Surgery decisions
Hi everyone, So many decisions. I am having ALL the treatment started with 8 weeks of 4 F/N treatment of AC medication. By the end i was cooked. Now at the half way mark of my intended 12 weeks PAC treatment i don't think ill make thr full course as the side effects ramp up. Then Radiotherapy of up to 5 weeks of targeted therapy. They weren't lying when they said prepare for a marathon. I have hormone related lubenal BC to my left ONLY. Based in Melbourne. Post radiotherapy i have to make a decision about surgery. A mastectomy is required as the chest wall has shown intrusion there so I have been advised the surgery will mean they will take half or all the chest wall. And they also want to remove the lymph nodes. The surgeon has shown me pictures and he wasn't lying when he said it can be quite disfiguring. I thought I was certain I wouldn't care about being flat but the disfiguring images have made me reassess. I will not have the opt to do an implants. The choices are as follows. 1.Left removal stay flat or left removal diep recon. Dispose other half of diep flap. 2.Double mastectomy removal remain flat or diep recon using all flap. Im so overwhelmed and worried that if i choose flat especially on left that i might regret not doing recon. Recon and mastectomy and recovery time and double wound sites of areas that didn't need to be cut also flip me each day I think im going this way then I flip and go another way each day is different mostly im unsure whether I should continue cutting into parts of my body that have no issue. What im hoping to gain from the group are lived experiences as to what made you come to the decision you did. Any experience that might have had similar options presented to you. What was recovery like? What did you prepare for post surgery? What tips could you recommend for pre and post surgery rest and care. I fly at least once a month for my work and am told I will need compression stocking on my arms before during and post flights. This BC is like a gift that keeps giving the worse gifts. Then to find out in review that even the Hormone blocking meds come with its own side effects some people reporting its worst than treatment! Anyway sorry for the long post but will welcome anyone's share of experience. Thank you and i wish you courage and bravery if you are straddling this journey too!
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?
Perth Breast Reconstruction Support Group Lunch
Herdsman Lake Tavern, Herdsman Parade Wembley, Saturday 30th August 12:30pm. This is the place to speak with other ladies who have done Breast Reconstruction to get all those tips to make recovery that little bit easier. We also have Simone Hall the 3D Nipple Tattooist who will be there with her temporary tattoos you can purchase to see what a huge difference they make to a breast mound. You may bring a female friend along for company.Perth Breast Reconstruction Support Group Lunch
Join us on Saturday 28th June 12:30pm Herdsman Lake Tavern Wembley to meet with other ladies who have done reconstruction. Simone Hall the tattooist will be there to answer your questions about 3D nipple tattooing & you can purchase her temporary 3D nipple tattoos to see what a huge difference those circles of colour will make. You may bring a female friend for company - you will find us in the function room. We are a very informal friendly group - so bring your questions along and get realistic answers of what to expect.
Negative impact of radiation on Flap (autologous) reconstruction??
Hi all, will have mastectomy in a couple of months time, am considering to have an immediate breast reconstruction (IBC) using my own tissues/ flap (autologous). Unfortunately, I will have a series of radiation after the IBC. I am worried the radiotherapy will kill/destroy/ causing complications on the flaps. I did some research at my end. However the comments were conflicting. Therefore would appreciate your advice. Please..no advice is too silly. Thanks heaps!Total left mastectomy vs expander/implant?
Hi everyone - I’m newly diagnosed and have found BCN hugely helpful and reassuring. I have bilateral early cancers - invasive ductal (left side) and invasive lobular (right side). ER + PR + HER2 -.I believe ‘low grade, slow growing’. My treatment recommendation is: left side mastectomy, nipple/skin sparing with expander then later implant and right side lumpectomy. Followed by radiation and letrozole. Surgery scheduled for 22/11 at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. The choice I have is left side total mastectomy or the reconstruction? For context, I’m middle aged, slim/small breasted and physically very active. Apart from the obvious surgery and post operative worries, my other concern is around the possibility of spending many months with ongoing breast related issues. Wondering if any of you have had a similar experience….and any thoughts/advice you might have? Thank you 🎀Flat or DIEP Flap - doing my head in
I've looked online, and spoken with friends and others who've been through it, but my indecision is doing my head in. The time between available surgeon consultations is really dragging this out and giving me more time to work it out. History Bilateral BC, double mastectomy with immediate silicon implant reconstruction last October. In January, midway through chemo, an unknown infection sent me to hospital, and was only resolved once one of the implants was removed (during that stay, I was double-dosed on a strong antibiotic and my kidneys shut down temporarily). Now So now I have one implant, one deflated. I thought I definitely wanted DIEP Flap, but now I'm second guessing myself about possibly going Flat pack. I have thought about it a lot, and am currently continuing to lose sleep over it. I know this is my decision, but I would appreciate your thoughts, opinions and comments. I plan on trying your words on for size and seeing what resonates for me. How did you decide? Thank you in advance I want both the same - either filled or flat. (I know it won't be perfectly symmetrical) I'm tired of uneven. I like the shape of boobs. I'm 59, I know they've fulfilled any physical purpose they may have been needed for. I had a full hysterectomy 11 years ago, and boobs are part of what helps me still feel like a woman. The12 months since diagnosis have been a rollercoaster of tests, research, learning, surgeries and hospital stays. I'm ready for these boob chapters to be all over. I know my friends and family love me regardless of my shape. Other considerations DIEP flap - costs a lot - it's a long surgery - could be hard on my kidneys - long recovery The future could still include - revision surgery - more scans - random nerve pains Associated tummy tuck would be good! There are more fun things to do with 30 grand. When it comes down to it, Costs and risks. What if I regret my decision? DIEP Flap - having things go wrong, either with the surgery, the result, or down the track Flat - feeling less me From your personal experience, is there more I haven't considered? Thank you 🙏 P. S. I know this post is all over the place, but so is my head 😏DIEP 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 Jodie
What’s happening in choosing breast reconstruction….
What’s happening in Choosing breast reconstruction. Hi all, Just a quick reminder for those who belong to the choosing breast reconstruction group but haven’t popped over recently to have a look. We have a member who is still in pain 6 months after a mastectomy with a direct to implant reconstruction. Here is the link if you can help. We also have a new member deciding on reconstruction after a second diagnosis. Sadly last month I shared the news of the passing of the founder of our choosing breast reconstruction group the beautiful @louiseturner. There is a post there for those wishing to post kind words. She was an amazing lady who helped many of us over the years since our group was founded. She has left a legacy that helped so many of us. If you are seeking help and advice in regards to reconstruction, please send a request to join and we will get you signed up as fast as we can. There are many posts and photos from those who have been where you are now. Remember ladies we are a private group so please pop over often to see if you can help those seeking support. Thanks all Paula x
