POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap Reviews
55 Years Old with Bilateral DCIS and Strong Family History - Boston, MA
UPDATED FROM debkist
1 year post
One year later
debkistJuly 8, 2016
$330,000
I haven't posted any updates since October of last year, but my story has been ongoing. I just had my 3rd and 4th surgery on 5/25/16. I was unlucky and developed an umbilical hernia and that had to be fixed and it was time for my second revision of my breasts to get rid of all the scar tissue that resulted from my skin necrosis and to make my breasts more symmetrical.
Immediately after this surgery I was so much happier with my results. I had so much "side boob" after the reconstruction I could barely put my arms down to my sides. My breasts were too large for me on both sides, the right was much larger than the left and the area for the nipples was way too big. My surgeon took over 300gm off of the left one and over 600 grams from the right one. I have an increased respect for women who feel the need for breast reduction. I am one of you, even after having mastectomies. I am so much happier in my new size. I am almost ready for nipple reconstruction, it will be my last surgery hopefully. I am moving cross country in 2 weeks but will fly back to Boston to have that final surgery when my body and mind are ready. My surgeon offered to do it prior to my flying out, that I could not do. I have gotten married, gone on a honeymoon, bought a house, sold a house, flown cross country to a wedding and am downsizing to 1/3 of my current living space. Would I like him to do the surgery before I leave? No thanks, think my plate is full. He "wants to finish what he started" and I wouldn't have it any other way. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Carty and his staff for all he has done for me and for his kind and caring manner.
Immediately after this surgery I was so much happier with my results. I had so much "side boob" after the reconstruction I could barely put my arms down to my sides. My breasts were too large for me on both sides, the right was much larger than the left and the area for the nipples was way too big. My surgeon took over 300gm off of the left one and over 600 grams from the right one. I have an increased respect for women who feel the need for breast reduction. I am one of you, even after having mastectomies. I am so much happier in my new size. I am almost ready for nipple reconstruction, it will be my last surgery hopefully. I am moving cross country in 2 weeks but will fly back to Boston to have that final surgery when my body and mind are ready. My surgeon offered to do it prior to my flying out, that I could not do. I have gotten married, gone on a honeymoon, bought a house, sold a house, flown cross country to a wedding and am downsizing to 1/3 of my current living space. Would I like him to do the surgery before I leave? No thanks, think my plate is full. He "wants to finish what he started" and I wouldn't have it any other way. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Carty and his staff for all he has done for me and for his kind and caring manner.
debkist's provider
UPDATED FROM debkist
4 months post
Four months tomorrow
debkistOctober 3, 2015
Tomorrow will be 4 months since my surgery. It will be my first day without having to do dressing changes! And, it will be one month prior to my next surgery. On 11/3, I will be having my abdominal incision revised and fat transfer to the low spots on my breasts. I am delaying nipple reconstruction. I might opt for tattooing instead. I will likely need a third surgery early next year to reduce the width and volume of my breasts if they don't come down on their own. They are very heavy, uncomfortable and have many hard lumps. Still not thrilled, my plastic surgeon is urging me to be patient. This journey is not for the faint of heart.
Replies (3)
Leslie8682
October 3, 2015
I am sending you positive energy to keep hopeful that all will turn out well. Yes, you have been on quite a journey. Stay faithful in the trust you have put in your doctors. They understand your frustration and wish healing could go quicker for you. Blessings.
November 14, 2015
Hello,
I'm just checking to see how your healing is coming along. I really hope you are doing well. I would love to hear how things are going for you.
Take care~
I'm just checking to see how your healing is coming along. I really hope you are doing well. I would love to hear how things are going for you.
Take care~
November 19, 2015
Hi, doing OK, thanks. Had my first revision 2 weeks ago after DIEP flap surgery, 5 months to the day after the original procedure. Still have a lot of healing to do before I have my final surgery, possibly as late as next summer. Just did my first follow up today out in Boston, haven't been checking in as often. Now I don't go back until February. So, I am happy for the break. You have been through a much tougher time than I have, how are you doing?
