Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Hey All, I just wanted to say in the past I haven't really worried about my scars from surgeries, however since doing my Diep Flap recon in February and subsequent revision surgery in July, I had my abdominal wound reopened. It was red, itchy and bumpy so thought I'd have a consult with people who specialise in scar management. Thanks to my friend @nikkid for the contact, I went today. I know in my post op visits there really wasn't much talk of scar management at all, so thought I'd pop a post for anyone who is finding them annoying red, itchy, bumpy and wanted some help with it. They use silicon dressings that I wear at night only, I then massage over 4-6 weeks in circular motions, (even an electric toothbrush) to break up the scar tissue about 4 times a day. My scars are so annoying and irritating,so that's why I decided to get some extra help. So I have a great recommendation in Melbourne for anyone needing that. Big hugs Melinda xo
Reconstructive surgery
Hi, I had DCIS and a mastectomy in June. It hadn't spread so all good. I will be having another mastectomy for preventative reasons and my surgeon said I could do reconstruction at the same time. He referred me to Dr Kane in Brisbane to discuss this. He talked me through tram and tug flap surgery and expander/implant surgery. He showed me some pictures and a couple looked ok but I thought some looked awful. Plus the cost AFTER Medicare and health fund rebates is between $12k and $15k. Ive found decision making very easy up until now but really don't know if I want to have reconstruction or not. I would like to have it if they will look ok but would be very upset if they ended up like some of the pictures he showed me. I can live without boobs if that's the case, the first mastectomy hasn't worried me. Does anyone have any experience of this that they can share with me please? Also, is it worth getting a second opinion regarding the cost. We live in mackay so not sure if there is anywhere closer than Brisbane that does reconstruction. Any thoughts advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rach.
What makes you have a reconstruction?
I had a mastectomy done and didn't choose implant or reconstruction as I had wanted to get into surgery quickly before Xmas. I didn't want to see a plastic surgeon as it was so close to Xmas and was fortunate my breast surgeon was operating near Xmas. i see that some of you or maybe most of you had a reconstruction done, implant put in or tissue stretcher? I would love to hear why you choose to do that and if there's any benefits medically, besides esthetically. That might help me make some decisions in the near future. Thanks. xxx
Upcoming masectomy
Hi all, Second time around for me unfortunately. Diagnosed 2016, Triple Negative breast cancer aged 37. Gene tested, negative result. Full treatment and got to almost 4 years cancer free. Fast forward to November 2020, routine check up to discover an anomaly. 2 weeks later to find out its back and I had a 1.7cm tumour, Triple Negative again in the same breast. Different course of action this time. 12 weeks of chemo and immunotherapy (Carboplatin every 3rd dose and Taxol weekly, with immunotherapy every 3 weeks). I have 4 weeks left til I finish. I will then be having a double mastecomy with immediate reconstruction. I opted for double mastecomy with skin and nipple sparing then direct implants. Plastic surgeon last week said great choice but talked me out of nipple sparing. So I mentally prepared myself for that change of plan. I saw my general surgeon today who says I'm a good candidate for nipple sparing and he's confident with the choice. Now I'm confused about which way to go? Tumour is almost gone with 8 doses of chemo. It should pretty much (hopefully) be totally gone over the next 4 rounds. It was 2cm from my nipple which my surgeon says was far enough away to not be a risk yet plastic surgeon said it was too close. Any advice right now would be great! Who's advice do I go with? I'm leaning toward my general surgeon who's been there the last 4 years and who's job was and is to get rid of the cancer. This was the first time I'd met the plastic surgeon and really, his job is to make me look like me again. Any advice or similar experiences are welcome.Post Surgery, Mastectomy and Reconstruction Bras
Hey All! I wanted to share a wonderful lady I had an appointment with today, her name is Genevieve Gort and her business is Breast Care Victoria & Surgical Garments, she is a Registered Nurse but now does bra fittings for Breast Cancer Women. She works in a studio at home in Port Melbourne. I have to say it was such a wonderful experience to get out of this stupid Amoena Bra!!! and into a much better post surgery bra! she liaises with Surgeons and Plastics Nurses to try and get this different compression surgical bra in place. It zips up at the front with hooks and eyes on the shoulders. I purchased about 3 other types, they have NO underwire, 1 cream, 1 black and a Rose Coloured one, very feminine looking. They ranged from $78-$90 each, but so worth it! My health fund also paid a benefit of up to 4 garments per year up to $150, so I was out of pocket approx $160 for 4. They are so comfortable and I feel so much better! She is extremely lovely, and loves her job!! So I highly recommend this lady in Melbourne for post surgery, mastectomy and or reconstruction Bras! She has a web site but needs to be upgraded. Hugs Melinda xo
One is BIGGER than the other!
Hi I had an early diagnosis and lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and follow up treatment of right breast in 2003 (aged 45 years). As I've aged, my treated breast is shrinking and shrinking and shrinking and is now very obviously a different size to my left breast. 1 Has anyone else experience this? 2 Do you think it would be considered 'medically necessary' surgery if I wanted a reconstruction for health fund purposes? Appreciate any feedback - thank you so much.
Choosing Implant or Prosthesis
Hi Everyone I was diagnosed with BC in November and have just finished 8 Dose Dense Chemo Treatments. I got though that OK without any real serious side effects but the tumour didn't shrink as much as expected. A nipple sparing mastectomy is scheduled for after Easter. My Dilemma is what to do after the mastectomy. I may be able to have immediate reconstruction with an implant, depending on what is found during the operation, (radiation still may be needed) but I am not sure I want to go through the hassle of having an implant, possible follow up surgery and associated risks of implants. Is there anyone who wishes to share their experience with an implant and also anyone who can share their experience with a breast prosthesis. Choosing no reconstruction sounds like the easiest option with the quickest recover and no additional risks but I don't know how practical (or annoying :) ) a prosthesis is. I am only a 14B bra size . Looking forward to some feedback. Thanks!
