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Finding a surgeon for reconstruction & public vs private
Hi All I am 3 weeks post right breast mastectomy, 9 lobular cancers. I wanted double mastectomy but surgeon didn’t support, said preseve healthy tissue. I was referred to the private sector (central coast nsw), cost about $5000 out of pocket after private health - this is a lot of money for me. I waited 2 months from diagnosis to surgery. Have since learnt could’ve have same surgery in public system with no expense & no longer wait time. Im now contemplating left breast mastectomy & two DIEF flaps for reconstruction. I have to do something as one side is flat & the other a size h breast. I got a quote today for $23,000 for the plastic surgeons (approx $20k out of pocket) and another $10k for the aneathist & breast surgeon. I will need to go into debt to pay for this (single mum & sole provider for family). QUESTIONS can this surgery be done in the public system with minimal cost? is the wait time the only downside of going through the public system? if go private, how do I know the surgeon I choose is good at this type of surgery. Can anyone recommend some good breast reconstruction plastic surgeons Sydney? I saw Dr Chris Ahn in Chatswood for a consult, he seemed nice… I felt uninformed & unsupported during the initial cancer shock & surgery / treatment strategy. Was not encouraged to go into the public system which seems more informed & supportive. Appreciate the feedback thank you56ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsExpander to implant surgery
Hi, I’m looking for feedback on how long everyone had to wait to have their second surgery to replace the tissue expander with an implant. I’m being told that I’m now on a waitlist for ‘elective surgery’ that could take 12 months. Is this normal? I feel like I’m living in limbo and can’t even begin to recover or move forward until the second surgery takes place. I’m in NSW. This is my second breast cancer after my lumpectomy and radiation in 2018. Both times DCISViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsImplant Reconstruction After Radiation
Hi, this is my first post. I had a lumpectomy with radiation 10 years ago at 44, and I've recently undergone my 2nd lumpectomy on the same side due to the return of this hormone ER and PR+ BC. Due to having my lifetime exposure of RADS on my left breast 10 years ago, my option is mastectomy. I'm battling with my options (of which I'm blessed to have) and tossing between a double mastectomy with reconstruction using first tissue expanders and later implants, or going flat on my left side. My right breast is healthy. I only have enough fat for one very small breast, about half the size of my healthy breast. My main concern is having implants after radiation. The aspect of capsular contracture, skin or nipple death has thrown me for a sixer, and I would love to hear from you beautiful survivors about your stories of reconstruction after radiation. I have a wonderful breast surgeon who I have been blessed to have 2nd time around. She highly recommended the PC who has been transparent in the risks. Stories?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsLeg Flap (without muscle) bilateral reconstruction
Hi everyone, I am new to the site, but would like to hear from anyone who has had this procedure. Six weeks ago, after 3rd diagnosis of breast cancer, I had a double mastectomy and Leg Flap reconstruction. No chemo or radiation but now on Tetrozole tablets. I have recovered well thankfully but there is no information as to what I should or should not be doing regarding the legs and I am keen to get back to exercising for other problems I have. Is there anyone out there who has had the same or similar surgery and how was the recovery?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsUnilateral mastectomy with delayed reconstruction
Hi everyone, I’m currently in treatment for TNBC and starting to plan my surgery and reconstruction, and I’m really hoping to connect with others who have had a similar pathway. Others who chose unilateral mastectomy with expander/implant reconstruction I’m 41 and currently undergoing chemotherapy (AC followed by weekly Paclitaxel). Surgery is planned after chemo finishes very soon. My current plan, pending final discussions with my surgeon and a plastic surgeon, is: Unilateral mastectomy (left side) Nipple removal (due to previous lumpectomies and blood supply concerns) TExpander placed at the time of mastectomy Later exchange to a permanent implant (skin is tight and I'm too small for immediate reconstruction/DIEP) Possible fat grafting and/or minor adjustment to the natural breast for symmetry Genetic testing was negative, so my surgeon feels comfortable with a single-sided mastectomy rather than bilateral. One of my biggest challenges right now is that most of the