March 25, 2016
Hello - how have you been feeling? Just noticed nomupdTes this year - I hope that is a good sign! I had a double mastectomy last July (2015). Although I don't think my story/process has been as frustrating as yours, it's certain,y been no "cake walk". I was in the hospital for 6 days, 3 in an ICU "hot room". (They keep the room HOT, and other than the IV, no fluids or food. No fans or air conditioning! It was to make sure the DIep flap stayed pink and healed). Even after the 14 hour surgery with 3 blood transfusions and bad reactions to morphine, the left breast died, so,had to go back in and had an expander put in, but wait, it gets better! My incision on the right breast opened. My incision on my abdomen opened. Had to have a nurse come to the house twice a day to pack the abdominal wound, and "worry" the breast incision to prevent infection - but, I got MERSA. Only found out about it when I was at my primary care physicians office and he took a tissue sample from the wound. Then, my employer - because apparently, I wasn't healing "fast enough" (I'm an outside salesperson - lots of in/out of the car, flights, hotels, etc) decided to take me off salary! Great, eh? So there I was, like you, emotionally wiped out, now with no income and open wounds to contend with). Tried to go back to work - yes, with the open incisions, on airplanes and hotels, re packing my incisions myself twice a day. My boss insisted on traveling with me for a day, so PS lent me a "cupcake" implant to put in my bra. This is where it gets funny. At the time it happened, I thought it wS horrible, but looking back, it was funny. Walking in to a clients office with my boss, and felt something slipping underneath my dress. Yes, the "cupcake" had slid out of my bra and was now laying on the sidewalk in front of us! I wasn't sure whether to kick it in the grass and keep walking or pick it up? Boss looks at me, looks at the silicone thing on the ground, looks at me again - says nothing. After what seemed like an eternity, I picked it up and put it in my purse. To this day, now has said nothing about the "incident". Hey, at least I haven't lost my sense of humor! Yet.
But am becoming more and more depressed each day. In December, had the expander removed and replaced with an implant and fat transfer. Thought that was it. Finally over. Nope. The implant moved underneath my air pit. So, had another surgery 3 weeks ago to replace the implant. PS thinks he might have caught a muscle when sewing the new implant in, so very, very painful. Breasts are not even close to the same size, no nipples. PS says the implant will settle in, and they look good in a bra. So now, I'm at an impass. Do I have another surgery and have the implant adjusted or replaced? I'm not sure. Maybe looking good in a bra is the best I can get? Which is ok. I have a clean bill of health. Cancer free! Hope to go back to work soon. I hope my "cupcake" story gave a smile. I know how you feel. It personally helps me that thanks to this site, I don't feel so all alone. Prayers for you and your recovery.
But am becoming more and more depressed each day. In December, had the expander removed and replaced with an implant and fat transfer. Thought that was it. Finally over. Nope. The implant moved underneath my air pit. So, had another surgery 3 weeks ago to replace the implant. PS thinks he might have caught a muscle when sewing the new implant in, so very, very painful. Breasts are not even close to the same size, no nipples. PS says the implant will settle in, and they look good in a bra. So now, I'm at an impass. Do I have another surgery and have the implant adjusted or replaced? I'm not sure. Maybe looking good in a bra is the best I can get? Which is ok. I have a clean bill of health. Cancer free! Hope to go back to work soon. I hope my "cupcake" story gave a smile. I know how you feel. It personally helps me that thanks to this site, I don't feel so all alone. Prayers for you and your recovery.
July 8, 2016
I am so sorry that I didn't see this comment until now. You have certainly not had an easy ride. Sometimes I think it is best to wait in between stages. Both the body and the mind need to settle into each phase to determine what we are comfortable and happy with. I thought for the longest time I was not going to bother with nipple reconstruction. I had planned on just having tattooing. When I went to the Caribbean in March to get married, I had such a hard time finding clothes that did not show my scars, even through clothes and bra. That actually helped me decide. Then I had my third surgery, which I finally posted about today. When I saw my new and improved boobs, I decided they really do deserve to be finished properly. My plastic surgeon has done wonders since the original surgery, I need to let him finish what he started and truly make me feel whole. I might be 56 but I am also a newlywed. And I want to feel desirable in this body that cancer has left me with. Take your time, know your heart and know that you have the support of this group and others. All the best to you.
