One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Mamalyon,
Oh yeah I always thought it felt like a really tight internal bra. Whenever I got upset my pectoral muscles would tighten up. You know it took about 2 months for the pain to really subside. At first my breasts felt like raw hamburger. Removing the drains should be some relief for you.
It is normal I think to feel weepy. After all we had our breasts all those years and then we have to go through all this pain to remove them. I had never felt so much pain in my life. Hope you get feeling better.
Rose
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Hello Ladies,
I haven't been here for awhile (Stage I BC Feb2012). In fact had to start new account, so I'm a newbie again!
I wanted to give an update on my breast reconstruction because this site was so valuable to me when I was making all my decisions.
In August 2012 I had a mastectomy and reconstruction using direct to implant and alloderm. I went from an F cup to a C or D (I don't know, I don't wear bras). I left the hospital with the cutest little boobs and then went to my surgeon every couple weeks to go up sized until I was happy. The 'filling' procedure was completely painless as I have no nerve endings where they put the needle.
The entire process for me was extremely easy. Discomfort during the first two weeks until you get the drains out, but I can't say I ever experienced pain. I did take one shot of morphine at the hospital, but really just because I like morphine. I don't think I took much for pain meds once I was home a day or two post-surgery. I can't say my PS was spectacular. At the 6 month mark we went back in for a revision surgery to even things out. Are they perfect, no. Can you tell when I have clothes on, no. Do I care, no.
One year after my mastectomy I went in to get my 'valves' taken out and my nipples made. Took 30 minutes. I chose to not be put under. It was uneventful and quick. All that is left is to get my tattoos done.
I absolutely love my new foobs. They are the perfect size and a beautiful shape. They are perky and always will be. Because I chose mastectomy, I didn't have to go through radiation so I don't have to worry about those side effects, ever. I don't have to wear a bra. I would never say my past year and a half was worth this, but it has been a silver lining.
For what it's worth. I chose the saline implants. My breasts are a little harder than natural, although fine. If I had it to do again I would go with the silicone. Just my opinion.
Some days I can't tell that I have implants at all. Other days it feels like I'm wearing a tight bra. I can honestly say that they NEVER actually bother me.
I hope that those of you who choose this path have as good results and experience as I have.
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Counting days,
So glad that you've come back to report a positive experience! This thread is about one step implants, no TE's, no fills, so it's a bit different from your situation.,I am so glad that you didn't have to do rads but having a mastectomy doesn't always guarantee that. I hope you continue to do as well as you have done.0 -
Oh sorry! I thought mine were the one step. That's what my dr called them
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Hi, new here. I'm Sandra, 64, and this is day 13 after double mastectomy & immediate reconstruction. (I don't know all the "cool" abbreviations so pardon my having to spell things out.)
I've been a fitness pro for 10 years, very healthy and get no more than a cold every 5 years or so. But this has been a bad year. In Jan. I had a moderate brain stem stroke. I've made a lot of progress in recovery but still suffer from double vision, vertigo and imbalance. In Feb. the docs found I have a large aneurysm in the ascending aorta of my heart that will require open heart surgery, probably in six months unless it gets bigger, sooner. (This is what killed my grandfather and uncle.) With all the "distractions" I forgot about my annual screening mammogram but got it done in June. I was surprised to be called back for magnification studies, but even the stereo tactic biopsy that followed was not a real worry. Just didn't think God would be cruel enough to add to my burden. The diagnosis of a small but agressive form of cancer in one breast was the result. Three life threatening events in six months? I REALLY must have done something bad to piss off God! The decision of what to do was easy. Even though a lumpectomy and radiation was mentioned as the usual course of action, when I learned how damaging radiation would be to my already fragile heart I decided to keep investigating. My surgeon, cardiologist, and neurologist all approved of double mastectomy. There is just no way I could deal with worry that a lumpectomy wouldn't get it all or that cancer would show up in the other breast. I met with a plastic surgeon and learned that since I had lots of skin to work with (supersized FFF breasts), I was a good candidate for immediate reconstruction. Alloderm & implants. No tissue expanders. The plastic surgeon is very experienced in this kind of surgery and said it can take 3 surgeries...the initial one, a "tune up" to smooth and contour any problem areas, and final one to create a nipple if I want one.
