One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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meg9 Traumeel is OTC...I buy mine at Sprouts or Whole Foods in Phoenix.
Amadori It all gets better and you will be amazed at how well you feel when the drain comes out. Makes a big difference. Take good care of yourself...lots of rest and don't overdo anything except sleep!!
NewBride Very, very good to know you had normal results!
Okiegal I haven't had any cording on the arm. I had no nodes removed, but I am awared that LE can occur in mx only. So far all is well, but I will be cautious. Thanks for the information.
Take care all!
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BRCA1 I had an awesome one-step, nipple and skin sparring bilateral mast done 3 months ago in Vancouver BC, completely paid for (a recent option). Would you consider having it done outside of Toronto if your study options don't turn out to your liking? I believe they're also done by some doctors in Winnipeg, Kelowna BC, and some other Canadian cities. Also, BC medical pays for medical procedures done in the States (not sure about travel costs); you may want to check into Ontario coverage options. Also, I was originally a large B cup, and now have silicone implants of 370 cc, which brings me to a definite C cup. I'm a little confused at other women saying their 550 cc measures at a C cup. Maybe there're different types?
Re cording: I had some for the first months, down my arm that had 4 lymph nodes removed. It subsided with professional manual lymph drainage, and my massaging it.
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Hi Caroline-H, it may be that the sizing issue you mention for implants is related to the sizing issue with bra cup size. Cup size on bras is related to band size. The larger the band size the larger the cup, so that an "A" cup with a 36 inch band size would be a "B" cup at perhaps a 32 inch band size and maybe even a "C" if the band size decreased to 28 or something. I'm guessing that the "cc" size of implant just measures overall volume and doesn't take into account the diameter or the height of the implant, so that someone with a wider chest would have a smaller cup relative to someone with the same size implant and a smaller rib cage. Hope that makes sense to everyone!
I have to run out, so say, hope everyone has a good day and that Amadori is drain free soon!
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Hi to all. We arrived home on Sat. and have been busy settling back into our House Home. I had a depressing conversation today with a long-time friend from my old tennis group. She's 65 and is the picture of health. She was just dx'ed with multi-focal bc and the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. Her bc dr. (also mine) has stated that the cancer has been growing at least 5 yrs. and it has not been detected by annual mammograms. She has small dense breasts as I did. Her situation is urgent enough that she will begin chemo treatment immediately before any surgery is scheduled.
Pam has NONE of the risk factors. She has never smoked or consumed alcoholic beverages. She had two children before age 30 and breast-fed the 1st child. She has never been overweight. She has been an active tennis player for 30 plus years and hiked and followed an exercise program. She took HRT for less than 2 yrs when she entered menopause. Her only medication is a small dose of synthroid for underactive thyroid. As she told me today, "I've done everything I could have done to prevent this happening." I feel really bad for her. On the plus side, she has a supportive husband and many caring friends.
NewBride, I'm glad you're doing well. You've handled your challenges so intelligently.
Sorry for not responding individually to the posts, but I read them all and send out healing vibes.
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Thanks for the info Okiegal! Bra sizing makes better sense to me now. Before the surgery, I was a 36B, and after, a 36C. I got high placed, round, 370 cc silicone implants.
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carolehalston so sorry to hear about your friend, hopefully she will go thru all the treatment and all will be well....hearing stories like this concrete my decision about prophylactic mastectomy , even though
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Carole, that's especially disturbing news about your friend. It seems so unfair. On a positive note, I think that the older one is when diagnosed, the greater the cure rate. Here's hoping and praying that your friend will be the picture of health after treatment and wear the "survivor" hat with you!
I sometimes find myself thinking, "Maybe my doctors overreacted and I didn't need to have a MX for multifocal DCIS." Your friend's diagnosis reaffirms my decision and reminds me again how blessed I was to have discovered my disease at such an early stage and to have plunged forward with a BLMX.
You're welcome, Caroline-H. Glad you could understand my convoluted explanation!