November 19, 2015
You have my empathy. My surgery was in May. I also waited 8 weeks after diagnosis before that surgery and always woke up wondering if the cancer was spreading. Is that the norm? After infections for 12 weeks, about 8 back seromas, and 2 more surgeries I am finally scheduled for my exchange surgery at the end of Nov. It's been a ride, a tough ride. Maybe one day they will stop having to remove body parts in order to treat this deadly disease. They made big strides with a lumpectomy and radiation, but I had that done 30 years ago and really nothing had improved from that time. It stinks! Good Luck to you and keep posting.
UPDATED FROM debkist
2 months post
Well, it's been 10 weeks
debkistAugust 16, 2015
i am finally getting a break from my 200 mile round trips to Boston. My surgeon is on vacation ???? Healing is still very slow. Right side almost healed, down to just a little bigger than a quarter. The left side is finally showing some signs of healing, still about 2" x 3" open wound. My surgeon thinks it looks great. I just wish would heal so I can get in at least one swim before the summer is over! Just keeping it real, it has still been very draining, both physically and emotionally.
Replies (3)
August 17, 2015
You are one brave and strong woman! You have come along a difficult road and appear to be in a positive frame of mind. What an inspiration you are to so many. I too had breast cancer and a mastectomy as well. We both know it is not easy (emotionally), but looking forward and not back, does help with the healing both physically, mentally and emotionally. I wish you only the very best in your healing and glad to hear you are in good hands. You àre in my prayers and I pray that your full recovery is just around the bend.
August 17, 2015
Thank you so much. If I hadn't had this wound healing complication, I would have been thrilled with the outcome. I would have been having my tune up surgeries in a few weeks but now it looks like the end of the year. We are moving next year, really hoping I can get everything done with this team before we go...
August 19, 2015
Hang in there and do everything the surgeon requires you to do and take one day at a time. Does your surgeon think this is a blood supply issue or just a typical side effect from the flap procedure?
August 19, 2015
The flaps are actually fully intact and healed perfectly. It was the native breast skin that died from the mastectomies. He said his colleague is writing a paper about someone who had similar healing issues to mine...lucky me! Just bad luck as this does happen in a small percentage of cases. There are so many potential complications, and my luck has never been the best. It will heal eventually, just really need to get all surgeries in this calendar year for financial reasons and this has been a huge time frame setback.
August 20, 2015
I understand about the financial implications. Unfortunately, the insurance companies are in TOO much control over our medical care. Sounds like your surgeons are on top of things and doing their best to get you back on the healing track. Take a couple of deep breaths and take each day as it comes. I too had several surgeries within one year and while it seemed like I could never "catch my breath" from each one, I just did exactly what I was told and didn't let anyone push me along faster than what my body was telling me to do. Only you know how your body reacts to these 'tramas', so listen to what it is telling you. Hugs and prayers to you.
August 23, 2015
God bless you and provide you all the strength you need, healing process are not easy, only those who have being through know how it is.....continue keeping your good positive actitud will help you in the healing process, the outcome will be healthy life...
October 15, 2015
Thank you for sharing your story. I had my implants taken out and a breast lift 3 weeks ago. I was very happy with the results. But found out on my follow up that I have precancerous cells. My plastic surgeon has recommended a breast surgeon who deals with this kind of issue. My appointment is on Friday. After the Dr saw my results she wanted to see me this week. I sure hope I can take some kind of medication. I am not ready for another surgery. I hope that I am as brave as you are. You have such a positive attitude.
October 16, 2015
Thank you. I am only now done with daily dressing changes and still struggle daily with body image as I have a long way to go. I don't feel brave, but I do feel thankful to be in good hands and feel confident in my surgeon. My next surgery is in less than 3 weeks, so ready for all of this to be over with. I wish you all the best. Keep us posted.
October 16, 2015
You are very brave! This is no minor event in your life. Own your strength. Someday you'll wonder how you did it. And the answer will be bravery and strength.
Replies (0)