Reconstruction - not everyone is happy with the results - updated
The New York Magazine has a recent article on Breast Reconstruction - and claims that up to 40% of women are dissatisfied with the results. Many women are VERY happy with their results and sail thru the surgery & recovery .... but others may be unprepared for the 'wait time ', particularly if they aren't on private health cover, let alone the chances of complications and a less pleasing aesthetic result than expected. Big out of pocket expenses may apply to private reconstruction surgery, whilst long waits (sometimes many years) are common if having reconstruction in the public hospital system. Having Inserts may also require further surgery if they rupture - plus many have a 'limited life span' anyway, requiring surgical replacements 10+ years later ..... If you are on Facebook you can read all the responses to the article here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1204809064843022&set=a.656904452966822✨ October 19th was Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day ✨
When considering a breast reconstruction, it’s important to know your options beforehand so you can make an informed decision about what works best for you. Here are some tips to consider: - Read our page on breast reconstruction https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/surgery-and-breast-reconstruction/breast-reconstruction/ - Read everything your surgeon gives you. - Ask your surgeon and breast care nurse about anything you do not understand. - Talk to your family and friends. -Find tips and shared experiences in our Online Network from people who have been through surgery https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/closedgroup/choosing-breast-reconstruction -Listen to our podcast about communicating with your health team: https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-3-communicating-with-your-health-professional/ If you're still considering your options and looking for community support, join our Online Network group: Choosing breast reconstruction For more information and support you can call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 between Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.
Reconstruction not what I was told to expect.
I’m near the end after a double mastectomy 2 and a half years ago with failed reconstruction. 10 operations later and I have died flap reconstruction 4 or 5 rounds of fat grafting (I’ve lost count), two lots of silicon implants and I don’t look normal at all. My upper chest is lumpy and concave and looks a bit like I’ve had a very bad, uneven boob job. I’m really struggling. I’m very badly scared from all the skin and tissue necrosis and lost so much skin on the side that had no DCIS ( got both done as knew I wouldn’t cope if I didn’t look ok), that they had to leave the skin paddle (skin from my stomach) so even more scares. on top of that the mesh has failed twice so my stomach is very bloated and often painful. My legs are covered in cellulite and uneven with hollowed out bits. I don’t recognise my body and I feel hideous. My surgeon keeps saying how good I look considering where I’ve come from. I know I should be grateful to be alive. I know I should be grateful it could have been a lot worse. I feel very alone. I’ve not found anyone who’s gone through something like this. Are my expectations unrealistic? My appearance was my armour and now it’s gone. This started when I was 45, just before my daughter’s 7th birthday. She keeps asking if she will have to have this done. Reality is it’s more aggressive and earlier every generation in my family and seems to affect almost all the women. I can’t even show her it will be ok because I’m not physically or mentally ok. Sorry for the long ramble, just need support.
Autologous fat grafting months after implant placement
Hi everyone. I am just wanting some advice on the autologous fat grafting procedure and its success. It has been 10 months since my implant has been placed in my left breast after having a tissue expander after a mastectomy. I had high-grade DCIS but fortunately I did not need chemo or radiation. Post mastectomy surgery I had problems with my left arm, but exercises and physio sessions are helping with that. The side near the implant is flatter and numb. The tightness I feel when raising my arm is uncomfortable. I do massage this area, the scar tissue is broken up but the feeling remains. I am hoping this area will soften over time. My plastic surgeon suggests to have fat grating to fill out the side, saying I might need up to 2-3 procedures. Don't really want to go through surgery again and certainly not that many times! I know that fat grafting will improve the look of the breast, filling it out, but I want to know if it will actually help with this tightness. I am not fussed with the look, it's just the uncomfortable tightness. Depending on what I had done physically during the day also affects the feeling at the side of the implant. Does anyone have any advice whether the grafting will help or has had this autologous fat grafting done and can tell me about their experience? Thanks.
Media story call out for TONIGHT those living in NSW? BCNA request
Hi all, Please see post below on behalf of Vicki Durston, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Member Support at BCNA. Today we have been asked to be interviewed on A Current Affair about the cancellations of elective surgery in NSW related to Breast Reconstruction. We are looking for someone who might like to share their story of how the waitlists could potentially impact those already waiting for Breast Reconstruction in NSW. If you could help us - we would be so grateful, as this gives BCNA national coverage to send the message that we are here for all those in NSW facing these challenges through the COVID pandemic. Time is of the essence, so we would need to hear back ASAP. If you could call the Helpline if you are interested on 1800 500 258 and let the team know that you would like to participate, we would be so grateful. Regards Vicki.
Breast recon - fat grafting
Hi all I’m considering fat grafting as my sole reconstruction choice and keen to hear about anyone else’s experiences. I’m leaning that way for a few reasons; very small framed and I’m happy with just filling out my chest shape rather than full on cleavage, my chest is deformed due to scoliosis so implants won’t look right (wld point in different directions!), it’s a relatively minor procedure each time and not keen on any type of flap surgery due to scarring and scale of the operation. My main concern is the unproven risk of the new fat prompting cancer growth and the need for biopsies etc on lumps that develop from the fat that doesn’t survive. I’ll probably go on the waiting list at the Royal Women’s in Melbourne under Dean Trotter for this work. I am a member of the recon group here but couldn’t find anything about this procedure there so putting the call out to the whole gang. Any advice, much appreciated! DogstarDiep reconstruction
My surgeon has recommended (diep) this for me. I’m not sure about this and the out of pocket price is staggering! Between $10,00 and $20,000 that’s even with top hospital coverage !! Does anyone know if this type of reconstruction is done as a public patient? If so and where in Sydney. Thanks in advance.
Wearing post surgery bra after masectomy then reconstruction ?
Hi, I just came out of hospital 2 days ago after a right breast masectomy and reconstruction with implant. My left breast also had a small implant too. I had high grade dcis in my right breast. I am very confused about wearing a post surgery bra as I only had the berlei bra sent to me at home and saw a breast care once while in hospital who quickly showed me the bra. Since being home, I have purchased one more post surgery Berlei bra and 2 white Amoena bras. I wasn't given any advice on how long a day I should be wearing a bra now. Do I wear it 24 hours a day ? I had one on a few hours today and it felt like it was enough. It felt a little tight across under the cup of the breast where it is tender. So not sure if this is ok ? But I am not really sure what I am doing or if it is ok to just go free and easy while I am resting at home ? Or is it better to wear a bra and for how long ? How tight should it feel under the cups ? I am surprised that no there is no post home visit to see how you are going Appreciate any advice as I am feeling lost. Thankyou
