One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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stonebrook...thanks for the tatoo info, and yes, i am feeling better, thanks
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Ally:
I have an appointment to see Isreali on the 16th, and his office is going to try and get my insurance to cover his services.
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Ally,
Dr Israeli really did a great job on my tats. I asked if I chose the color and he said "No, I chose the color" At first they look like lite brown which I thought was too dark then after about a week or two the color peels off and the real color is very natural. He has a art background and does scuplting so I trust his judgement.
Bigapple,
You'll be in good hands if use Dr Israeli. His office staff is so nice too. We all love his nurse Bella. I'm going there next week. Here's his web site if you haven't seen it yet. www.BreastReconstruction.org
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NewBride, I totally missed your ranting post! I must have hit "submit" at the same time.
After I was diagnosed with multi-focal DCIS (left breast), I made the decision to have a bi-lateral. The nurse at my BS office submitted the paperwork for pre-authorization to my insurance company. A few days later at an appointment, she told me that they had denied the right side because they considered it "prophylactic" and that wasn't covered. I was furious, in tears, etc. It made no sense to me and still doesn't. I had run into a paper pusher, so to speak. My surgeon (who was equally incensed) called the insurance company to speak to one of their doctors. A few days later....I was okayed for everything and haven't had a problem since. Hope you can figure this out as painlessly. You have good advice from Wendy!
My SIL baked her own cake, using a mix. It was pretty decent. Next year, she's vowed to do one from scratch. I won't hold my breathe (or my "breast" as I just typed!). She doesn't really enjoy cooking and this was the first Mardi Gras celebration that they've held since I've lived in Tulsa (six years).
Meg9, wish I had a Dr. Israeli hear. I'm not sure about the artistic capabilities of my PS. I don't think he has a portfolio. Maybe I should ask.
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Hi ladies,
I am trying to decide between a uni or bi mast. I know I want the one-step implants. I love the idea of a little tummy tuck but don't want that big of a surgery. I want the quickest recovery so I can get back to my life. My ps did say I would need to start with the expanders and he will use alloderm. I am so new to this, just found out this Mon night that I will need a mast. It's so hard to absorb. Like everyone else....I never thought I'd be here. I'll be back to read more. I find I can only handle a little info at a time. It's just too new.
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WOW!..... VENTING! I am soo shocked from a conversation I just had with my PS office. Last night I spoke to the woman who does the tattoos. She was very pleasant and answered all my questions. She said she had photos that I can see...they are in the PS office. I called the office this morning to ask if I could come in to see the pictures. As soon as I introduced my self, the receptionist interrupted me and said. "The doctors said you should go someplace else. They don't think you would be satisfied with anything she would do." She said, I am looking for perfection...I want to be what I was before and that is not going to happen. I swear...that is what she said to me! I was in shock! I asked if I could have a chance to speak....she wouldn't let met get a work in. I told her I was very hurt by what she said. In all this time, I never complained about ANYTHING ...that my right breasts is lower then my left breast or that I have a bulge of skin on my right breast; or dog ears or that the one-step left me with flat breasts! Perfection! What is she talking about! I am soooo hurt! I can hardly see through my tears right now. She wasn't even nice when she spoke. I asked her if she would consider buying anything without seeing it first! I told her, "I am well informed about the tattoos...that I have seen different ones on the internet and they vary. Some are good and some are not. All I asked was to see a picture of her work." Then I told her bye and hung up. Did I need her to tell me I will never be what I was before. I called the DH crying. His reply, "The fact they don't want you to see her pictures means her works Su#ks." He is furious she spoke to me that way. I need to find a new PS. I will never go back.
NewBride, Sorry you have to go through this insurance mix-up with everything else you have on your mind. Your ins co would have to prove you had a pre-existing condition. Women's Health & Cancer Rights Act of 1998 Read this website: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/whcra.html
Good luck with you appointments.