stories and photos I find online seem to be double mastectomies and DIEP, and I’m finding it hard to visualise what unilateral reconstruction looks like long-term. Some things I’m especially curious about: How close did the reconstruction get to your natural breast over time? Did you end up having adjustments to the other breast? What did the expander stage look like under clothes? Were you happy choosing unilateral rather than bilateral? Anyone who slightly increased their size with implant? Did anyone here go on to have fat grafting to improve symmetry? I’m quite small-framed and originally around a B/C cup (medically-induced menopause and weight loss have decreased this somewhat), and ideally would love to maintain a similar size and shape if possible. I’m also trying to understand what the timeline looked like for others, particularly between mastectomy, expansions, and implant exchange. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has taken this path, especially if you: had unilateral reconstruction had expanders then implants were younger (30s–40s) when treated Even just hearing your experience would help me feel a little less like I’m navigating this blindly. I’m finding the lack of similar stories and images a bit overwhelming, so I’d really value hearing from anyone who’s been through something like this. Also, anything to potentially be aware of for out-of-pocket expenses. Thank you so much in advance.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSecond mastectomy
20 years ago I had a tram flap reconstruction after a mastectomy on one breast. Since then I found I was BRCA2 and in the last week I have been diagnosed with cancer in my other breast. I am interested to hear the stories of anyone that had a reconstruction on one side and then had to look at getting a second mastectomy years later. Did you go the construction route or perhaps decide to get a prosthesis, or even remove the reconstructed breast and go flat? I am in my late sixties.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentCost of breast reconstruction
Hi, I had a mastectomy 2 years ago and am looking at reconstruction, my breast specialist referred me to a plastic surgeon. His quote has come in where I will be $16000 out of pocket after medicare and private health rebate. I think this is really quite costly. Should I go back to my specialist and ask for a referral to another plastic surgeon or is this the going rate?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsRadiotherapy after reconstruction
I have had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in August. Now halfway through chemotherapy (3 of 6 cycles). I’ve been informed that due to the size of my tumour that I will require radiotherapy to my chest wall. Can anyone who has been through this advise as I’m concerned that my reconstructed breast implants may be impacted and I will need further surgery.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsPerth Breast Reconstruction Support Group Lunch /Fundraiser for BCCWA
You are welcome to join us on Saturday 25th October from 12:30pm at the Herdsman Lake Tavern in Wembley (private function room) where we chat about everything to do with breast reconstruction. It’s very informal - we buy our own food/drink & ask/answer questions from ladies that have done their reconstruction. This is the place to hear honest answers about recovery & what things you can do beforehand to make it a little easier. Simone Hall the tattoo artist will be there to present about nipple tattooing & you can purchase temporary ones to try at home to see what a huge difference they make to the finished breast mound. I will also be selling some gorgeous cookies to raise money for Breast Cancer Care WA - a fabulous organisation that has supported thousands of ladies & their families so please bring some cash (I can also take extra donations if you would like to add something more to help other ladies on their journey.) You are welcome to bring a female friend for company 😊ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsStacked flap reconstruction
Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone had a stacked flap reconstruction (DIEP plus another donor site). Unfortunately not enough tissue for a DIEP so I’m likely to need tissue from both my thighs, so wondering if anyone have gone through surgery that required more donor sites? I feel ok with the idea of a longer recovery, but wondering more about increased risks from a bigger surgery. Thank you :)ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSurgery decisions
