Breast Reconstruction Experiences

That depends on what you mean by “not healing quickly.” If you have an unhealed wound, then something is really wrong, and you should see your surgeon. If it simply hurts or “doesn’t feel right,” then it may improve with time, or you may be developing capsular contracture (a common problem with implants), which may not go away. If you still want a flap, you may well still be able to have one from your buttock or elsewhere.

Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.

Debbie-
Like chemobrainfog, I’d like to comment on most of your questions at once. You ask terrific questions and along with the info you get here, I’m sure you will also get some input from your surgeon. I have the traditional implants and did not opt to find a surgeon who uses the gummy bear type, although I did know about them. If your surgeon uses the gummy bears, ask to hold one and also hold a traditional implant. Understand what your breasts will look like with both of them. They will give different cosmetic results. Ask about weight too. There may be a difference between the two. One person I met who had the gummy bears said they had a harder feel than the traditional ones, but not having ever felt one, I do not know if that is the case.
As far as implants vs tissue expanders, the implants are much softer! Tissue expanders, filled with saline, are hard to the touch and uncomfortable especially if you wear tight clothing or if you are a stomach sleeper. Silicone implants are nothing like that. I sleep on my stomach with no problems.
With regard to the registration, each implant has a serial number just like and appliance or even food. Again, your surgeon will give you info on this, but the registry is for our benefit in case there is a problem with some of the implants. You can be notified about any issues with them. You will get a card to keep in a safe place with these numbers. I keep one in my wallet and one at home in my file.
To my knowledge, there are only 2 companies who make approved silicone implants for use in the US. Your surgeon will use implants from the company he/she likes best. I wouldn’t worry about this particular thing.
During the time I had my expanders in place, it felt like this process would last forever. I had the expanders in for close to 8 months and I too was ready to perform my own swap surgery.
Keep asking questions! One day soon you will be on this side giving your story and advice to others who need information.

I was diagnosed with left breast stage II. It was easy enough to come to the decision of mastectomy rather than lumpectomy. Even though I was still quite young, I didn't plan to have any more children, so breastfeeding was not a concern. I also had made the choice to have a profilatic right mastectomy as this breast also had several areas of suspiciousnous and enlarged lymph nodes. The left breast mastectomony was done first so as not to risk cross contamination of cancerous cells to the right breast. Months later, following chemotherapy, etc., I received the right mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, along with reconstruction of the months prior left mastectomy. The healing was similar but I must say, the left breast reconstruction is more attractive; smoother, more natural shaped. It was not an easy process; the staged filling of the expanders, the discomfort, the replacement with the permanent implants, but I am very pleased and thankful that I do not have to deal with hassle of prosthetics. Prosthetics are expensive, hot, heavy, and pull away from your chest when you bend over, exposing everything to the right angled viewer. Reconstruction has made me feel more normal, more whole again. I considered nipple reconstruction surgery but opted to have them tatooed on instead. I am pleased with my choice and would do the same all over again if given the choice.

I tested positive for BRCA2 and therefore a bilateral mastectomy was recommended following my breast cancer diagnosis. It was determined I was a good candidate for reconstruction and I decided to go ahead with it. A couple of factors that help determine if reconstruction is a viable alternative are your age, general health, if you are a smoker, if you will have radiation or not and personal interest. Some women opt not to undergo reconstruction for many reasons. I blog at www.nancyspoint.com and have several posts on reconstruction that may help with this important decision. Here is my latest link http://nancyspoint.com/breast-reconstruction-another-kind-of-long-and-winding-road/