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POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction REVIEWS

Upcoming Mastectomy with Reconstruction - Conyers, GA

Name: Upcoming Mastectomy with Reconstruction - Conyers, GA
Item: Name not provided
Author: youcantfindme

ORIGINAL POST

I will be having a reconstruction after mastectomy...

youcantfindmeJanuary 14, 2014

$25,000

I will be having a reconstruction after mastectomy. Today I went to a different PS and she suggested that I do a two step reconstruction...tissue expanders, then silicone implants. I originally wanted saline but the doctor recommended the other. I didn't qualify for the DIEP or TRAM flap due to previous abdominal surgeries and a hernia I have present. It was suggested that I do only implant based reconstruction at the time. I will be getting 800cc implants but I was told today I will probably only be to a C cup at the maximum....which I was very upset to hear but technically there is no cup sizes involved...its cc. My doctor did say after the tissue expanders are filled, if I wasn't satisfied with the size I could do the latissimus dorsi route with the implants to add a bit more volume.
I do have to say ...todays appointment didn't go quite as I had hoped. In my future I had planned on getting breast implants and I was expecting augmentation results. I had to snap back to reality and realize its not going to be like that. Reconstruction is totally different than augmentation.
I also wanted to note that it seems as though finding any pics and information on breast reconstruction on larger patients is scarce....especially on patients that have lost a significant amount of weight and are still large but comfortable where they are at.....Sometimes I feel as though many think that just because one is larger than average..or has saggy skin from weight loss.....there is no need to reconstruct "nice and perky" breast.....and that's not the case at all. ( I understand that some reconstructions don't turn out great...but it seems as though most do)
I hope that any woman who has had a mastectomy or a mastectomy on a larger woman.....doesn't feel that they aren't fit enough.....or attractive enough to deserve to have your breast reconstructed because I have met doctors that certainly feel that way.

Replies (43)

Expander nightmare

January 15, 2014

As a"bigger" girl I know what you mean. I hope your surgeon told you that with a BMI over 30% (I'm 5'7 200 lb which is BMI of 32) that you are at significantly higher risk of infection and lymph edema. I ended up with both. Since you are close to Atlanta I am sure there has to be someone trained and experienced in fat grafting. I traveled from Western PA to Miami to have mine done. Sorry to say I don't have after photos because I am still under construction, but you can see what my original expander reconstruction looked like before I went to Miami for a do-over. I am thrilled with the results thus far. You can send me a private message if you want more info but I am having surgery tomorrow Jan 15 . My doctor here in Miami is not only making me feel whole again, he is making me feel even more beautiful than before. In any event, I wish you a safe procedure and speedy recovery. Love, Diane.

youcantfindme

January 15, 2014

Awww..that was so nice of you! I hope your surgery goes great! They did tell me all the complications that could arise. My doctor seemed confident in my health other than the breast issue. The PS and the breast surgeon recommended this step first and I trust them....but I almost feel like when I express the concern of my breast reconstruction looking nice...they think I am doing this to get implants and cosmetic work. This is to save my life and hopefully make the future a bit more easier...but I also hope they turn out great. My surgery is Feb 5....and the doctor is performing a skin sparing mastectomy. I do have some asymmetry to begin with and I hope they address the issue and at least fix that before inserting my tissue expanders. Well anyways...good luck to you...I hope you recover fast and get the results you deserve!!!

Warrior Princess

February 6, 2014

I want to let you know I have been praying for you to have a safe surgery today. Breast Cancer is devastating, but thankfully your Mastectomy will remove the Cancer and you will have beautiful Breasts from your breast reconstruction. Although you will need to go through a series of fills in your tissue expander, it will be worth wait. Take your time getting that done. It will be worth every minute. It is sad that people may feel Weight or BMI should affect anyone's decision on Breast Reconstruction. You have every right to feel feminine and happy with your body image, regardless of body weight or anything else. Your Breast Reconstruction will go great. I have heard some negative things of the TRAM FLAP Breast Reconstruction. With Breast Cancer, health insurance should not only cover implants but also a breast lift which is an added bonus. Keep in mind, it will take some time to get your results and more than likely slight revisions to make sure your final results, implants and the breast lift the way you want them. As hard as it is, please try and be patient. It can be a long process. I had 6 monthes of Chemo, no radiation. The entire process has taken about a year and a half. Please keep the faith. You are not alone. Sending hugs and prayers your way. Please keep me updated. You are not alone in your struggle. I am just a message or post away. Make sure you take your pain medication exactly as scheduled, I took 2 Percocet every 4 hours. Whatever you do, do NOT wait for the pain to start or you will be in agony. xoxo ~hugs~

youcantfindme

March 7, 2014

Thank you so much! I am struggling with so much pain and its been 4 weeks and I am still on pain meds... I wanted to do 100cc at each filling but 60 cc is too much pain already. I cant imagine how that would feel. I just posted an update...feel free to read. I will continue to keep you posted on this journey...I have learned that patience is required in this journey!

