Forum Discussion

June1952's avatar
June1952
Member
8 years ago

Delayed reconstruction ?

I had a mastectomy 3 years ago and as some ladies may remember the surgeon did not offer reconstruction (I found at later he does not do them).  He was recommended by BreastScreen as "he does a lot of breasts".  I did not query that - silly me.  I now call him the "Boob Butcher".  I guess it is the old saying "if I knew then what I know now ....".
The scar is yuk, nothing is neat, I am lumps and bumps.  I am soooooo hateful of my disgusting look I am considering delayed reconstruction.
I understand that I did NOT have skin sparing (guess that goes along with not having nipple sparing) and am wondering if a reconstruction is possible ?
If so, would I need to fight to get a plastic surgeon instead of just a general surgeon ?  I live in a regional area and may not have one here.
Thanks in anticipation for any advice.
Summer  :-)
PS  Not sure what happened - I thought I was in Reconstruction - not Newly Diagnosed - sorry !
mastectomy
Reconstruction
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Marg
    Thank you - I will give the idea of removing the rumble strips instead.  That might just give me enough confidence to go alone 'flat and fabulous'.
    Will investigate plastic surgeons in the area now.
    Hugs  Summer  :-)
  • nikkid's avatar
    nikkid
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Summerhill38 - I'll set up the Didcussion for you... ;)
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago
    The other option--if you just want to get rid of the rumble strips and don't really want a 'foob'--may be seeing a plastics person about tidying up Bob's handiwork. It may be possible to get the mess smoothed out so at least you can feel like a blank page instead of a grade three sculpture effort.
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi ladies
    Thanks everyone for the advice.  I had looked at DIEP but the long time in theatre is such a worry (I had to have three surgeries initially and am not keen on going back, let alone for such an epic adventure, as my friend died during surgery).
    Hey Marg - I like the idea of ''Bob the Boob Butcher'' but no, that is not his name (shame as it sounds good).
    Yep, living rural at the time I had to travel to regional and that was bad enough.  I could not afford to be away from home for too long and indeed this whole idea will depend on hubby's medical condition (he has been diagnosed with dementia) - at the minute he is lost if he cannot see me so there would be a lot to consider.  BUT - I hate myself and the feelings are becoming overwhelming now.
    Nikki - I am a member of the group but somehow it ended up at the wrong spot - I am not good with all this new tech stuff !  I might message you and chat about your story if that is OK ?
    Summer  :-)
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    What Nikki said :) My understanding is that the majority of chests can have some form of reconstruction and there are many options.

    I also had a miserable experience with surgeons and live in a rural area--my advice is that if you are going to do this, do it once and do it well. Research, research, research. It sucks that we country folk have to get out of our comfort zone and go metro for these sorts of procedures but that is just the way it is.

    I guess one of the advantages of delayed recons is the urgency is taken out of the equation. You have time to make considered decisions rather than being shocked and terrified and under all that pressure. I totally get your dissatisfaction with the way you look; if it is starting to really get you down it's time to start looking at what you can do to fix it.

    I'm in a situation where my implant recons were an epic, and painful, fail. Ten years and a recurrence later I've decided I'd rather put up with them than go through a more complex rebuild, but I know if I change my mind it is an option.

    There may be a wait to get what you decide you want but I think, having come this far, you should hang in there and make sure that it is worth all the effort you will have to go to if you want to fix the Boob Butcher's efforts. Can his name be Bob? Bob the Boob Butcher has a certain ring to it :) Marg

  • nikkid's avatar
    nikkid
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hey @Summerhill38 just request to join the Reconstruction Group and all will be well.

    Yes, you'd need to see a plastic surgeon - as you'll probably need expanders put in (or another option may be full autologous tissue - like a DIEP) to stretch your skin. The Plastic Surgeon will be able to review your case and work out a best approach for a best outcome for you.

    I had a left vertical skin sparing mastectomy with insertion of an Aeroform tissue expander in April 2016 and a DIEP Recon in March this year.

    It's amazing what they can do!

    Join the group and ask away :)

  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    8 years ago
    My surgeon told me I could have a reconstruction any time. While he left me "a little baggy" - his term, not mine - I lost the entire breast so I am assuming it can be done with very little. Much to his disappointment, I don't plan a reconstruction but I am not unhappy with how I look. His little bagginess leaves me with the slightest hint of cleavage which is quite useful!! I am sure someone else can advise from their own experience.