My surgery lasted 9 hours. The "cancer side" has a lot of incisions but did fine from the beginning. Unfortunately the other side was a different story. The skin was thinner on that side and the blood supply not as good. Pain has not been bad even with the infection that set in. Never got above a 5 or 6 even though I am allergic to narcotics and opiates and can only take Tylenol. The miserable post op nausea/vomitting was a huge problem for several days though. Also needed 2 units of blood. By day three the bottom of both lungs started collasping, fever 102 and dying tissue on one side...not doing well. Docs changed to super-antibiotic Vancomycin and everything turned around. Fever gone next day. Felt much better and pain leveled off at a 2 with IV Tylenol every 6 hours. Tissue still looked bad but the plastic surgeon decided to hold off on more surgery. I was sent home on day 7 with a PICC line, visiting nurse and continued IV Vancomycin.
Last weekend I got a look at the side of my chest in the mirror for the first time. It is awful...purple/black/red on the half near my armpit, but the part I can see when looking down is pink and healthy looking now. Saw the plastic surgeon yesterday and he says I'm ready for the repair surgery now. Tomorrow I go back into the hospital. He will debried the dead tissue, fix the abused but healing tissue, and take out the implant on that side. I'll have a tissue expander until things are healed, then he will go back in and replace the implant. If I am not able to grow enough good tissue in the next couple of months, both implants will be changed to a smaller size.
The most painful part of this whole thing was getting two injections in each nipple of radioactive isotopes for the sentinal node biopsy before surgery. That was incredibly painful...had two docs and both sides done at the same time. I wanted to make them stop after the first injections but somehow pulled myself together and we went on. They should warn you. The nurse said it would feel like a bee string...I thought it was more like 100 bee stings all at once.
I need to ask a question. Earlier this week I began pretty sharp shooting pains across the "good side." Kind of makes me gasp to be caught by surprise when it happens but it fades fast. Happens a couple of times an hour. Is this because the nerves were cut and are just now waking up? Is it a normal part of healing? Other than the feeling of having a really tight bra on, any other sensations I might feel as I heal? I always do better when I know what to expect.
Anyone else have problems with immediate reconstruction?
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sandra - Hi, I don't usually check out this thread as I mentioned to you I went the TE route. I just knew there was this thread so I sent you the link. Now....I've read your post and I'm a little confused. Again, I don't know much about immediate reconstruction, but I thought it was only used for small-breasted women who wanted to remain small after reconstruction. Obviously, that's old information.
I can't compare your surgery to mine, but I do know that the nerves can do some weird things after they've been disturbed.
Sorry you've had such a tough year. I hope you find some encouragement here. And, I hope things go well tomorrow with your surgery.
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Hi ladies,
I had my bmx and direct to implants done Feb. 2nd of this year.I was a 44 D cup and opted to go smaller. I am either an A or B cup. I don't know which. Yes I had weird zapping pains sometimes after the surgery. I definately felt like i had an extremely tight internal bra. When I get uptight my pectoral musles tighten.
Sandra I am sorry you had such a rough time. I hope that things get better. I can say it takes about 3 months to feel better. I am having my 3D nipple tattoos done on the Friday the 13th. I did not want nipple surgery. I wanted to be done. The BMX was torture and recon too. I was blessed it went smoothly and I can live with the one dimple. The little nip tuck was easy and hope the tattooing is not bad.
I remember my lumpectomy well. The one guy had to convince me that putting a wire threw my tumor was not going to be bad. After 45 minutes I agreed. It did not hurt as bad as the biopsy did. And those 4 bee sting things he did was worse than the wire. I am just so happy to be done. I don't like implants much. And if I live through the next 10 years I will opt to have them removed. The PS said they last about 10 years. Perhaps I'll get used to them.
Best wihes to you all.
Rose
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Tina,
In everything I've read, there was nothing about immediate reconstruction being only for small breasted women who wanted to remain small. I limited my research to the Johns Hopkins website, the Mayo Clinic website, the Susan G Komen website, and my own doctor's office info, so admittedly my research wasn't extensive. It could also be that putting in larger implants takes more experience so maybe it's not done often. I'm truly just guessing.
My surgery was done at the famous Brook Army Medical Center by one of only two of the hospital's many plastic surgeons. They are the only ones who do this type of surgery. 99% of his surgeries for the past 6 years are with horribly burned soldiers back from the Middle East. So maybe that kind of expertise is required. He put in size D implants which are a lot smaller than my own FFF oversized breasts. One side is perfect. If not for the thin skin on the other side, both sides would be perfect. The plastic surgeon is confident the final outcome will be 100% good.
