Breast Recontruction

[gisaduck]

I have gone through chemotherapy and radiation and am interested in talking to somebody about breast reconstruction: what option they chose and how it went.

Thank you!

[BklynCatwoman]

Congratulations on being over the hurdle! If you contact SHARE's helpline. I'm sure they can connect you with someone who's had similar treatment as yours (mastectomy/chemo/radiation) who's willing to talk. Hopefully, others will respond here. Their helpline is 1-844-ASK-SHARE.

[gisaduck in reply to BklynCatwoman]

Thank you. I did give them a call yesterday! I appreciate your note.

[BklynCatwoman in reply to gisaduck]

You're welcome! I know they'll help give you perspective.

[IGotSunshine]

In addition to the various implant and tissue transfer options, some women choose to go flat or wear breast forms in a pocketed bra. I initially was planning to have DIEP flap reconstruction, in which tissue from the abdomen is moved to the breast area, but after talking with my plastic surgeon about the risks and the long recovery from such a surgery, I decided to try going flat. My surgeon had told me I could change my mind and have reconstruction later. In the end, I just stayed flat. Depending on your personal circumstances, this may be an option for you to consider. There's a very nice website called breastfree.org, which features personal stories, before-and-after photographs, clothing advice, etc.

For me, going flat meant zero recovery time: A week after surgery I was able to get back on my yoga mat, go back to work full time, and resume my pre-cancer life. The downside is a certain amount of self-consciousness about whether people notice my lack of breasts. If they do, they're too polite to say anything. My daughter was looking at my before-and-after pix a couple years ago, and she said, "Mom, you looked really weird with boobs."

I wish you luck with your decision.

[gisaduck in reply to IGotSunshine]

Thank you for your reply. I will check out that website!

[Meadesmith]

I had a latismal dorci flap in November 30th. I am still recovering, so your consideration should include recovery time. i had the proceedure to correct a problem not a reconstruction.

[gisaduck in reply to Meadesmith]

Thank you for your reply. Did you have issues with an uneven look on your back after having this done (if just on one side)?

[cinderl8t]

I had inflammatory breast cancer and waited a year and a half before reconstruction. I went through a year of Herceptin so it gave me a year to think about it and heal from the radiation, too. With the chemo, surgery in the middle, chemo again, seven weeks of radiation and burning after two weeks, followed by weekly Herceptin for a year, I consulted and then went with a latisumal flap.

It is a process and you have to remember that and I had reactions to the expanders...I know why now, years later as my immune system attacked them because they were foreign....I discovered a few years later I have a disorder where my body not only does that, but doesn’t fight off infections like it should - sort of explains a lot. Ask questions, Take notes. Research. That’s what I did. I didn’t do the abdomen flap as I’d be out longer and there were more complications involved (at the time).

I had lots of side effects, but soooo glad I did it. My bra size is at least two cup sizes smaller than it was prior to breast cancer (one positive) - you can chose! My shirts don’t pop open. My back feels better! They stay in the same place and have for 11 years...

(The whole process ended for me 11 years ago.)

Laura

[gisaduck in reply to cinderl8t]

Thank you for the reply. It sounds like you had both breasts reconstructed? I was wondering about unevenness on the back if you only have one side done.

Thanks again.

[cinderl8t]

You would think so. Mine was done on one side. There is a scar, of course and I was worried that that area would be overly sensitive and even with healing time, I still wouldn’t want anyone to touch the area, but I’ve had massages and it’s fine. I’m truly surprised.

[gisaduck in reply to cinderl8t]

Thanks for your feedback!