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NewBride, I agree... the insurance will work its way through its own stupid complications. While scaring the heck out of you, of course. As far as I know, if your diagnosis came after you got the insurance, you're fine. I did have one refusal from Aetna. They denied my Oncotype test by misreading their own guidelines. Genomic Health decided my income was low enough to qualify for their aid program, so they covered me. However, they did not persue Aetna's mistake, which drives my Onc nuts. He will have to argue with them again some day. At least he has a great letter already written. My MX bill was even larger and crazier, with the most spectacular amount being the hospital at $67,000. Ah, Southern CA. Breathtaking. Anybody else think this is out of control?
Tattoos. I will get approval and the name of my PS's selected tattoo artist next month. I think it might not be covered by insurance. I want lots of pictures and discussion before I agree to anything. My PS said that my natural nipple could be "touched up" to match the new one. Don't like that idea too much. I'm looking for an subtle artist. No pepperoni slices please.
NewBride, hoping for the very best news at your appointment today. Fingers crossed.
Ally, I enjoyed the yoga. People have been urging it on me for years, and I have been resisting like someone resisting an invitation to have a religious conversion. I have arthritic knees, am put together very tightly- no flexy body here, and now a odd pec muscle (to say the least). Yoga might be designed to help me, but no thanks. So I was dressed up, taken to the class, petted and encouraged, and it was fine. This version, Yin yoga, is gentle healing stretches. Still not sure about the other kinds.
Carole, the weather here is gorgeous. If you were here you'd be on the golf course for sure.
Until later....
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Wow, I missed a whole page of postings, discovered when I submitted! Meg, that was a horrible thing to hear. It is so hurtful that it probably doesn't matter if she was speaking for the doctors or is just grotesquely insensitive all on her own. If they have someone like that in their office, what are they thinking? Yes, new PS.
(((((Hugs)))))
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Meg9, I am speechless! Absolutely, time for a new PS. Sounds like they can't be bothered with the details, whether it be to hire competent people or to address minor surgical touchups. Weird and unbelieveable. There are plenty of other PS out there to help you out. Hugs from me too and don't let anyone "bully" you into ugly tattoos or inferior results. That receptionist is a moron.
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mom3band1g,
Sorry for the lack of welcome, this is an off kilter morning. Welcome. Ask us anything when you come up with the questions. The one-step is a relatively easy surgery. Relatively being the important word. We have ranged from having it extraordinarily easy to much more difficult, and have found much comfort from this lovely group of friends.
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Thanks Carole for the king cake info. I guess I won't be making one.....my ancestors were Acadians and escaped to Montreal before they were sent to New Orleans....wait a minute...I could be golfing right now!
Meg9: Sorry that you had that upset with your ps's office. You don't need to deal with people like that and go elsewhere. Can you go to Ally and Stonebrookes doctor?
Hi to all. I know you are sick of hearing about it but still no snow.....
Worked two days this week. Very tired but feels good to be somewhat normal again.
Hi to all.
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Thanks, Fortunate1, Okiegal and UpCreek, The receptionist really hit a nerve with me. I've been crying all day. I can't imagine walking into that office again...If need be I could go to Ally PS, but it would not be as convenient. She may have done me a favor...the more I think about it, the tatoos probably come out pretty bad. Anyone who does good work would be proud to show it!
You have no idea what it means to me to have you ladies to share this with...Thank you.
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meg....what a terrible experience you had today, ....i cannot believe the ps would instruct the receptionist to say anything like that...i think she acted on her own....i feel like calling her up right now and giving it to her....at least you can rule out that tatoo artist, and just move on....i think you'll know when you've found the right person and they will be happy to show you their work.....fortunate1... i've felt similar to you about yoga and meditation, i have a a friend who swears by the relaxing benefits, i just haven't felt like trying it, and i'm already pretty good at relaxing...lol......mom3band1...you mention that your ps will be using expanders, the one step procedure that we've all had here does not involve expanders. reconstruction is done in one step using implants and alloderm....wendy...i'm glad you're getting different opinions...i know you have been happy with dr disa, he has a very good reputation, i consulted with him...but for some reason i just didn't click with him....i did click with israeli....i do think it's good to get a few opinions and then just go with your gut and hope for the best....it's so hard to entrust our health and bodies to these doctors...we just hope they do a great job and everything turns out well.....okie,meg,fortunate...just wanted to mention that even though i kept my areolas/nipples....they look different than my originals.....i don't really know why, but they do....curious if carole has found that too. new bride is still too early to tell.