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sandra - From my own experience and from reading lots of threads here and on the picture forum (not a part of BCO) I can tell you that there having a rough ride doesn't mean your final outcome will be poor. Plastic surgery techniques are quite amazing and I've seen some pretty unbelievable "after" pictures from women who went through very difficult surgical courses. Sounds like your plastic surgeon is optimitstic so if he does his part that's half the battle. So much of the healing process depends on the patient's overall health and well-being so take good care of yourself and do your best to keep a positive outlook.
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Hi Ladies,
Just checking in. I hope every one is okay and healing. I got my 3D nipple tattoos done yesterday. I am wearing triple antibiotic and gauze pads over them. It took almost 3 hours to do. I think I will like them. They give you lidocaine injections in the foob. My right foob was pretty numb I barely felt that, but boy did my left foob feel the needle sticks. I took half a pain pill last night. I am itching right now. They are dark right now but the color will fade. I never felt like these were boobs until I had nipples. The scars are still ugly and uneven but I hope they fade.
I got back from a weeks vacation to Kill Devil Hills, N.C. It was nice. I went dolphin watching. That was great as I seen about 30 of them I guess. I did not get to go last year so it was wonderful.
Have agreat evening,
Rose
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Rose - so glad to hear that you got your nipples. I'm sure the incision scars will heal over time - I wonder about mine as well. I've been doing ok, tired though - the Tamoxifen is a hell of a rollercoaster ride! Best to you
jocelyne
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Jocelyne,
Is Tamoxifen a pill? I think it is. I don't have to do that as I am triple negative. I will say I am tired too. I don't have the energy I had prior to Cancer treatments and surgeries. I am working full time at a daycare. I have worked for the same guy about 20 years total but come and gone a few times. I like it because I don't have to stand hours on end.
The tattoos are done peeling. I like them. I feel more human and less like Bride of Frankenstein. LOL I also don't think I will have anymore tattoos on my breast area. Kind of tender there.
Have a good evening.
Rose
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hi Ladies,
Hope you are all well. I am ok. Just wanted to say Happy Holidays.
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Hi. I am almost through radiation then having a BMX with Alloderm Immediate reconstruction. My PS is confident in this technique. Has anyone else had radiation before the BMX?0 -
Hi,
No I did not have rads as I was told if I have BMX I could skip rads. And my PS said I could do direct to implant because my skin would be better because I did not do radiation. I had the BMX in Feb. It all went well without any complications.
Glad you are almost done with radiation.
Rose
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I am stage 3a so had chemo..then rads..then DMX. PS seemed to think one step would be fine after rads but have not seen anyone on the boards do rads first.0 -
hello,
I have a question for anyone who has had the one step procedure implants with Alloderm. It has been 3 years since my surgery. I can feel a lumpiness under the implant above my ribs. I requested from my general doctor an ultra sound. I'm not sure if I should have regular ultra sounds or mammography? I know I'm not immune to getting breast cancer even though I had a PBMX. My sister had stage IV BC and passed away in February 2011. My mom was just diagnosed two months ago with stage I BC. I'm going to check in with a breast surgeon and stay on top of this. I've also had zinging and aching pain around the peripheral area of the implants.
Thanks for any responses,
Amy
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Do you have an oncologist? Mine feels around implants every time I see her. Or you could ask your gyn doctor.
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Hi girls,
First of all,if I have any English mistakes-sorry,English is not my native/mother language.
I'm 30 years old and I was diagnosed with BC a few months ago (I don't have the BRCA mutation) but my mom was diagnosed when she was young.
When I was in the states (now I'm having my chemo in my homeland) I had a lumpectomy even though the doctors suggested a mastectomy as well.. Back then,I was too confused to take such a big decision.
Eventually,I decided to "think" about the bilateral mastectomy during the treatment.
In NYC 2 plastic surgeons suggested TE (I wanted to go bigger) and here no doctor recommended on them. All the doctors that I've seen recommended to do a one step implant surgery+Alloderm without asking or considering the size that I want.
Anyone had the same experience?
What about NSN?
Thanks!!
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Hi Katnat,
I opted for the direct to implant because I wished to go smaller. I could have had my same size which was D cup. I got a B cup and am happy. I wanted to skip expanders. I only had the surgery and a quick redo in his office a 3 months later and tattooing and it's done.
IRose
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if you want to have larger implants you can ask your doctor. I think if you have small breasts A cup they may have to use expanders to expand your skin to create breast pocket to insert a large implant. Alloderm has a good website about different sized implants.
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thanks mareluna,
My general physician said I do not need an ultra sound because I have no breast tissue but I don't think that is true I'm still going to see a breast specialty doctor.