Hope Amadori is drain free!
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Hello everyone,
NewBride, Great news about the MRI! You are so well informed and smart to take all precautions against LE. You must be very strong to be able to get back to work so quickly!
Carole, Welcome back! I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Sending her prayers for a full recovery.
I think for some of us it will always be a mystery why we got bc. I recently read that Michael Douglas believes his throat cancer was a result from stress. I've read this on bco too. I think that most of us experience some amount of stress in our life time; and I've read that an exceptionally stressful episode weakens our immune system. I believe I fit in this category, but I don't think stress alone causes cancer, but may well be a contributing factor. I wish I had the answer and how can we avoid stress?!
Amadori, I hope your drains are out and you are feeling better!
I hope everyone has a good weekend!
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Meg9 I am reading Anticancer: A New Way of Life by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber. He is an MD/PhD who recovered from 2 bouts of brain cancer. He went through traditional treatment (surgery & Chemo) and after the second bout added a new regimin of nutrition, exercise, spiritual support (meditation/yoga) based on his research on cancer, immune system, etc. He addresses the question of stress causing cancer and cites studies that look at stress--he states that stress cannot directly cause cancer but it can affect your immune system. The book is based on the review of hundreds of medical studies.
The second oncologist I consulted recommended this book. He said that while he recommends traditional treatment for cancer patients, he also recommends lifestyle changes to support health. I was very impressed with his views--that not everything can be prevented with a pill.
Food for thought.
Okiegal I just found out a woman I know professionally (mid-40s) as multi-focal IDC. She will have a mastectomy and chemo...not sure what else. I was so upset to find out. There's all these women who have come before me dealing with breast cancer and then there was me and the very sad part is that there will be so many more women after me. I hope your friend does very well physically, emotionally and spiritually.
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Today is a beautiful day. Temp. in the 50's this morning when I played golf at 8 am. I had removed my light jacket by hole no. 5.
Okiegal, your explanation about band size and cup size does explains a lot. My implants are 457 CC and I'm wearing a 38 B. Some women with smaller implants are wearing C cup bras.
I have very little stress in my life, especially now that I'm taking 75 mg of Effexor generic to alleviate menopausal symptoms. My attitude is "If it isn't life threatening, it's not that important." I had minimal stress during the years prior to bc. So I don't consider stress a big factor in my case.
This afternoon I must get some household chores done.
Hope everyone is having a blessed day.
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It's lonely on this forum! Where is everybody? Today--Tues.--I'm staying home and wearing the cleaning woman hat. Of course, it's 10 o'clock and I haven't gotten started yet! Yesterday I played duplicate bridge at a bridge club with a very nice woman whose partner is recovering from back surgery. I was nervous about playing with people as opposed to playing hands on my computer, but I did ok. My partner was nice enough to say she'd be happy to play with me again.
I rejoined WW online this morning, taking advantage of an offer they sent me by e-mail.
Hope everybody is doing well.
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Hi Carole, I'm here, but in a blue funk, not good company lately. I've been lurking because I care about you all. You have lured me out.
It looks like I may become a lady of leisure. After getting my hours up where I like them, I am losing a class again. I am not being given much information, just hard financial times blah-blah. It doesn't sound right and I suspect I am guilty of being old.
On the BC front, I saw my PS yesterday. He checked the "lump" and wants me to see a breast surgeon. "just get it out so it doesn't keep alarming people". He suggests doing more symmetry stuff at the same time. Don't know what to think about that.
What is duplicate bridge? Do all the tables get the same hands and you see how the results differ? That could be fun... if I liked bridge. Welcome home traveler!
Dismal day here. Damp and rainy and the pots won't dry. Good for the garden, though. Back to work. I'll get over myself and rejoin you all.
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The funk must be contagious......same here. No reason. I'll smarten up now.
Hang in there Fortunate 1. Get the thing out and then you will feel better.
Carole: I'm glad someone is doing house-cleaning. I haven't even cleaned out my daughter's room since she went back to school.