evesue

May 25, 2014

who are u seeing in Miami and how did it go? im from Pittsburgh but willing to travel for right dr

Expander nightmare

May 25, 2014

Dear eve sue...you can private message me or call me for the low down. I am about 2 hours from Pittsburgh and would even be willing to meet you personally and show you my before and after results thus far. I am a physician at Nason hoSpital OBGYN and you know my first name from my previous post so you can track me down that way. I don't show up on some websites because I am fairly new to the practice. Feel free to call during office hours and leave your name and contact info and I will call you back in the evening. Alternatively you can use my private email which is D (my last name) DO @ aol without the spaces or parenthesis Sorry to be so cryptic but they won't let you post actual phone numbers or email addresses here.

Survivor0826

July 9, 2014

I have read your story and it's so similar to my own. I also am on the fuller figure side, but my PS NEVER explained to me that my breasts would not look the same as my expanders. I was initially filled with 330 cc's at double mastectomy and add 50 cc's each time...except for the first 2 fills he put in 100 each. I also felt the same pain as you & although I was already taking Suboxone for chronic pain it was at times unbearable. The expander is made of very hard plastic and that's what caused them to hurt so much. I would be concerned about the uniboob. I'm not trying to scare you but everything I've read sounds like you might be heading for an unhappy result. I also had the muscle spasms. Once my silicone implants (of which I was allowed no other option) were in under the muscle, my breasts jump on their own all day long. Also, the implants did not fill in all the skin that the expanders had pushed out. So...I was left with saggy 750cc implants w/fat grafting (all of it died and now I have lumps from the dead fat in my chest) loose skin on both sides around my scar and especially when I bend over. When I told my dr that I was unhappy, he said that he thought I looked " pretty good". I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOUR STATEMENT THAT JUST BECAUSE WOMEN HAVE BREAST CANCER DOESNT MEAN WE TAKE WHATEVER GARBAGE JOB IS DONE FOR US...AND I TOLD MY DR JUST THAT. My implant surgery was 1/23/2014 and I am going for my second...second opinion this Friday. However, I feel very confident that this dr will be the one to do my revision. It's so bad my insurance company is paying for it. My advice to you, is to go see some other plastic surgeons for a free consult before it's time to put in your implants. August 26, 2014 will mark my 1st yr as a breast cancer survivor...AND YES this is the most important thing, but finishing up this process will officially put it in my rear view mirror. I hope anything I've said has helped. Please feel free to contact me any time.

youcantfindme

July 9, 2014

I am feeling much better but I went to my pro op appointment and I am slightly disappointed because I now have big fat flaps under my armpits and my ps will not cut them off because she said that's its cosmetic...but honestly isn't have breast reconstruction cosmetic in nature? I was told that they would be removed and now its cosmetic? I am frustrated. I really used to love my ps but now I am feeling like its all for the money with her. I have read about women having tummy tucks with abdominal work...liposuction, thigh lifts etc that have been paid by the insurance companies because it was part of the process to take from other sites etc to aid in the reconstruction process. But my ps refuses to do any of that. I have a feeling I will be receiving revisions down the road. I do think its absolutely ridiculous that implant companies only go to 800cc silicone when that is pretty small wen you have no breast tissue for larger reconstruction patients. I will be keeping in touch with you...this has been a very expensive journey even with insurance.....(big sigh)

youcantfindme

July 9, 2014

I get my next surgery July 17 .....

youcantfindme

July 9, 2014

I hope your new ps gives you amazing results because you deserve them! Ill be thinking of you and will keep in touch

Survivor0826

July 9, 2014

Good Luck!! I hope everything turns the way you want!!

