Plastic Surgeon Appt (Breast Reconstruction) Tomorrow Morning

It is finally time for my appointment with the plastic surgeon to discuss my mastectomies and (hopefully immediate) breast reconstruction. We'll see what my options are. I contacted my breast surgeon Friday to tell her office that hubby and I decided that we want to do a bilateral mastectomies (both breasts) rather than a unilateral mastectomy (the one effected breast). Honestly, I do not want to have to go down this road with cancer again, if possible. I'd rather do this once, recover and move on. I'm definitely leaning towards implants rather than other more invasive reconstruction types (lat flap, tram flap, etc) based on recovery time and invasiveness. I need to get back to work. I cannot be down for long and I feel I can deal with implants just fine. We'll see what the plastic surgeon recommends tomorrow. Not sure if they can do immediate implants or if I have to get expanders put in that they "inflate" overtime and then swap out for the real implants later. Skin usually dictates whether things need to be gradually stretched or not. Well, skin I got but I have no idea if it is right texture, etc for this. LOL! After the appointment, then the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon will coordinate schedules and I'll get a surgery date. Hope that doesn't take but a couple of days to get scheduled. I still assume it won't be done before mid to late March. Figured that anything earlier will be a bonus. I'm so ready for this to be over with. Take care, folks! Kathy

Hi Kathy, Best of luck with your appointment. Let us know how it goes, and when you get a date, and we'll be here for you!! Hugs, Connie

Hi Kathy.. I'm new on this BOARD, so don't know much of the *history* of the regulars here. But wanted to wish YOU the best in your appointments and surgery. You will be in my thoughts.. I know what your deciding is now easy decision!! best wishes.. Rhonda

Kathy, I think you are one hell of a brave lady and I wish you all my best. I jave been keeping you in my prayers. For some strange reason I actually watched a video online at Jefferson University Hosp in Phila by two surgeons, one was surgeon removing the cancer and the other was plastic surgeon who immediately inserted implants after the surgery. I found this very interesting and didn't know it could be done this way and all in one surgery. The plastic surgeon was dr who is doing a reduction/lift for my younger sister in April so I was researching him and happened upon this video....my sister couldn't believe I watched it...nor could I since I didn't want to discuss what my plastic surgeon was going to me with my reduction/lift other than let me know he was removing fibroids. I hope all goes well tomorrow with your appointment. ~Ginny

Hi Kathy, I had the reconstruction surgery done in October but had an expander put in right after my mastectomy. The reconstruction looks better than I would ever have imagined. God bless and good luck. Email me if you want to know anything about the surgery or if you just need someone to talk to who has been there. Kaye

Good Luck with the appt Kathy and please let us know what they say! Tracy

Kathy,  I did the expander after my mastectomy and had my implants put in 6 months later.  It was a somewhat painful 6 months, not unbearable, but very uncomfortable.  Anyway, I got my implants put in the day after Christmas and love them!  In my opinion, it was well worth the wait. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.  It is amazing what can be done as far as breast reconstruction now. PS I expanded up to 1000cc's. Thats why it took 6 months.  I did 100 cc's once a week once the mastectomy was healed.   I wanted to be a D Cup when I was all done.  All I have left to do is the nipple reconstruction in March.