Hi to all.
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Hi everyone. I was dx with DCIS grade 3 three weeks ago after biopsy and just started looking through this website. My BS will do a single mast. because of the multi focal areas and referred me to the PS. I saw him last Wedneday and he never mentioned the One step procedure but only discussed the TE . My surgery is schedule in two weeks. ( Just want to get this over with) Is there any reason why the One Step is not recommended?
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Terry, I think it is a more complex surgery (even though it sounds simpler). Fewer doctors perform it.
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Hi Terry, The "one-step" is usually reserved for women who don't want to be any larger than an A or B cup and aren't significantly overweight. Most usually don't need radiation. I'm not a surgeon, but I don't think it is more complicated, per se. After the breast tissue is removed, a layer of "Alloderm" or acellular tissue matrix is sewn in to create a pocket for the implant. The PS lifts the pectoral muscle and inserts the appropriate sized implant. As I understand it, many surgeons do the same for expanders because it helps keep everything in place. Why don't you ask your surgeon about the "one step" and see what he says? Fearless is correct, it is less common.
Fortunate1, I'm glad you're back. We've missed you. Ugh, not the kind of advice you want to hear from your PS, but won't you breath a little easier if youget rid of that darn lump? On another note, I can't imagine that your classes are being cut for any reason other than money. You have such a special way with words and are so encouraging. I know you must be a top notch instructor. Don't let your talents go to waste. Perhaps you could teach something else in addition to ceramics or teach another ceramics class somewhere else?
Oooh, funky moods here too. Brought on by life concerns in general and a kitchen floor that needs mopping, bathrooms that need cleaning and gloomy skies. Carole, you can visit my house with your cleaning hat, anytime you want!
Got to go get busy, have a better day all!
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Hi terry54,
Sorry to see you are here with us but welcome. The group of women here are just wonderful.
I had similar dx as you in August. When I first heard my dx I was very emotional and just wanted this out of me and fixed as soon as possible, was worried about my job, etc. Didn't want to miss anymore time from work or impact anyone with this issue. My BS and PS both said it could be done all at once; but like okigel wrote it is really for smaller size cups. When I was talking to the PS I said just get it done and I don't care what size as long as I have something. After I calming down and researched my options I opted for NSM with TE; had this done Oct 13th. Got to see my NSM foob yesterday for the first time...it looks good. DH was all smiles. I will go back for final gummy implant in about four to six weeks and the other breast will be augmented to match as close as possible. The ladies on this forum are very knowledgeable and can help provide allot of good information.
I know this is hard but take your time and do what is good for you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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I had my revision surgery on 10/7 and I am very happy with the outcome. MY PS was very happy too. He also took a little bit of extra fat out of my stomach to get rid of my pooch
The only part that has really been sore is my stomach from that, my foobs are not bad at all. Nothing like the original surgery. I am so relieved. Terry - I had a preventative mastectomy with immediate reconstruction so mine might be a little different but I was a full C to a D and I am now a full D. I have had 2 children so I had plenty of skin to be able to do the immediate reconstruction without losing my size. He also did a lift when he did my surgery
I have also heard that immediate reconstruction makes a difference if you are going to have to have radiation. I don't know if that has to do with the implants being affected by the radiation. I am not 100% sure about that because again I did mine preventative but I am sure someone else on here can comment on that. 0 -
Fortunate1, Welcome back...I missed you! How do you feel about removing the lump? I think I would just so I wouldn't have to deal with it anymore! Sorry your class was cut, but I'm sure it had nothing to do with your age or teaching. Every school district here has cut programs, teachers and teacher assistants.
