POSTED UNDER Sientra Breast Reconstruction Reviews
amazing services and great compassion! Charlotte, NC
UPDATED FROM AnnieG522
9 years post
One Month Post Op
WORTH IT$4,500
Dr. Capizzi checked everything out, and all is healing well. I go back Oct 21st. Their office has been great with my insurance -- some stuff was coded IN patient and denied -- it was all OUT patient. But getting it fixed, between the hospital and BC/BS Medicare is a stressful business. Gotta love the office staff at Stillwater Plastic Surgery for all their help and endless patience!
They FEEL great -- no pain in the area, stitches a little itchy as they absorb. Had a "knot" cut, so it could heal up. The one thing I do know (sadly) is that reconstructed breasts never look like breast augmentation pictures. We always hope -- but am okay with what I got.
I hate October and all its pinkness. Appreciate the solidarity, but how does going braless help those of us who lost breasts in what feels like a mutilation, regardless of how skilled the thoracic surgeon? Ah well -- we humans don't "get it" until we get it! Prayers that no one else goes through breast cancer!
They FEEL great -- no pain in the area, stitches a little itchy as they absorb. Had a "knot" cut, so it could heal up. The one thing I do know (sadly) is that reconstructed breasts never look like breast augmentation pictures. We always hope -- but am okay with what I got.
I hate October and all its pinkness. Appreciate the solidarity, but how does going braless help those of us who lost breasts in what feels like a mutilation, regardless of how skilled the thoracic surgeon? Ah well -- we humans don't "get it" until we get it! Prayers that no one else goes through breast cancer!
AnnieG522's provider
UPDATED FROM AnnieG522
9 years post
30Jul2014 - First Post Op Visit
Things looked good -- the surgical glue was removed, and I was told that i should start feeling nerve reconnection pain. And I have! Owwie! Like electric shops. Did not sleep well, apparently woke up my sweet husband when I was screaming like a banshee! He couldn't get back to sleep, but I did. Had to go very slow today -- reaching and bending is a challenge. Did get 3 bathrooms cleaned, and dusted the house as my women's group meets here tomorrow.
I go back in 3 weeks for another post op, barring any complications. Haven't needed anything for pain (even Tylenol) since the 3rd day after surgery. They are looking good, albeit bruised!
I go back in 3 weeks for another post op, barring any complications. Haven't needed anything for pain (even Tylenol) since the 3rd day after surgery. They are looking good, albeit bruised!
Replies (2)
August 8, 2014
Oh yikes...hoping you're taking this week off from cleaning! Are you sleeping any better yet? Do you think you'll be ready for your bra fitting by 8/22? Thanks for your update!
August 31, 2014
The bra fitting went well, and Medicare paid for 6 bras, 2 prosthesis, and 4 cami's. Can't wear them yet as Dr. C said no compression. And I'm wearing a 24/7 Lifewatch heart monitor for a couple of weeks for some other problems. (Hooray for Adriamycin, Methotrexate, and 5-FU, besides radiation that beamed towards my heart.) Wait, I'm still here, so erase that thought. Had an MRI (no change in my brain tumor, no new problems, no strokes) -- had a complex EEG (no seizures or weird waves), and the ENT pronounced me fine in that area. So -- next step is, are things related to another heart issue. I personally think I am just crazy! Thanks for checking on me. Annie
September 3, 2014
I would feel a bit crazy too with all that going on. But it sounds like nothing is getting worse...no changes on the tumor is good. Just praying for some shrinkage, right? Glad you're not messing around and you have the 24/7 heart monitor.
Great news that Medicare is coming through for you with the all the gear. I think dealing with insurance issues is a full time job. So stressful and really unnecessary when you're supposed to be focusing on healing, etc.
I love your Aug 31st post about "pink." Thanks for also pointing out that grief and survivor guilt are prevalent in October. I never really thought about it that way. My mom is a 9 year survivor and your comments really help shed some light on how BC survivors feel and cope with survival.
Hang in there...I'm praying your on the upswing now and it's just a matter of time. Hugs!
Great news that Medicare is coming through for you with the all the gear. I think dealing with insurance issues is a full time job. So stressful and really unnecessary when you're supposed to be focusing on healing, etc.
I love your Aug 31st post about "pink." Thanks for also pointing out that grief and survivor guilt are prevalent in October. I never really thought about it that way. My mom is a 9 year survivor and your comments really help shed some light on how BC survivors feel and cope with survival.
Hang in there...I'm praying your on the upswing now and it's just a matter of time. Hugs!
August 31, 2014
Hi Annie, just wanted to check in and see how you are doing? I hope GREAT!!!
August 31, 2014
Love pink -- had this all typed and hadn't logged on -- sheesh -- I get squirrelier every day. Doing okay as my updated review said. Right now I have a Lifewatch heart monitor on 24/7 for 2 weeks to rule out some stuff. The electrodes patches are sticky, and a little uncomfortable.
Unlike your "love pink" handle, I don't like October. I am grateful to have survived so much, but sad for the beloved friends I lost, my friends who are having recurrences right now, and those who are newly diagnosed. Grief and survivor guilt surface pretty heavily during Oct. Had to stop doing the walk, the year the lady who had 17 balloons the year before didn't come -- she had passed. Everyone handles it differently. Appreciate your friendship and concern! My real email is m**** at gmail dot com.
UPDATED FROM AnnieG522
9 years post
POST OP Photos - 4 days after surgery
Took my shower this am, and took off the loose bandages. Everything looks great! And they feel like real breasts. He did 625cc Sientra in LT, 600cc Sientra in the RT. Already hurt far less than before surgery, and right now it's only the itching/achy from the incisions.
He did a great job. Go to the Unique Boutique for a bra fitting on 22 August. Always hard to find an "off the rack" bra that fits well. And with BC, it's covered by insurance.
Hope the photos help someone with their decisions :) Thanks for all the wonderful support.
He did a great job. Go to the Unique Boutique for a bra fitting on 22 August. Always hard to find an "off the rack" bra that fits well. And with BC, it's covered by insurance.
Hope the photos help someone with their decisions :) Thanks for all the wonderful support.
Replies (1)