Hi everyone, So many decisions. I am having ALL the treatment started with 8 weeks of 4 F/N treatment of AC medication. By the end i was cooked. Now at the half way mark of my intended 12 weeks PAC treatment i don't think ill make thr full course as the side effects ramp up. Then Radiotherapy of up to 5 weeks of targeted therapy. They weren't lying when they said prepare for a marathon. I have hormone related lubenal BC to my left ONLY. Based in Melbourne. Post radiotherapy i have to make a decision about surgery. A mastectomy is required as the chest wall has shown intrusion there so I have been advised the surgery will mean they will take half or all the chest wall. And they also want to remove the lymph nodes. The surgeon has shown me pictures and he wasn't lying when he said it can be quite disfiguring. I thought I was certain I wouldn't care about being flat but the disfiguring images have made me reassess. I will not have the opt to do an implants. The choices are as follows. 1.Left removal stay flat or left removal diep recon. Dispose other half of diep flap. 2.Double mastectomy removal remain flat or diep recon using all flap. Im so overwhelmed and worried that if i choose flat especially on left that i might regret not doing recon. Recon and mastectomy and recovery time and double wound sites of areas that didn't need to be cut also flip me each day I think im going this way then I flip and go another way each day is different mostly im unsure whether I should continue cutting into parts of my body that have no issue. What im hoping to gain from the group are lived experiences as to what made you come to the decision you did. Any experience that might have had similar options presented to you. What was recovery like? What did you prepare for post surgery? What tips could you recommend for pre and post surgery rest and care. I fly at least once a month for my work and am told I will need compression stocking on my arms before during and post flights. This BC is like a gift that keeps giving the worse gifts. Then to find out in review that even the Hormone blocking meds come with its own side effects some people reporting its worst than treatment! Anyway sorry for the long post but will welcome anyone's share of experience. Thank you and i wish you courage and bravery if you are straddling this journey too!ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsPerth Breast Reconstruction Support Group Lunch
Herdsman Lake Tavern, Herdsman Parade Wembley, Saturday 30th August 12:30pm. This is the place to speak with other ladies who have done Breast Reconstruction to get all those tips to make recovery that little bit easier. We also have Simone Hall the 3D Nipple Tattooist who will be there with her temporary tattoos you can purchase to see what a huge difference they make to a breast mound. You may bring a female friend along for company.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsIMPLANT OR AUTOLOGOUS FLAP
Hi ladies, I am hoping someone couold share with me what the implants are like as a reconstruction choice. I had a DIEP FLAP in May and unfortunately had many complications and after 5 operations in 12 days and 3 weeks in hospital, they couldn't save my right breast 😭so I now have an expander in there and I hate it!! IT hurts!! I have spoken with my PS to see what the plan is moving forward and he said we can try a TUG FLAP (tissue from my inner thigh) or implant. I really wanted my breast to be mine and not implants but I really dont know if I can go through this process of operations and recovery again (bit of PTSD I think!) and if I have any more scars I'm going to look like Mrs Frankenstein!! But I am worried about having one implant boob and one of my own tissue, will it look odd, will it feel odd etc etc. I am soked with my left breast, it looks great, feels soft, great size and shape, I couldnt be happier! If anyone has been in the same position as me, I'd love to chat, but I'd also like to know how people feel about their Implant choice.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsRecon After Radiation - Timeframe
Hello, I have heard delayed reconstruction should be "at least 6-12 months" after radiation treatments finish. I'm curious how long after radiation you had reconstruction and/or other breast surgeries? Thanks for your input!ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsPerth Breast Reconstruction Support Group Lunch
Join us on Saturday 28th June 12:30pm Herdsman Lake Tavern Wembley to meet with other ladies who have done reconstruction. Simone Hall the tattooist will be there to answer your questions about 3D nipple tattooing & you can purchase her temporary 3D nipple tattoos to see what a huge difference those circles of colour will make. You may bring a female friend for company - you will find us in the function room. We are a very informal friendly group - so bring your questions along and get realistic answers of what to expect.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentGoing flat after implant rapture