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Meg9 let me know if you want to consult with a med mal atty, I'll get you some names.
Your ex PS and her staff should not be allowed to deal with humans, what a horror show.
Ally: I also did nip/ar sparring, mine look like they did before, at first they looked weird, but now they look like before, even on my deflated side.
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bigiapple...that's good that yours look the same, a couple of weeks ago i thought mine looked the same as they used to, but for some reason this week they looked different...who knows....each week things seem to look/feel different, glad your nip/areola on the deflated side stayed intact....one less thing to worry about......i'm glad you're getting closer to reconstruction, and you can put this major setback behind you.....i'm happy meg and the rest of us have you on our side.
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Meg,
I'm so sorry that happened to you. I too had a bad experience with the first PS office recptionist I spoke with on the phone. I won't mention his name on here. When I called Dr Israeli's office it was a differant world. The staff is very nice and caring and he is too. I've sent two frineds of mine to him and they both felt the same way. His nurse Bella is great. I don't know where you live in NY but I have a friend who comes from PA just to use him.
Good luck with finding a new PS.
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I am almost a year out from the big surgery, so that may be why things look back to the way they were. I think it takes a while for the circulation, skin and nerves to settle down. When I was about 6 months out I was even having this weird blue-ish color on both sides toward the end of the day, it would go away if I leaned back or lay down, that stopped a few month ago. I also recall the skin on both breasts being very dry for a long time. I am guessing that the further out we get from the physical trauma of the MX the more we get back to the way things were before.
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Hi Mom3band1g and welcome to our little thread. There are two types of Immediate Reconstruction with Alloderm. After MX, Alloderm is used to create a sling to hold either an implant or an expander in place. I can give you a link to an animated video if you are interested. With immediate placement of an implant, you are limited to about a size B, but the great thing is that you only have one surgery and then, after healing a few months, move on to nipple reconstruction procedure/surgery and any touch ups. From what I've seen (online pictures) expanders seem to give a more natural ptosis or sag and you can get a larger size than a B, but involve more surgery and take longer to achieve the final results. Expanders are very popular and while "Immediate (implant) Reconstruction with Alloderm" is becoming more common, it's still considered new and not offered by all PS. I'm sorry you have to make this decision, but we've all been in your shoes and are here to help you figure it out and reassure you that life will return to normal.
Meg9, here's hoping that you are looking on the bright side today. I agree that eventhough the receptionist was mystifyingly rude (and I know that hurts), you may have avoided some really awful tattoos!
Fortunate1, I want to like Yoga. The stretches are really good exercise, but it's so sloooooow. I need more action, loud music, etc. I can relax on the couch!
By the way, how is your new nipple?Hoping that Shoshi is getting better and wondering about NewBride's Dr's appointment.
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Hi Okiegal, You wouldn't have liked this yoga class, it was incredibly slow. Probably the best thing for me to do would be a gym where one could pick lively dancing rhythms or quiet stretches as the mood dictated. Fat chance. I'm both lazy and cheap.
The nipple has shrunk. He built it about the size of the real one and now it's half. It is firm enough to show through a T shirt. He said he would give me a "little nub" and he was true to his word. I was very worried about losing too much skin and flattening my breast. I think it did flatten me a bit, perhaps to stretch out again. The sight and feel of a nipple outweighs it for me. I am now less inclined to fret over the difference in shape. I really have to get over that!
Have a good morning all, it's off to work I go.
