determinedmom

First of all, it's not your family and/or ins. co you should be worrying about.  It's your decision and you need to be comfortable w/ it.  Legally BC BS has to pay for mast + reconstruct w/ a dx of cancer.  I had DCIS x 2 rt breast 5/07, age 46.  My MRI showed possible 2 invasive CA, one each breast.  I could have gone for bx, but opted to go ahead and have bilat. mast.  I also had previous b9 biopsies, repeat mammos, etc.  I could have just had lumpectomy w/ RAD but my surgeon left the final decision to me.  My final path came back all clear, however, a LOT of precancerous cells bilat. so who knows at what stage it would have been at had I not gone ahead w/ the mast.  I had immediate reconstruct w/ expanders and have never regretted my decision.

 You will get a lot of wonderful support and info here, no matter what your decision is.  Just make your own decision that is best for you.  Best wishes, Jeanne 

The first few fills went fine, I listened to my body and went at my pace which was fine with my PS.  However, on the last couple of fills I started getting some sensation back so the nurse did use some numbing cream prior which worked great.  Best wishes, Jeanne

Hey Angie - try walking up the wall during a nice gentle shower.  The web site Felicia mentioned is also great.  Don't push it, listen to your body, you'll get there.

Best wishes, Jeanne 

You have been given some excellent advice, this place is wonderful.  You will get so much support and encouragement on your journey.  However, everyone's experience is slightly different.  I had my dbl mast w/ expanders last May w/ exchange in Oct.  One thing I definitely benefited from was the combination muscle relaxer, Robaxin, and pain med, Lortab.  Listen to your body when it comes to the fills, go at your pace as we all seem to be different in that regard.  The Robaxin really helped especially in the day or 2 after each fill.  I went home the day after surgery and back to work PT just under 2 wks.  Some have no problems w/ range of motion, however, I did.  This web site really helped w/ stretching exercises:  http://www.stayingabreast.com/site/browse/breathing.htm

Gentle warm showers while walking your fingers up the wall is a great way to start your morning.  Overall I had a good experience is there is such a thing.  

Best wishes, Jeanne 

Well Farrah, you're obviously not alone.  I didn't look quite as much after my exchange, but have to admit when I'm in a bathing soon I can't help but wonder if people think I had 'augmentation' vs reconstruction.  That's the part that sort of SU*** for me.

 Jeanne 

No you're not vain, if you are then so am I.  I also was not happy w/ my original implants (bilat).  My PS replaced w/ larger ones when I had my nipple reconstruction.  She said it was not big deal and she just wanted me to be happy.  I am much happier and yes, the insurance covered.  Best wishes on your decision.  Jeanne

Yes the implants will make a diff.  I had dlbe last yr, my rt. expander was OK, but my left was high and squared off on top, very off looking.  However, as assured by my PS and all here, the implants are symmetrical.  The left has slightly, slightly dropped to where only I notice it.

Best wishes, Jeanne 

Hey Elaine - this is a very personal decision, one only you can make.  I was dx w/ DCIS x 2 in rt. breast last May.  I too was on the fence on trying to decide single or dbl so I did have a MRI to help me decide.  My MRI revealed 2 possibly invasive CA, one in each breast.  That made up my find, had dbl.  Although no further cancer was found in either breast, there was a lot of precancerous tissue in both so I feel very comfortable w/ my decision as who knows at what stage the cancer wound have been found later.  MRI is only a diagnostic tool and cannot confirm cancer, only suspicion of, but it did make my decision easier.  Also, have you considered having the BRAC testing done?  That may help in your decision as well.

 Best wishes in this decision, really listen to yourself, you'll make the right decision,

Jeanne 

I had bilat w/ exp. June '07.  My left was slightly higher and square on top.  My PS said it was probably due to the expander not completely unfolding, but not to worry.  She was right.  My exchange was Oct. last yr and all OK, they look pretty darn good if I do say so myself, as do others.  It does make dressing a slight challenge, but it WILL even out at the exchange.  Also, my PS kept me comfortable with Robaxin (muscle relaxer) and Lortab as needed.  The Robaxin definitely seemed to be of great benefit.  I wish you all the best of your journey.

 Jeanne 

It's definitely a big decision, a very personal one.  I did opt for the reconstruction but had flowers tattooed around the nipple instead, love them.  I think a chest tattoo of your choosing would be great.  Donn Davis is a wonderful tattoo artist in New Orleans and also does the 3D nipple tattoo and areola tattoos.  You need to send a personal message to Timtam to get permission.  Best wishes on your decision.

Jeanne