Survivor0826

July 9, 2014

You are right to be worried!!! The extra skin wasn't there before...the ps caused it. IT'S NOT COSMETIC! As much as my ps did a bad job he still did lipo on the sides of my breasts to give it an overall better look. He also did lipo from my stomach for the fat grafting. I chose to pay for a tummy tuck since I was already doing the partial lipo. Unfortunately for us an 800cc implant doesn't do much because we don't have any existing breast tissue. If that was added to someone with breasts, then they would be enormous. My ps never explained this to me. I thought the sizes were limitless. I am hearing a lot of red flags and trust me...you DO NOT WANT A REVISION if u can avoid it. It will mean more scars and you will have to wait at least 6 months for everything to heal before a revision can be done. Your insurance should cover everything that has to do with the breast cancer.

evesue

July 29, 2014

How did your surgery go? Hope better than last time

youcantfindme

July 29, 2014

The exchange wasnt painful at all...but the liposuction in my armpits was awful. I also had a procedure done on my abdomen to remove excess skin...that is painful. I am in a great deal of pain and it has turned out so ugly. I have been running a fever since last Tuesday and I have been back to my ps office twice and they haven't done a thing. One of my drains fell out and I waited all weekend for the dr to call me back and then they never did. I am never going back there again.

evesue

July 30, 2014

Who is this ps anyhow.. Just cause we are reconstruction patients we should not be treated like this. .u need to warn others about lack of concern for your health

Survivor0826

July 30, 2014

I would follow up with your primary and have a CT Scan done. I'm not trying to scare you but my ps pulled out one of my drains from my tummy tuck too soon and I ended up with a Seroma in my lower abdomen. Since the tube came out, the blood stays in there. I found mine by accident, because I was having G.I. issues. You may be able to just have an ultrasound. I would definitely check it out.

lwv

March 26, 2015

You have the flaps because they did not fill the space enough. I too have flaps under the armpits. And a year after the implants were put in there is a roll under the implants where the skin is sagging.

Jen Callahan

January 15, 2014

It is so important to be told that this process is nothing like augmentation; I was never told that! And that this can be a long process as well. I am thankful to be alive, and had to come to terms with the fact that these breasts are not like real ones. But a good surgeon will work with you to make you happy. Find one you feel you can trust (and trust them - listen to their concerns). God Bless you on your journey!

youcantfindme

January 15, 2014

Thank you so very much! I am hoping for the best..but my life is way more important and I think now that I have actually scheduled everything....I am starting to come to terms with the reality.

BethH

January 22, 2014

Thank you for sharing your journey with us on RealSelf. I'm glad to see you're already meeting some other members that have been in or are in similar situations. I realize reconstruction is a very unique for each person, but it's nice to have some support during the process. Have you met Trinalll and Cindy588? They're toward the end of their reconstruction but have been helpful in the community. Wishing you the best with your reconstruction process. Please keep us posted!

polishgirl

March 11, 2015

my breasts are so scared that i feel so disfigured, it is also so painful that i couldnt breathe since Oct i still feel like i am being crushed and i would not do this again.

lwv

March 25, 2015

The scars do fade. There is a new product out there that helps. They are strips that you put over the scars and it helps them fade faster. I'll call my sister and find out what it is called and let you know.

youcantfindme

March 25, 2015

My scars were very very red for a while.....they are getting better. You can purchase silicone strips from CVS...they help treat the scars and also massaging the scars helps with the painful scar tissue on the inside. As always, make sure you check with your dr to see if it is ok to massage the areas. I had the feeling of an elephant sitting on my chest....for months. It was even worse with every fill I had when I had tissue expanders. That was the worst pain of my life...hang in there...it gets better

lwv

March 25, 2015

They are called Retouch Silicone Strips and you can get them at any place that sells mastectomy supplies. From what my sister says they help tremendously.

angelag83

March 11, 2015

I too had bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using silicone/silicone. My 1st was in October 2008. My implants are 780cc and I am a 36D. I was a 36 long, breastfeeding and bra less. When we selected the size I was very surprised at how huge they looked, you really don't know until it's done. I have had several procedures including implant exchange. I if they are going under the pectoral you should have no problems. You get a new Boobies and massive experience to share! Go girl, you can do it!!

youcantfindme

March 25, 2015

I got my exchange surgery in July 2014...I got the 800cc silicone ultra high profile....but compared to my real boobs...they are quite small. I had some fat grafting to help plump things up...it did help but its no where near enough. Anyways...my chest where my breasts were....is considerably concave, therefore the implants look smaller due to the void they have to fill. Soon, I will be done with . Its been a damn crazy time!

UPDATED FROM youcantfindme

Pain from expanders

youcantfindmeMarch 1, 2014

I had my mastectomy and its been 3 weeks. I had breast reconstruction as well with alloderm and tissue expanders. I had 4 drains and had 2 removed 2 weeks later and then the other 2 came out on week 3. Those drains were so painful. I hate the TE. They are so hard and I am just now starting to be able to deal with the pain. My expanders are very hard and uncomfortable. My muscles have spasms. I was filled to 500cc at the time of surgery! I have heard that is waaaay too much. But anyways things are improving and I am getting better. Still trying to decide on silicone or saline implants. My exchange surgery will be coming soon...

