Breast REconstruction

[marlasmom]

My beloved niece has developed breast cancer for the third time. The first time she had chemo and radiation. The second time - on the other side - they said no chemo or radiation was necesssary. Now she has a small cancer on the side where no chemo or radiation was done and upon the advice of two doctors is having both breasts removed.

She is very nervous (of course) and worried that she won't qualify for reconstruction. She said she also heard it takes more than 7 hours to reconstruct one breast.

Does anyone have any experience? I hate hate hate this disease.

 

[SillyMe]

I don't have an answer for you, but I just want to say I hate this disease, too. We're waiting, for the 2nd time around, for results on my mom. She has decided that if it is back again she'll be having a mastectomy done this time. My thoughts and prayers go out to your niece (and you and the rest of the family).

 

[kmp1191]

I don't know how long it takes for reconstruction. My mom went through this 3 years ago and they reconstructed her right breast. They inserted a "bag", and over several weeks injected it w/ fluid. It looked good, but the muscle and tissue around it hurt all the time. After about 6 months, she made them remove it. It wasn't worth the pain she said.

The breast cancer has been gone for 3 years, and last week she was diagnosed with rectal cancer.

Your niece and your entire family is in my prayers. I know how draining this can be.


marie

 

[Pigeon]

There are various types of reconstruction, so the surgeries take varying amounts of time. A good place to get info is www.breastcancer.org Some women get implants, but it's more complicated than the typical implant procedure done on someone who just wants bigger breasts, as all the underlying tissue is removed. Other people get reconstruction using their own tissue. There are pros and cons to each type.

 

[barkley]

my dn had a double mastectomy about 3 years ago (she's having a hysterectomy next week because she's gotten some bad pap smears and as a 20 something mom of 2 little ones-one of which she was carrying at the time of the mastectomy she is'nt willing to take any chances). she had reconstruction where they put expansion bags under her existing tissue to stretch it out over several months. she would have fluid put in periodicly to 'stretch' her skin. she opted to go with a much smaller bust than she originaly had (and she's one of those teeny-weenie size one naturaly types) because she found it much more painful than she was willing to endure (she likened it to when she had her first child and her breast engourged when her milk 'came in'-but said "think of it happening over and over and over-and you can't express it out to get any relief!").

good luck to your dn.

 

[snappy]

I just had reconstruction two weeks ago. Feel free to pm me if you like. I'd be happy to share my story. I had the more complicated version (no implants) and with two plastic surgeons in the OR, the whole thing was over in less than 4 hours. I was also home in just over 48 hours (thank you, insurance industry!).

I second the suggestion about breastcancer. org. It is an excellent website and has a wealth of info on reconstruction in particular.

 

[ducklite]

I don't have anything to offer except a to anyone who is going through this horrible disease.

Anne

 

[mer1015]

I had a masectomy with reconstruction the first time I had Breast cancer in 1999. I had a procedure called a free tram flap where they use your own body tissue to rebuild the breast. This surgery took over 8 hours but it was two surgerys in one. I am very happy with the results it is a natrual looking breast. I did have to have chemo and now 6 years later am currently going thru chemo again because the cancer returned in the same side but in the chest wall. When I look back to the surgery I have no regrets and feel it was less of a trama to have it all done in one day, I never had to get used to not having a breast. Hope this info hels and I am always will to talk to anyone about this so feel free to email if you have questions.

 

[Sherri]

I just had reconstruction two weeks ago. Feel free to pm me if you like. I'd be happy to share my story. I had the more complicated version (no implants) and with two plastic surgeons in the OR, the whole thing was over in less than 4 hours. I was also home in just over 48 hours (thank you, insurance industry!).

I second the suggestion about breastcancer. org. It is an excellent website and has a wealth of info on reconstruction in particular.

Wow! Two weeks ago. I hope you feel better. I'm sure 48 hours in the hospital wasn't nearly enough time. I hope you have a speedy recovery with lots of help.

 

[snappy]

Thanks for your kind thoughts. I had an exceptional plastic surgeon and a lot of help from my husband.

I am feeling great. Getting off prescription pain meds after 4 days was the turning point for me. I am almost ready for prime time.

 

[SillyMe]

Thanks for your kind thoughts. I had an exceptional plastic surgeon and a lot of help from my husband.

I am feeling great. Getting off prescription pain meds after 4 days was the turning point for me. I am almost ready for prime time.

I hope you have a speedy recovery too, and lots of prayers that everyone can beat this damn thing.