POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction REVIEWS
57 Year Old, 2 Years Breast Free Following Mastectomy Gets Life Back with Reconstruction! Melbourne, AU
ORIGINAL POST
Following a rather complex bi-lateral mastectomy...
FaysApril 18, 2015
WORTH IT$5,000
Following a rather complex bi-lateral mastectomy with extensive scarring and not being given the option of reconstruction, I plunged into a deep depression. My feelings of self image, worth, femininity were at an all time low, I felt I looked like a monster, not a woman at all, I stopped going out I felt everyone was looking at me.
After almost two years I read that perhaps I could have reconstruction and seton the journey to find the surgeon right for me. After consulting with 4 surgeons, all of whom said I was not a candidate for expander/implant reconstruction, I met the wonderfully gifted KIM TAYLOR at ARC Plastic Surgery. At our first consultation with my daughter and sister in tow, Kim patiently listened to my story, asked lots of questions and answered all of ours, even those we forgot or did not know to ask. Unlike the other surgeons, I was thoroughly examined BEFORE Kim gave me 3 options, this was incredible, having only been offered lattissimus dorsi flap or DIEP, both high risk for me due to a bleeding disorder.
After almost two years I read that perhaps I could have reconstruction and seton the journey to find the surgeon right for me. After consulting with 4 surgeons, all of whom said I was not a candidate for expander/implant reconstruction, I met the wonderfully gifted KIM TAYLOR at ARC Plastic Surgery. At our first consultation with my daughter and sister in tow, Kim patiently listened to my story, asked lots of questions and answered all of ours, even those we forgot or did not know to ask. Unlike the other surgeons, I was thoroughly examined BEFORE Kim gave me 3 options, this was incredible, having only been offered lattissimus dorsi flap or DIEP, both high risk for me due to a bleeding disorder.
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Replies (16)
April 19, 2015
God bless you! You beat the odds! never give up! Don't take no for an answer! I see how strong and determined you are! Blessings* You look great! Keep us updated! Thank you for your review!
April 19, 2015
Its so awesome to think your getting ur hearts desire! Wonderful! God bless you in days, weeks, months ahead!
April 19, 2015
Good for you! Too many are misled with what the patients options are because the physician who shoes not specialize in micro vascular simply state yor not a candidate. When in fact there are options you are a candidate for. How unfortunate it takes years of our own research to find this out. Its's simple if they can't do the procedure refer us out.
April 20, 2015
I agree. Im glad I did my research, it's so important. I only wish I had been this diligent in my choice of breast surgeon. I will always feel he butchered me. But thank goodness I found Dr Kim Taylor to make me feel like a woman again.
UPDATED FROM Fays
6 months post
Transfer from expander so to Implants....done!
FaysJune 29, 2015
I had my expander transfer on 11th May with only an overnight stay in hospital. For me this was a very straightforward surgery. Immediately I felt soft and warm. I was happy to see my original incisions had been used so no new scars. My incisions were taped and I wore a large tube grip until my follow up appointment a week later...all well. I then saw Dr Kim Taylor on 1st July, still all well and we discussed nipple reconstruction and 3D tattooing. I have decided to start with tattooing and Kim tells me that if at a later stage I would like a nipple, she can work around my tattoos....perfect. I'll post pics of my tattoo when I get them done.
The implant sits under my pectoral muscle which when I'm moving or lifting can feel a little strange but I'm getting used to it now.
Overall, I'm happy, when I think about and look at my original pre reconstruction photos I'm amazed and grateful and loving not wearing a bra....now the hard part..weight loss as I no longer need my big tummy.
The implant sits under my pectoral muscle which when I'm moving or lifting can feel a little strange but I'm getting used to it now.
Overall, I'm happy, when I think about and look at my original pre reconstruction photos I'm amazed and grateful and loving not wearing a bra....now the hard part..weight loss as I no longer need my big tummy.
Replies (8)
June 29, 2015
I'm really impressed with the reconstruction. You look simple fabulous. This is the kind of surgery that implants are meant for! It's hard to believe that you had to meet with so many surgeons to find one who would help you. Congratulations!
June 29, 2015
You are such a nice lady. I can tell by your writing. You look great and I wish you good healthy days ahead!
June 29, 2015
It's great to hear your story, the expanders look really good and I hope your confidence continues to grow after the difficult times you've been through :)
June 30, 2015
How wonderful. You look FAB!! Yes I agree it feels great to feel breasts out of a bra lol. So freeing. Enjoy every moment. God bless
Thank you so much for sharing your personal journey. It makes me so sad to hear that you felt so down on yourself after your bi-lateral mastectomy. I am so glad that you continued your research to find the right doctor to help you reclaim your body and give you back your confidence. Educating yourself before any surgery is so important, would you mind sharing the questions you asked, and the ones you forgot to ask?