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.
Second mastectomy
20 years ago I had a tram flap reconstruction after a mastectomy on one breast. Since then I found I was BRCA2 and in the last week I have been diagnosed with cancer in my other breast. I am interested to hear the stories of anyone that had a reconstruction on one side and then had to look at getting a second mastectomy years later. Did you go the construction route or perhaps decide to get a prosthesis, or even remove the reconstructed breast and go flat? I am in my late sixties.
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 😊
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 :)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.Going flat after implant rapture
Hi All I had a bilateral mastectomy 8 years ago with expanders and silicone implants (aged 48 at that time). Here I am 8 yrs on and find I have had a implant rapture and now have silicone in my axillary, clavicle and chest lymph nodes. Rapture likely 12 mths ago due to spread of silicone, that is why its called a silent rapture. I had the mastectomy to not live in fear of getting breast cancer (as my mother had it twice) and I had a young son. Here I am now living in fear of what the silicone toll will take. Have received advice and can do reconstruction but would need to use flap under arm area as well as implants as the skin is thin due to expanders from first reconstruction for a swap out or I am thinking go flat. Going flat will prevent the fear of further possibly of another rapture and more silicone in my system. If I had have been told 8 yrs ago I could have the mastectomy to prevent cancer but they cant reconstruct I would have still had the mastectomy so I am coming to terms with the flat chest option. Has anyone on this forum had reconstruction with implants then gone flat later? Any advice, regrets, experience with prostheses double breasts at all?
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.
All Clear happy and healthy, BUT pre admission tomorrow for Mastectomy/Recon struggling mentally..
To say its been a tough week, has been an understatement even after a recurrence multiple surgeries and treatments over the past 6yrs. As much as I knew it was coming, I wasnt prepared for the call from Hospital for my pre-admission tomorrow. 19 months on from a lumpectomy, 13 months post chemo, happy, healthy reclaiming my life. The mental torture has been relentless this week, knowing I'm WELL but in light of a recurrence don't gamble Melinda, do a Mastectomy/Diep flap reconstruction. Even knowing deep down its the best thing I could do, I still struggle with the loss, the prevention, the surgery. Its always been my struggle getting to this decision now it is here, I don't feel any different, I'm still struggling with it. I can be honest, I'm scared, petrified of the actual surgery, the recovery, the loss, the end result. Struggling with feeling Im damned if I do, damned if I don't. Maybe I'll feel different once it's done? Ive looked at it every which way possible, and its just so mentally challenging when I know Im so well...the tears havent stopped. I will also be mostly alone through recovery as my kids are going to live with their Dad as its easier for them to get to Uni and my baby in VCE. Whilst its the right thing for me to do...am heartbroken to not have them with me loving and supporting me. My Partner lives an hour away, due to work and life will only be able to manage at different times. Another reminder of traveling this road nearly 7yrs without my Mum, lucky to have my Dad who wants to help but is 77. Inspite of all this, knowing how incredibly lucky am I really!!! how dare I be sad, upset, angry, so why do I struggle, don't know how to resolve this for myself?? I've always been proactive, positive and upbeat...hoping its purely the fear thats getting in the way...
Double mastectomy Tasmania
Hi Can anyone recommend a plastic surgeon for a double mastectomy and reconstruction in Tasmania? I’m yet to decide if I want a flap reconstruction or implants so ideally would like recommendations for surgeons that do both. Launceston is my closest town for surgery. I could also look to Melbourne but am aware it will likely be more costly. Thank you for any insight.