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM youcantfindme

Week 4 of my journey

youcantfindmeMarch 7, 2014

I am in week 4 of my recovery from the mastectomy and reconstruction. I have had two expansions of 60 cc in each breast each week and am currently at 620cc. The expansions are horrible. I have severe pain for about 3 days then I seem to be back to just moderate pain. I am still on pain meds and muscle relaxers. Whenever I say that I am still in pain, the nurses say..." its normal to feel like a heavy workout". I am thinking to myself......."WHAT?! A heavy workout my ass....I feel like someone took a baseball bat and beat the crap out of my chest!!!.....HEAVY WORKOUT MY ASS!!!!!" I never in my life thought that the breast reconstruction would be the worst pain in my life and I have had 3 c section, a tubal ligation and 2 LCL reconstructions on my left knee. The breast reconstruction takes the cake for sure. I cant believe how much pain I am still in after 4 weeks post op. I fear my nurses and doctor think I may be a pill popper because I ask for a pain med refill each week due to the pain of expanding and in general since my surgery. I am a nurse myself and I know that sometimes medical staff can be quick to judge. I have also heard some people say that their breast reconstruction journey was a breeze....hats off to you...I wish I can say the same. My second expansion of 60cc wasn't that bad....for my right breast...but for my left breast(underneath) it has been soooo painful. I seriously cried....for hours last night. Anyways....to anyone who reads this...if you are going through the same thing...I am so sorry, I feel your pain! I also wanted to give anyone who reads this and is going to have an upcoming mastectomy with reconstruction a heads up of the reality of this surgery. It often seems to be sugarcoated by many people....like...".oh at least you get perky boobs"..."oh...so and so had that done and she loves her new look" or " oh don't worry youll be fine" ...." When I got breast implants it wasn't painful at all"....It is very nice for people to try and relate to you BUT the pain of breast reconstruction is very real and a very different procedure than a simple augmentation and it may have been a breeze for so and so but this is YOU. I had a great friend who had breast augmentation and I remember her saying it was painful....but she was up shopping at walmart the next day! Its been 4 weeks and I have not stepped foot in any store...and I LOVE me some retail therapy!!! I just hope you plastic surgeon has told you the true reality of the surgery. IT IS PAINFUL AND A VERY LONG RECOVERY FOR SOME....like me. I wish the best to everyone and if I can be of some help...please by all means leave me a post and I will do my best to help you through this. Just remember your pain level is what YOU say it is and no one else can deny it. Be an advocate for yourself and dont suffer...if youre in pain ask for a refill on pain meds.

Replies (4)

Ballybofey

February 18, 2015

I am sorry your having a horrid time. I had my tissue expanders placed and have been doing biweekly fills up until 2 weeks ago. I will say that for me this too has been the most difficult part. The mastectomy was easy in comparison. Augmentation doesn't require the expansion first so it's a huge difference in surgery and recovery is a few weeks. Not sure why someone would willingly subject themselves to any of it if it's even a fraction of the discomfort we experience with the expanders. I will have my implants placed in May. I have gotten through without much pain meds after the fourth week. You can expect to feel stretching for 3-4 days after each fill but you can ask that they reduce the amount you receive to as low as 25cc. I always do between 50-75, that was my comfort zone and caused less pain afterwards than when I tryed the 100cc. I still get burning in my forearm after my fills as the mussel is stretching. My nerves got burned accidentally during the expander placement. Hang in there. I know how your feeling just as I am, wondering when does it end. I think we will be happy with the end result.

Huggies117

March 28, 2015

I feel the same way I'm so glad you are honest. I find it comforting that I could realate to someone. Thank you

Docksund

May 2, 2015

I was walking hunched over for 4 weeks after double mastectomy when I visited my oncologist. He got me on neurontin/gabapentin 300 mg 3times a day and within two days I was a new person. Gabapentin is for nerve pain and was a miracle drug for me as all the nerves in your breasts are cut so many times through the three surgeries.

Piscean

May 14, 2015

My PS told me that it would burn the way it does for about 3 months. Some days are better than others; it really hurts the first few days after an expansion (I get 100 cc each time). There's things I cannot do for sure. I completely understand your pain, but I only had one side done. I couldn't even begin to understand how painful it must be with a bilateral mastectomy. Geez...

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