Thank You Dr. Glatt, Dr. Christoudias, and Morristown Memorial Hospital

I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in January 2016. I opted for a nipple-sparing bilateral mastectomy with breast reconstruction. Tissue expanders were placed during the first surgery, and replaced with silicone implants during the second surgery. My breast surgeon, Dr. Christoudias, recommended Dr. Glatt for my breast reconstruction. Being a nurse, I, of course, did my own research. Dr. Glatt was very thorough explaining to my husband and myself the procedure and what was involved. He used a PowerPoint to make sure that everything was discussed and showed us photos of his previous work. He set realistic expectations. We left his office feeling very confident and comfortable that Dr. Glatt was the right surgeon for us.
I had my bilateral mastectomy and tissue expanders placed in March. Everyone at Morristown Hospital was wonderful. I have to give a shout out to the Radiology Dept. who was able to diagnose my cancer very early on mammogram. I awoke from surgery without nausea and was very comfortable with very little pain. I had a pain pump which I appreciated. I was able to give myself pain medication, as I needed it. I had a catheter so did not need to get up to use the bathroom which was nice. I was given Exparel (a long acting pain medication) in the OR which I highly recommend. My sister (same diagnosis and treatment) had the same surgery at a different hospital with a different surgeon and was not given Exparel. Her recovery the first few days was much tougher than mine. Although, I could have stayed in the hospital two nights, I felt well enough to leave after one night.
Dr. Glatt did an amazing job. My breasts were sagging. My left breast was a full size larger than the right breast. He had his work cut out for him. He did place AlloDerm as a matrix to support the expanders, and subsequent implants. My breasts now are symmetric and perky. I did have four drains placed. The drains did their job preventing fluid buildup and infection. They were more annoying than painful. Having the drains removed was not painful; it was just a weird feeling. I was very happy to wake up to partially filled expanders. So I never felt as if my breasts were gone.
I was prescribed a pain medication and muscle relaxant for pain when I went home. I did use them for the first four days I was home from the hospital when I was uncomfortable, after that Tylenol sufficed. The first two showers were tough, and my husband helped me with shampooing my hair.
I did pre-medicate for my first expander fill before I went to the office. My husband drove me to my appointment. The first fill was not painful. The second fill was painful, after that not too bad. The fills reminded me of going to the orthodontist and getting your braces tightened, sore for a day or two after the fill, then would feel better. Dr. Glatt and his nurse, Jennifer were very accommodating about reducing the amount of the fill or extending time between fills if I was sore. It is true, the tissue expanders do feel like you are wearing iron bra. However, after I was fully recovered I was able to play golf and go biking with the expanders in.
When I had my exchange from expanders to implants in August, I decided to also have a tummy tuck with liposuction, and hernia surgery, that is how comfortable and confident I felt with Dr. Glatt. My pain focus was naturally with the tummy tuck, my breasts did not hurt at all. I did have fat transfer done to both breasts, and 5 weeks out, the fat has not been reabsorbed, so hoping it stays. The only issue I had after my mastectomy was numbness in my right armpit, which I attributed to the sentinel node biopsy. However, the numbness has almost completely resolved since my tissue expanders were removed and the implants were placed. The implants are much more comfortable. I am 5’8”, 160 lbs. I had 650cc Natrelle silicone implants placed.
I can’t say enough how much I appreciate Dr. Glatt’s medical expertise, warmth, and kindness. His staff was great to work with and I especially enjoyed his nurse, Jennifer. Of course, the medical expertise is most important, but feeling that your doctor really cares about you, and will be there when you are most vulnerable is important. I was blessed to have a great team with Dr. Christoudias, my breast surgeon, who patiently explained all my options and performed the mastectomy and Dr. Glatt who was able to put me back together again, only better!