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PennyK

(2,312 posts)
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 10:49 AM Aug 2020

Yet another breast reconstruction procedure...sigh

This is the fourth. Lat flap, tissue expander, breast implant.
My implant, put in last December, was sitting too low. So my doctor reseated it and used a biological mesh to hold it in place. The area is still damaged from radiation and there is basically nothing to keep it in place. He also did some fat transfer (lipo from lower belly) to add a little bit of volume up high on both sides.
I'll be doing a stint as mother of the bride next year (in Hawaii if all goes well, pandemic-wise), and I really hope to be looking symmetical by then.
Just to rehash, I was treated for breast cancer in 2016, and I honestly did not expect things to take this long.
Now to get through the digestive issues from antibiotics and manage the discomfort without taking too much pain medication.
Angelina and Julia sure made it look easy!

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Yet another breast reconstruction procedure...sigh (Original Post) PennyK Aug 2020 OP
Two of my friends said the reconstruction was worse than removal and chemo/radiation. SharonAnn Aug 2020 #1
Wishing you well, PennyK PJMcK Aug 2020 #2
It's a bitch, isn't it? Ohiogal Aug 2020 #3
I hope things workout this time. TNNurse Aug 2020 #4
Well, now, it SORT of looks like a breast. PennyK Aug 2020 #5

PJMcK

(22,883 posts)
2. Wishing you well, PennyK
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 11:03 AM
Aug 2020

A friend and colleague of ours is undergoing a similar procedure with similar problems. It's all very difficult but I guess it beats the alternative!

An observation: I doubt that Angelina and Julia had things go perfectly smoothly. They just hid it from the public and I admire your openness.

Have a good weekend!

Ohiogal

(34,613 posts)
3. It's a bitch, isn't it?
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 11:24 AM
Aug 2020

I had two reconstruction surgeries to make me look right. I had the tummy tuck version. My hospital experience was less than stellar. From the time I was first diagnosed to the day of my last surgery it was two years. An experience I got through, but I wouldn’t wish on anybody. I honestly don’t know how any woman can hold down a job if she has to go through this, I was such a mess. Ten years of anti estrogen pills after that with their own slew of side effects. Well I’m lucky I can look back on the whole thing, now. Pretty soon, you will be able to, too. Hang in there.

TNNurse

(7,121 posts)
4. I hope things workout this time.
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 04:09 PM
Aug 2020

I did not have reconstruction. I wear a prosthesis and it is a pain but it is what it is.

My choices were unacceptable. I was 62 and did not want to have any more surgery if I could avoid it.

PennyK

(2,312 posts)
5. Well, now, it SORT of looks like a breast.
Tue Aug 4, 2020, 06:41 PM
Aug 2020

When I went for my follow-up visit today, the doctor said that we will be adding more to get the shape right and that's there only so much he can do at a time. it feels very obtrusive almost under my arm but he said that will soften up. Stitches staying in for now.
I'm sticking to chicken soup and plain turkey sandwiches until I am finished with the Cephalexin. And I can now take Ibuprofen for the pain.

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