Terry54, Sorry you have to join this group. There are few PS that do the "one step." I chose the one step because I wanted this over as soon as possible. I would not have had reconstruction if I had to continue PS appointment for fills and additional surgery months later. I was sold on bmx and reconstruction all at one time. Most go for a revision surgery to fix small imperfections like extra skin. I was a large C...I am a B now. Unfortunately, I was not a candidate for nipple sparing because my breasts were large and PS said there was too much skin. Dr. Ron Israeli on Long Island, NY does the one step and has an excellent reputation here on BCO. I did not know of him or I would have used him. If I need to see a PS in the future I will make my appointment with him. I don't know where in NY you are, but there is a well know BS in Westchester County who pioneered the one step. Good luck and let us know how you are.
HappyGirls45, Happy to hear you are doing so well and pleased with your foob! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Tashrox, Happy to hear that you are happy with your revision surgery. I could use to lose my pooch too, but I'll stick to weight watchers!
Carole, I spent the last few days preparing for winter putting away patio furniture, flowers pot, fountains, grill, etc. Today I'm working on our fall and winter clothes!
It is another beautiful fall day today. Sunny, breezy and temps are in the 60's. Most trees have changed color making a beautiful picture out the window. OH! and bear hunting ended Sunday in MN! The researchers lost two of their fourteen research bears. We are working to pass legislation to protect the collared bears, but it is a difficult.
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Hi Terry, So fast, surgery without the harrowing wait! Though the one step is easier on the body, it is still not all that common. Mine was done almost two years ago (Jan 09), and as I meet more women on this thread I hear a progressing story. We have women that have C cup and if tashrox has a D, even larger. Most but not all have had a relatively easy time of it. There can be problems with any procedure. Radiation is a scary thing with reconstruction, complicating everything, but my PS said that the one step has a better record. One opinion. The unilaterals more recently all seem to be having a lift or a small implant on the other side for symmetry.
Somewhere on this site are a couple of links to videos that explain the surgery. On the Alloderm site (Lifecell) there are videos of actual surgeries. Not for the faint of heart.
With only two weeks to go, you could ask about the one step, but be prepared to go with the TE. Possibly your PS just doesn't do the one step. Good luck to you, and a big hug as you go through this. You can hang out with us.
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Oh, I forgot to add.... yesterday I got the official lab report on my mammo/ultrasound. It says BENIGN, very definitely. Stay tuned for more.
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Thank you everyone for the quick response.
I live in NYC and my BC is very reputable (Dr .Lauren Cassell) recommended the PS Dr Beraka. I didn't consulted with any other PS since I also heard good things about him. I am thin and had lost some weight including some fat in my breasts ( prior to BC dx ) from working out at the gym and.MENOPAUSE. I used to fit a B cup and would like to again to be a full B or even C with the implants. My BC will do a sentinel node dissection at the time of my surgery to determine if I need additional treatment afterward. Just went to my internist this morning to get pre-op clearance for my surgery so everything is starting to get more real.
I had been pretty calm up to now and just reading up on more info the past few days on this site made me realized that I might be moving too fast and should have done more research.
Thanks again for all of your support.
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Meg9,
I'm losing one of my nipples, so much for the nipple sparing procedure. I am very unhappy with my "one step" results. My size B's are mostly under my arms with this huge empty space in the middle of my chest with this link sausage size lump near the left center (don't know how else to describe it). I will definately need a revision so I'll probably have to go the TE route after all? I thought USC would offer the best PS but I'm doubtful of that now. I look in the mirror and feel totally deformed. My breasts are now like hard rocks, will they soften up? Find out next week if I have to do chemo or not?? Thank you for the response! Robyn
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I don't understand why my size 636 cc implants aren't even filling up a B cup. I went out and bought a bunch of 34B's, couldn't get them on then went back and bought 38B's they fit around my rib cage which must be swollen after surgery but the cup size is too big................argh, so frustrated. robyn
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Robynkk, I have a word of comfort, perhaps? You are still early out, right? Things can still change, as you heal, and be changed afterward. Quite a few of us have had revision surgeries to fix little lumps or "sausages" and to have nipple reconstruction.YearoftheCat, who started this thread had her implants exchanged for a larger implant (without TEs.) Everything is probably still feeling firm because you are healing. It really takes at least 2-3 months for things to start feeling normal. The good news is that the most difficult surgery is over! Here's hoping that you get to skip chemo.