Hi All I had a bilateral mastectomy 8 years ago with expanders and silicone implants (aged 48 at that time). Here I am 8 yrs on and find I have had a implant rapture and now have silicone in my axillary, clavicle and chest lymph nodes. Rapture likely 12 mths ago due to spread of silicone, that is why its called a silent rapture. I had the mastectomy to not live in fear of getting breast cancer (as my mother had it twice) and I had a young son. Here I am now living in fear of what the silicone toll will take. Have received advice and can do reconstruction but would need to use flap under arm area as well as implants as the skin is thin due to expanders from first reconstruction for a swap out or I am thinking go flat. Going flat will prevent the fear of further possibly of another rapture and more silicone in my system. If I had have been told 8 yrs ago I could have the mastectomy to prevent cancer but they cant reconstruct I would have still had the mastectomy so I am coming to terms with the flat chest option. Has anyone on this forum had reconstruction with implants then gone flat later? Any advice, regrets, experience with prostheses double breasts at all?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentAnimation Deformity- Botox
Hi ladies, I have had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstructive surgery with implants under the pectoral muscle. I have developed breast animation deformity, with spasms and pain. I have read lots of medical articles that an option is to have Botox injected into the pec muscle to stop the spasms. I am wanting to know if anyone has had this treatment? And can recommend a specialist. I’m in Qld and having no luck trying to find a specialist who will do it. My plastic surgeon has recommended it but doesn’t know who would do it, and whether it would need to be done under ultrasound so to avoid puncturing the implants. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentAll Clear happy and healthy, BUT pre admission tomorrow for Mastectomy/Recon struggling mentally..
To say its been a tough week, has been an understatement even after a recurrence multiple surgeries and treatments over the past 6yrs. As much as I knew it was coming, I wasnt prepared for the call from Hospital for my pre-admission tomorrow. 19 months on from a lumpectomy, 13 months post chemo, happy, healthy reclaiming my life. The mental torture has been relentless this week, knowing I'm WELL but in light of a recurrence don't gamble Melinda, do a Mastectomy/Diep flap reconstruction. Even knowing deep down its the best thing I could do, I still struggle with the loss, the prevention, the surgery. Its always been my struggle getting to this decision now it is here, I don't feel any different, I'm still struggling with it. I can be honest, I'm scared, petrified of the actual surgery, the recovery, the loss, the end result. Struggling with feeling Im damned if I do, damned if I don't. Maybe I'll feel different once it's done? Ive looked at it every which way possible, and its just so mentally challenging when I know Im so well...the tears havent stopped. I will also be mostly alone through recovery as my kids are going to live with their Dad as its easier for them to get to Uni and my baby in VCE. Whilst its the right thing for me to do...am heartbroken to not have them with me loving and supporting me. My Partner lives an hour away, due to work and life will only be able to manage at different times. Another reminder of traveling this road nearly 7yrs without my Mum, lucky to have my Dad who wants to help but is 77. Inspite of all this, knowing how incredibly lucky am I really!!! how dare I be sad, upset, angry, so why do I struggle, don't know how to resolve this for myself?? I've always been proactive, positive and upbeat...hoping its purely the fear thats getting in the way...ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsDouble mastectomy Tasmania
Hi Can anyone recommend a plastic surgeon for a double mastectomy and reconstruction in Tasmania? I’m yet to decide if I want a flap reconstruction or implants so ideally would like recommendations for surgeons that do both. Launceston is my closest town for surgery. I could also look to Melbourne but am aware it will likely be more costly. Thank you for any insight.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsDIEP Surgery
Hello Pink Sisters I had DIEP surgery late last year and will be undergoing phase 2 in a few months. I can’t help but be frustrated by the back fat pockets that have appeared since surgery. My diet is well balanced and I regularly exercise. I’m hoping it’s not because I’m getting old and saggy. My surgeon said he wouldn’t be able to remove it under the cancer medical umbrella. It would be classified as elective surgery because he doesn’t think that it’s a result of DIEP surgery. Has anyone experienced something similar and had it removed in phase 2 of DIEP surgery?ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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