for bringing it, saying that such a documented case shouldn't be turned away easily. So now I wait for my referral letter. Will update as soon as I get it! Updated on 21 Sep 2013: Took a couple weeks, but Tricare has approved me to see a surgeon for an evaluation. .....My shoulder grooves are cheering! :) More soon! Updated on 17 Oct 2013: Well, folks, I have been seen by Dr Wanless and I wasn't very sure about my chances of approval. I saw him on 9-30 and today is 10-17. I checked my Tricare Online website and lo, and behold, I AM APPROVED!!!! *Happy Dance* I will be scheduling the whole shebang tomorrow, I am so excited that I will be getting my breast reduction covered!!!! Updated on 10 Dec 2013: I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while-I work two jobs (Nurse and photographer) and I just wrapped up the end of wedding season (phew!). My surgery is scheduled for January 15, 2014. I meet for a pre-op and bloodwork on December 26. I'm nervous yet excited for the results. I'm not looking forward to being off work as long as my doctor's nurse said I'd be off (six weeks? This sounds a bit excessive, but okay), but I plan on clarifying this with the surgeon. Anyway, that is the update-sorry it's not much, but I'll make more time to write again soon! Updated on 9 Jan 2014: So, I know I haven't been updating much, or posting pictures. I am very uncomfortable posting photos of my breasts. Kudos to those that do-thanks for your fortitude!! My procedure is scheduled for next Wednesday at 0730. I have to be there at 0530. I am in so much pain all the time due to my back and neck issues that I can't wait to rest. I'll be honest, I'm miserable. I can't work out, I can't run. I can't wait to be more active. I'm not about "showing off my girls". Recently I have made a decision to be more modest in my dress and attitudes, so I am more excited about lessening my back pain and not worrying about clothes fitting tight around my chest. I just pray every day that relief comes and I can just do normal stuff-gym time, motorcycle riding- without the strain on my back. I requested a "B" cup and explained that i prefer the smallest size I can get because I've certainly had my fill of being "well-endowed". My doctor seems empathetic to my attitude and said that shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully my next post will be after having a successful operation! Take care! Updated on 16 Jan 2014: Yesterday's surgery went very well. I arrived at the hospital at 0530 and got into my gown and all that stuff....Then off to surgery! I am pretty sure I was out before I even made it to the OR-next thing I know, I am in recovery and getting ready to go to my room for my planned overnight stay. I could immediately feel lighter. Its a very nice feeling. I had great nursing staff. They anticipated my needs and made sure I was able to stay on top of my pain with regular pain medication. Now for the important stuff, right? My breasts! This morning, Dr. Wanless changed my dressing and I saw them-perky and small. They aren't terribly bruised yet, and they are small and I love them. They are exactly what I had hoped for. My husband has been so sweet-he has taken very good care of me. He was able to stay in the hospital with me and since we have been home has fixed me all my favorite comfort foods. I am a lucky girl and I am feeling as well as one would imagine the day after having surgery. I hope to post more later-right now I am watching TV and getting healing cuddles from my dogs! Updated on 18 Jan 2014: I got out and about and overdid things a bit, but a nap fixed that right up...decided to stay in pajamas for another day or two. I did grocery shop with my husband today and so I got dressed and tested things out in my "before" clothes. My breasts are substantially smaller. My left one is draining more than the right, I've had to change the sponges a couple times today-but it's normal and the pain level isn't horrible. Anyway, here's a before and after (clothes on). Have a good weekend, friends! Updated on 30 Jan 2014: I have been taped up for two weeks, and I know that this cuts down on scarring, but it is so gross and uncomfortable. I have a two week follow-up this afternoon and Dr. Wanless is supposed to take it off today. I start back to work tomorrow, I can return to my normal routine (I need the gym, y'all!). Its been a nice vacation at home, healing has been spot-on and I truly am going to miss being home. I have been driving since one week post-op, showering since day two post-op, and have not needed anything stronger than tylenol in several days. What can I say, I heal like Wolverine. This was a cinch, and my back has been pain-free for the duration. I do have the occasional "zinger" (nerve pain which is a sign of healing), but even that is momentary and insignificant. This has been an easy experience, save the annoying nature of being taped and wearing this infernal Jobst vest at all times-I am ready to burn this thing. I feel great, bruising has been minimal, and I am ready to get back to my normal life (and ready to go bra shopping!). I will post more if more pops up-otherwise, good luck to all in their quest for back pain relief!