Also, cup volume increases as the band size goes up so that a 34B is a smaller volume than a 38B. This would mean that someone with a 32C might have the same amount of breast tissue as someone with a 36B. Frustrating! I didn't figure this out until I went bra shopping post MX.
Terry54, a lot of women are very happy with their TE results, but I'm glad I didn't go that route. Maybe your BS could suggest another PS? One that does the "one step"? I know my BS works with various PS.
Fortunate1, excellent, absolutely B9 news! Now you are just back to cosmetic concerns.
Hugs to all, have a good day.
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Fortunate, welcome back. I've missed you! So glad the test result was benign. I'm positive that your losing a class has nothing to do with your talents as a teacher and clay artist. It's all about the economic problems institutions and states and countries are dealing with.
Terry54, we all know what you're feeling as you face surgery. Best of luck to you. Keep us up to date.
Robynkk, I'm so sorry you're unhappy with your 1-step results. I hope you can get a better outcome with revision.
Meg, thank goodness the MN bear hunting season is over. Now the researchers can take a deep breath of relief.
Goodness, I hope those of us in a funk will start to feel happy soon.
A good night to all.
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I met w/my PS, Dr. Schooler at USC on Monday, he agreed to do a revision, going with TE so we'll see. He wants to do it beginning of Dec. but also saw oncologist yesterday, he's doing a gene test with my tissue samples from surgery to see if I have to have chemo or not so we're waiting on that, about 3 weeks for results, before we start revision. I jusssssst want all of this to be over with! I can lay on my side now for a while, soooo happy to get off my back
so that's good news and I can totally wash and blow dry my own hair now! Frustrated with PS because on Monday he told me "well you wanted to try the one step nipple sparing procedure and your breasts were really too big for that so we tried" I thought WHAT? he didn't TELL me that. I didn't like the way he made me feel that it was ME that was responsible. My husband does not like the PS at all and wants me to find a new one but I think I'm going to give him another shot, just sick of it all.
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robynkk my heart goes out to you....I am so sorry you are having to deal with this on top of everythignb else. The comment from your PS is inexcusible-to put the idea that you are at fault. Excuse me? Who has the medical degree here? Can you get another PS opinion? It wouldn't hurt. Take care....God's blessings!
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Robynkk, I'm sorry you have to going the TE route after the "one step". It is soon to know what your breast will look like...your breast will change over the next few months. My PS told me I couldn't be a C. She said B was the largest she would go with the one step. It does take some getting used to being smaller, but it's OK. How is your nipple healing? Also, if you are not comfortable with your PS maybe make an appointment with another and see how you feel. I'm sure someone at BCO can give you a recommendation. Best wishes (((hugs)))
Hello to everyone else....I have my Halloween decorations up...too bad I bought the candy already...I hope there is some left for the kids!
It is warm today (70's) about 30 degrees above normal and raining. The kind of day to stay in and read a good book. A friend sent me this funny video... http://www.wimp.com/bulldogtv/Have a good day!
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Hello Everyone, Very quiet here!...I guess that means we are all well and that's a good thing!
I cancelled my last OC appointment in October and rescheduled it for Nov. I'm thinking of cancelling again. I really don't know she wants to continue to see me every three months. Once I reached the one year mark this past July, I thought that would be it. My white blood count is in the low end of normal range. I wish she would just tell me I didn't need to see her anymore, rather than me stopping visits myself. What is she looking for? On a brighter side, I lost two pounds!
It is cloudy and the 50's today. We have a skunk that set up residence in my back yard. For the second night I've slept in the family room because of the stink it created near my bedroom. The garden center has a trap...DH says No Way is he trapping a skunk! Very funny...especially if you knew the DH! LOL. Off to make some calls to find someone to trap this stinker! Have a Happy Halloween!
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