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.
Radiotherapy after reconstruction
I have had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in August. Now halfway through chemotherapy (3 of 6 cycles). I’ve been informed that due to the size of my tumour that I will require radiotherapy to my chest wall. Can anyone who has been through this advise as I’m concerned that my reconstructed breast implants may be impacted and I will need further surgery.
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 😊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.
IMPLANT OR AUTOLOGOUS FLAP
Hi ladies, I am hoping someone couold share with me what the implants are like as a reconstruction choice. I had a DIEP FLAP in May and unfortunately had many complications and after 5 operations in 12 days and 3 weeks in hospital, they couldn't save my right breast 😭so I now have an expander in there and I hate it!! IT hurts!! I have spoken with my PS to see what the plan is moving forward and he said we can try a TUG FLAP (tissue from my inner thigh) or implant. I really wanted my breast to be mine and not implants but I really dont know if I can go through this process of operations and recovery again (bit of PTSD I think!) and if I have any more scars I'm going to look like Mrs Frankenstein!! But I am worried about having one implant boob and one of my own tissue, will it look odd, will it feel odd etc etc. I am soked with my left breast, it looks great, feels soft, great size and shape, I couldnt be happier! If anyone has been in the same position as me, I'd love to chat, but I'd also like to know how people feel about their Implant choice.
Animation Deformity- Botox
Hi ladies, I have had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstructive surgery with implants under the pectoral muscle. I have developed breast animation deformity, with spasms and pain. I have read lots of medical articles that an option is to have Botox injected into the pec muscle to stop the spasms. I am wanting to know if anyone has had this treatment? And can recommend a specialist. I’m in Qld and having no luck trying to find a specialist who will do it. My plastic surgeon has recommended it but doesn’t know who would do it, and whether it would need to be done under ultrasound so to avoid puncturing the implants. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.Radiation skin not healing after implant
Hi all, Wanting to know if anyone has had an implant put in and the skin not healing due to past radiation. I have a pin hole sized wound where the nipple has been removed and stitched, and three months later it still has not healed. I have been advised that the implant has to come out or replaced by a smaller implant. Has anyone had the same or similar problem?
OUT OF POCKET COST FOR DIEP.
I had reconstruction with implants in 2012. I have just found out my left implant has ruptured. I am in a private health fund and was looking at DIEP instead of implants again, but was told the cost is $20,000. I don;t know what I will get back from my health fund and Medicare. Anyone had it done private and can give me an idea on outer pocket expense. Can not wait to go on Public waiting list. Debbie
What are you supposed to do if you have been given the textured implants (linked to lymphoma)?
I have the Mentor Memorygel textured implants which are on the "voluntary recall" list in the US but I don't know what the advice is here in Australia. I had my reconstruction (after double mastectomy) in the public system in Sydney but I have not been contacted by the plastics team about the lymphoma risk. Does anyone else have textured implants and if so what are you doing, are you leaving them in or having them changed for the smooth ones or having no more implants? I have no idea what to do. I don't really like the idea of waiting to see what happens. Thanks!
Removal of synthetic medical mesh ?
I'm going to post this in general discussion and in the reconstruction group. I'm starting research to inform my pondering about whether to scrap my reconstruction process. I had a left mastectomy (12 cm tumour) and have a saline expander with synthetic mesh panel underneath. The mesh panel is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, sometimes painful. I wonder whether it has anything to do with radiation, which I finished about 10 wks ago. I never felt good about having a "foreign" implant, but wanted to make the effort to have a shape. At age 75, I'm not up for own-tissue reconstruction. I've read a couple of British literature searches about complications with mesh. I'm considering going flat. But I don't know how successfully the mesh can be removed. Anyone know anything about this?