Amy
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Good idea to see your breast specialist, thatsvanity. I am sure I do not need to tell you that your general physician is wrong that you would have no breast tissue...it is impossible to remove it all. Obviously you do need to get this new lump checked. It may just be scar tissue or something, but you have a strong family hx and even with a PBMX you can never be too careful.
Good luck.
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My oncologist had me do a breast mri prior to chemo. It was to be used as part of yearly screenings if I had not done the bmx. She said no scans were needed unless something unusual popped up. I was stage 1. I did the BMX and she examines me every visit I go every few months.
But as someone else posted you still have some breast tissue. They can't get it all out. You want to have it checked for sure.
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Hi all, I'm Beth and this is my first post here as I was very recently diagnosed with DCIS. I've met with the BS, oncologist and PS and hope to be getting a call with my surgery date tomorrow. The plan is for a bilateral mastectomy and immediate one step reconstruction with implants. The PS said I'm a good candidate for this and he can save my nipples as well. I starting reading this thread from the beginning and thought I'd take a break and introduce myself. I've done a lot of reading here but still have a lot more to go to catch up.
My main goal is to have a clear idea of what I can expect and there is so much good information here. Thanks to all of you willing to share your experiences, it is a great help! I have a good friend who had a BMX, nipple sparing with TEs three years ago and she has been a great support and resource to me. She returned to work about two weeks after her surgery and I'm hoping to do the same, but I fear she may be an exceptional case. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment if my recovery takes a little longer. My doctors say full recovery takes about six weeks, but it's possible I will be able to return to work in 2-4 weeks. Does this sound realistic to those of you who have been through it? Back to reading the older posts now!
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Hi Beth. I had one step with immediate implants, nipple sparing a year ago. How soon you go back to work is largely affected by what you do. I'm a fourth grade teacher and I was out 8 weeks. If I had a desk job I could've gone back much earlier. Good luck to you!
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Hi Beth,
I read all of the posts before my BMX and direct to implant surgery too. It was helpful to me. Gave me a good idea what to do to prepare myself.
I was not working when I had my surgery. I had quit my job when diagnosed. I however am working at the same place now. I work at a daycare. I had to do chemo and had genetic testing. I am BRCA 1 . I did surgery after chemos were done. In my case I was glad not to have to think of work following my surgery. No way I could have gone back two week after surgery. I was on heavy duty pain pills for a while. Then I had to have tubes and ovaries removed 2 months after the BMX. But I started work 3 weeks after that was done. I think it just depends how you do pain wise. I found it uncomfortable for at least 3 weeks and improved after that. I hope you do well.
Have a good evening.
Rose
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Hi Beth,
I also had one step implants. I do think the type of work you do will dictate when you can return. I was driving by 3 weeks, but turning was still tough and I tired easily for about 6 weeks. Like kap, I'm a teacher (1st grade) so I needed a nice long recovery period. One thing I will say is that you need to listen to your body. No one will give you an award for going back to work early. Take all the time that you need to truly heal and recover.
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I am still pre-surgery (one-step NS PBMX with Alloderm)...both PS's I consulted told me I might be able to go back to work at least part-time/from home by 3 weeks or so as I do have a primarily desk job. But...I am still planning 5-6 weeks and if I can get back before that, great, but no pressure on myself. I am a lawyer so while my work is not incredibly physical (and I can schedule ahead so I am not doing long days standing in court) it is very mentally strenuous and stressful. I expect for me that fatigue will be a factor, and I do not want to delay my healing due to work stress or mental/physical fatigue. I also want to account for risk of delayed healing or complications. Yes, I would like to go back earlier as my workload and files cannot easily be assumed by someone else, and it affects my billing targets and ultimate income, but my health is too important!
My PS is great, but he is not fully aware of the specifics of my own job demands and may be a bit optimistic!
In my research, I have seen the odd woman go back to work at 2-3 weeks, but usually more due to requirement than preference. The majority, whatever they were told, say they needed 4-6 weeks minimum. Most of these were women also doing prophylactic procedures and not having nodes removed, so if you are having nodes removed that may factor in as well to your healing.
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Thank you all for your thoughts. I have a desk job (for the most part) in administration at a law firm and I plan to take as much time as necessary to heal. I'm just hoping that I'll feel well enough to go back at least part time after two or three weeks. One thing is for sure, I won't be crawling around under desks fixing dictation, phone and computer issues anytime soon after I return to work.
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