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 you102ViewsSign in to react to this post2Comments
New to group seeking fat transfer advice
Hi everyone I'm new to this group even though I had DCIS 10 years ago. Since I was treated in the private system I wasn't aware of the amazing support groups such as this one. I didn't even know about breast care nurses! Anyway 10 years on my implants need to come out. As I really don't want to be on the implant cycle any more I'm looking into fat grafting. Has anyone had it ? If so can you share your experiences? I'm in Sydney and also looking for surgeons who do this ( and who seem to be few in numbers). Any input would be appreciated.190ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsImplant 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?152ViewsSign in to react to this post3Comments
Leg 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?98ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Unilateral 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.98ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Cost 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?1.3KViewsSign in to react to this post16Comments
Perth 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 😊66ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Today's feelings in poetry
Lucky So lucky, people say. That they caught it when they did That it hasn’t spread That they got it all That I have insurance So, so lucky. That my friend told me about her cancer That I finally moved my arse and Went and had that mammogram That I live in the lucky country So lucky That my prognosis is good That my job will be there for me That I am surrounded by family and friends With their love, soup and casseroles. Lucky. That my new set are perkier Smaller, Scar-rier, numb-ier. A bit lopsided Like me. Some days though, I just feel A tiny bit Unlucky.338ViewsSign in to react to this post5Comments
Stacked 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 :)215ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsDIEP fails in surgery
Hi everyone, just wondering if any one went in for a Double DIEP surgery and because there were complications had to have a double TRAM instead? My surgeon is saying if I start with a DIEP I have to be accepting of the possibilty of TRAM flaps. Plus, he tells me, only 20% of DIEPS are successful??? Help, so confused Jodie377ViewsSign in to react to this post4Comments
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