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Hello everyone, Thank you all for your support. ((((HUGS))) I thought I would feel better today, but I feel overwhelming sad and hurt. I'm not going to do anything with tattoos right now. I need to get associated with a new PS. If something should happen...where would I go? Ally & Stonebrook, I think I will make an appointment with your PS. I am familiar with LI and the trip will be OK. I rarely drive on the highways, but DH (a commuter) usually comes with me to my appointments. Personal references are paramount to me now. I never want to be treated like this again. The receptionist said she was going to tell the PS I was upset....no return phone call.
BigApple, Thanks, I'll think about your offer. I wonder how many other women have been treated like this. I didn't do anything to provoke it...all I did was to ask to look at a picture! The whole experience is unbelievable. I'm glad you decided to make an appt with Ally's PS...good luck. I'm sorry for all you've been through.
NewBride, I hope for good news today.
Shoshi, I hope your feeling better.
Okiegal, What's for dinner! See...you made me smile!
Mom3band1, Sorry you have to join us. Here is the news clip Okiegal referred to..good luck in making your decision. http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=137257@wcbs.dayport.com
I hope you all have a Happy Friday and a Good Weekend! Thanks again.
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Carole: I received quite a nice little surprise in the mail today and it couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks so much. (I will send you a PM).
Meg9: I think your trip to LI will be worth it. Go for it and let me know how it goes. I see my PS in March and will see what the suggestions are.
I don't know who mentioned pepperoni slices but tx for the laughs--we don't want those!
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Meg, Your PS ( or should I say her receptionist) sounds like a bi**ch on wheels. Even if your PS was upset at you for whatever reason, you'd think the receptionists job would be to soften the blow and to come up with a polite way of saying something to you.
If it were me, I would fire off a letter addressed personal & confidential asking your PS to explain to you why you were treated that way. If I didn't get a sufficient answer, my next letter would be to the ombudsmen at her affiliated hospital. No one deserves to be treated like that and having your receptionist fire a patient is just so wrong on so many levels.
I also wanted to mention that I found many of the PS I called would not "correct" someone else's work. So when you decide to call for an appointment, be sure to give them some details.
Again, I'm sorry you went through that. When a PS head gets that big, it's time to bring 'em down a notch.
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Hi everyone...well the pic infection went away while being in the hospital again. It didn't get into my blood stream which was good. But the trouble i had w/ IV's....so they decided to send me home w/ oral antibiotics & i WAS feeling better. I was hungry & a lot of the pain started to sunside getting in & out of bed was much easier...then i came home & started to get nauseous, loose stools & feeling lots of pain in my stomach. So i know the medcine causes a lot of these things & i have been on 1 or more antibiotics for so long now. Then yesterday my right breast (wthe 1 w/ the infection) started to hurt..it didnt look red , today its swollen & painful & very rippily (if this is a word) so i do NOT go back to work on Mon p/t, i go to the Dr & see what he sasys. He said stop the antibiotics in the meantime....it also is itchy a little...my life saga never ends here & best of all today is my sons 13th b/d & i cant even do anything 4 him, tomorow my "DH" & i r supposed to take him to his fav place to eat, but i dont know if i can go. Next Sat is his Bar Mitzvah...so i am a wits end here & "dh" has had it..how do u think i feel.....i really wish theyd just keep me in the hospital ..except for all my IV trouble i felt so much better...
New BRide..listen i ahve had my share of fights w/ insurance companies, dont back down..keep fighting..Meg, i am so sorry u had to deal w/ an asshole (excuse my lang) i would report them to the medical board.nobody should be treated like this. I gotta say if my dr says on Mon am fine & thi still hurts..i will lash out!!! something is NOT right.this is just abnormal.....
i hope everyone else here is doing g8T. MOM, f u r going have to get expanders, & not the 1 step. go to exchange city ...they have a lot of info there...that board is so active...
anyone know of any boards on this forum for ppl like me that have had so many problems...
