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Tania67's avatar
Tania67
Member
14 years ago

Reconstruction

Saw the plastic surgeon yesterday. Half way through I had this overwhelming feeling of.."Why am I having to do this??"

The choices are there and I don't really like any of them but I am going with implants. Still bloody scary! The complications are there as they are in any part of our journey.

But thankfully I wont be out of pocket with the Dr's not charging a gap payment so my insurance will cover it. Phew!!!!!!! (I'm having the second mastectomy and recon at the same time.)

Being a single mum on a pension, working part-time, mortgage on hold since January (made my first payment this month) money is tight and I have felt no shame in telling my Dr's this. My oncologist hasnt charged me any gap payments for appt's outside of chemo. this has saved me over $200. So girls, don't be affraid to tell them how it is if your are struggling financially. And of course, I'll pop the mortgage on hold again when I have my recon. Thank god I was ahead in my payments....Talk about rainy days!!!!

It absolutely saddens me to think that I wont ever have feeling in my boobies. I'd be interested to know of any gals out there that have gone down this path and how you feel now that you have healed.

I am quiet overwhelmed by this. Only feeling a little flat today. Tomorrow nite I'm having friends here for dinner. I'm cooking a 3 course Thai dinner. Can't wait. I'm sure my spirits will be lifted :)

x

1 Reply

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Tania, I had what you are having, and I am very happy with the results. Perhaps I should have gone a bit bigger, but hard to tell with the expanders how big the final implants will be. I felt huge when the expanders were at 500mls, and was so worried that my 495g implants would be too large. They appear a lot smaller now, so keep that in mind when choosing your size. My boobs are still numbish, but sensation is returning, and my PS said that about 70% of his patients will get sensation back within 2 years. I am only talking about touch, nothing else. My numb area is reducing in size. I have some permanent numbness on the side that had nodes removed, but it isn't complete numbness, more like altered sensation. The prophylactic side is better, as no nodes were removed. It is a big deal, but not very painful, and the results are pretty good. If you would like to see my progress photos, please send me a private message with your number or email. Hope it all goes well. Love Chris xx