Have a g8t wkend all!! sorry i dont write more...if i could easily from my phone i would write more, but i read each & everyone of your letters!!!!
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Shoshi, Good to hear from you. I hope you are well enough to enjoy your sons birthday and Bar Mitzvah!.
Mantra, Thanks...Good point...I was wondering if another doctor would see me. I'm not looking for revision surgery...I need the security of knowing if something goes wrong I have a PS to go to. I know I cannot go back to my PS. By the way, I cannot understand why my PS has the attitude she has. That's way I was in shock! I have never said anything that would make her think I was a perfectionist. Everyone here knows that my breasts are not perfect and I'm not interested in additional surgery. I wasn't even sure I wanted tattoos! All I did was ask about the procedure and if I could see pictures of her work. For some reason they were insulted that I asked to see pictures! I was supposed to take their word that her work was good. They concluded that I would not be satisfied with anything she would do. It was beyond cruel to say to me that I want to look like I did before and that was not going to happen. I still can't believe it!
UpCreek, Thanks, I would love to hear what anyone's PS would say about this.
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shoshi.....i don't know what to say...do you have to wait until monday to see the ps?....maybe you should go back the hospital tomorrow, since you were better there and they were monitoring you......i wish i could help you....i hope it turns out to be just pain and nothing more serious, for pain you can take meds, and there are plenty of good ones....hang in there....(easier said than done).....meg...check out the forum (news story that shows areola tat).....if i were getting tats, i would check out this artist.
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Hi everyone,
Meg, I think a letter is in order, either the PS is a jerk or doesn't have control over her staff. Report anywhere it could bring about a change. When you have a new PS it will be a pleasure to demand your records. More hugs.
Shoshi, Be careful this weekend. I'm sure your Doc must have someone on call if you need them. Don't hesitate, remember how fast Bigapple's infection spread. Hugs for you too, and congratulations to the new bar mitzvah.
Ah tattoos, the pepperoni comment was mine. My natural areola is pale, no super distinct edges. I really do need someone to pay attention and work for a match. I'm looking forward to meeting the recommended tattoo artist, must see her photos, and will go out looking myself if I'm not satisfied. Tattoos, tattoos everywhere.... today I had a student covered in tattoos, tattoo'd arms and legs and neck and hands. Who knows what the shirt was covering. I talked him into doing tattoo imagery on his sculpture. It's going to be great.
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Wow. Lots going on here. Well, let me get my update out of the way and then I'll can catch up with all of you.
Here's the deal: Oncotype DX score of 25 (insert REALLY bad word here and kick Meg's PS hard). So as soon as I've healed from my MX and nip is no longer an open door for infection I will be starting 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxin. Goody. Maybe my hair will be back by my 1st anniversary in July. DH just bought me my first head scarf. I may have to spend a little time on the chemo threads but all of you have been with me from the very start so I hope you don't mind if I drop in from time to time here even if I am somewhat off topic now. Of course I still have symmetry surgery coming up and my implant will be doing all the stuff that implants do so I'll still have some stuff going on that will be relevant here.
In fact, here's some relevant stuff now. BS appt. went well. Mammo on the other breast in 6 mos. I think I'll do that and perhaps MRI and ultrasound before I proceed with my symmetry surgery. After all, my big problem now was undetected by mammo. Who knows? I may be signing up for another MX instead. We'll just have to see.
Meanwhile, I concur with Meg and I_am_OK. The bra to get is Warner's Elements of Bliss Style #2003. I found them on sale at Penney's for $16.99. No underwire, soft tricot lining and a countour cup that pretty much hides my asymmetry. I do "stuff" the side with my natural breast for now but the bra hides it pretty well. I sleep in the Fruit of the Loom sports bra and wear it around the house and any time I'm not wearing something form fitting. I like to have something covering the dressing on my nip. Nip continues to heal a little at a time.
Thanks again to all of you sharing and commiserating with me about my insurance provider. I did talk to financial people at BS and OC offices. Apparently this is pretty common and should all work out. They aren't a bit surprised. They also are not a bit worried and will work with me to see that my claims are paid. Big Apple, I am still taking your advice to heart and am not dropping my guard with these people for even a minute. I will keep copies of all correspondence, log all phone conversations and reply promptly (and carefully) with any info they require. Benefits people at DH's work are getting involved too so all should be well in the end.
Meg, I don't even have words (that I can use here) to say how angry I am about what happened to you. I've been on this thread with you long enough to know that you are one of the nicest people on this or any other planet. Anybody who could treat you like that shouldn't be allowed to interact with the public. Maybe you should take Big Apple up on her offer and at least let her fire off a scathing letter on your behalf. Then the two of you can join up with Ally and stonebrook at Dr. Israeli's, get the good treatment you all deserve and go out to lunch together afterward.
Shoshi, I agree with Ally and Fortunate1. It may be a good idea to get somebody to look at you sooner than Monday. You've been through too much already and don't need another setback. Maybe you can get this all taken care of before your son's Bar Mitzvah. I sympathize with you about important occasions. As you've read above, my poor DH will probably be celebrating our 1st anniversary with me looking like a naked mole rat. How romantic as that?
I just realized it's getting kind of late and besides I don't want to take up a whole page by myself so I'm going to sign off for now. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I'll be back tomorrow. I guess I'll try to update my DX too.
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NewBride, I feel so badly that you have to go through this. I will continue to pray for your full recovery...I wish there was more I can do. You will need the support and advice from the chemo boards, but we're still here to support you...don't go away. It sounds like you have a good team of competent doctors and DH sounds like a great guy who will be there for you. Sending you a big (((HUG)))
Shoshi, If your not feeling better, I agree you should she a doctor today.
The sun is out this morning. It's my son's 24th birthday on Wednesday. We are taking him and his GF out to dinner tonight. Thanks again everyone for hear me and for all your support.
Have a good weekend.
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NEwBride, I am so sorry you have to go through chemo treatments.
I know there are plenty of women at BCO who will support you along with us, your husband, family and friends. I know it's not what you/we were hoping for, but I'm grateful that there is treatment and that your doctors are on top of it.Shoshi, if you are feeling itchy again, with swelling, rippling and more discomfort....you have to get treatment today. This could get out of hand really quickly and no one wants that. I will double down on my prayers for you and hope that you can make it to your son's Bar Mitzvah. Keep us posted!
Hope you all have a good weekend!
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Whew! A lot of reading to catch up on! I missed checking in a couple of days. Shoshi, darn but I wish things would start going well for you. How depressing not to feel good for such an extended period. Your son is old enough at 13 to realize that you would like nothing more than to be able to enjoy his birthday celebration and Bar Mitzvah. Don't beat up on yourself.
Meg, something about that conversation with the receptionist just doesn't ring true to me. She was so unprofessional. If it were me, I would have to make sure the PS knew his employee was that unkind to a patient. I would write a letter or call the PS and ask for a return call. She's lucky she had you on the phone rather than me because I'm afraid I would have gotten angry and told her just how rude she was being and how lacking in compassion. I agree with whoever said you're an exceptionally nice and caring person.
Fortunate, love the pepperoni image! Also enjoyed your description of your tattooed student. I see young men, especially construction worker types with muscular upper torsos, covered with tattoos. I saw one man a couple of years ago who even had the tattoos on his face! I tried not to look at him. It made me feel weird.
Must get moving. Dh and I are playing golf at noon with another couple. Afterwards we're invited to their house for a casual dinner. Steaks on the grill. Sounds good to me. My golf is abysmal but there's always hope. Especially if Tiger can reform his character, right?
Enjoying the Olympics. Sorry Mother Nature couldn't have been more cooperative with snow distribution.
Oh, one last note. My nipples and aureoles are pretty much the same. Very pale pink. I was a white-blond little girl.
Happy weekend.
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