One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
Comments
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Valerie, I'll be thinking about you on March 1. I hope you'll let us know how you're doing as soon as you feel up to getting on the computer.
Melania, if you are a petite woman, you may be able to increase your cup size to a C. I'm tall and big-boned so I went from an A cup to a B cup. The reconstructed breasts tend not to have a lot of projection. When I first looked at myself following surgery, and this was several days later, I thought my new breasts looked like fat pancakes!
Hi to everyone else. Hope you're having a enjoyable Sunday.
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hey I was wondering if anyone out there had or has this problem. I had one step reconstruction on 1/27/11 immediately following my bilateral and also lymph nodes removal on one side. I kept the same size a cup. Anyway, I still have alot of swelling on the sides and major hardness underneath on each side. I massage everyday...
Regarding appearance- pretty good
any suggestions for the hardness and swelling?
thanks you so much take care
I do love chocolate
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Ilovechocolate, welcome and....so do I!
You are still in the recovery stage and the hardness and swelling you mention are probably connected with healing. Healing happens slowly because the blood supply and lymph system have been disrupted during surgury. I felt like I was swollen for months, but I don't know, in fact, if that was true. I would talk to your PS about any of your concerns. Hope you are feeling better each day!
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Hi,
I am a year away from the one step surgery (BMX).
I remember the tightness, not much the swelling. I felt a tightening pull. It took almost six months until it disappeared. Looks good though.
The massages help a lot.
Hope you feel better soon.
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thank you so much okiegel and mai tai
I did write my surgeon who is away but spoke with the pa who consulted with one of the other surgeons and did over to see me - made it for 10 days when he is back
Mai tai - do you remember where the tightness was? and okiegel- my swelling is on the sides where the drains were-
I do appreciate that it will improve
blessing and thanks to all
Had a half of a chocolate turn over tonight!
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Hi,
It is difficult to describe where the tightness was since the total sensation was weird.
I think it was more on the upper inner part of both breasts.
Don't forget you had major surgery, only a month ago.
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Ilovechocolate,
I had swelling on the sides for quite a while and also in the implant/breast area. It took at least 8 weeks (maybe 12?) for it to all go away. Even after that, if I wore a tighter bra, I would have some puffiness on the side. With that in mind, I always make sure that the bra I'm wearing isn't too tight so that I have appropriate circulation in the band area.
I had some dark Ghiradelli chocolate chips for dessert last night. Ummm.
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Hi ilovechocolate,
I had tightness in the muscle up front by the armpit. I think the muscle was trying to drag the implant sideways off my chest. I can no longer remember how long it took to relax a bit, but it did.
Hmmm, I'm going to go find some chocolate right now.
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Okay - you ladies are great- this is helpful because-
they told me I could at this point wear any bra I wanted as long as it had no wires, but am I wearing the right one ( its soft) should I wear a sports bra again? I will ask the lymphedema specialist/pt if she has any ideas.
Also you all sound as if it improved- which is great
When I turn my steering wheel for a turn- certain kinds- I am like wow- does this calm down at some point?
thank thank thank you
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Not quite sure where to post this thread BUT, I will be having Mesh placed in TRAM site in 2 weeks, can anyone tell me what to expect, lay-up, complications, do's and don'ts and so on, would appreciate ANY feedback. My PS was not very informative and I asked questions, just like some information from you ladies on this one....thank you all. S.0
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OHH driving was a nightmare.
My DH became my chauffeur for 2 months
.I found it more comfortable with a sports bra than any other kind. The more the support, the less the pulling.
Onetoughwoman- I'm sorry I don't know what MESH or TRAM is...
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Hi Onetoughwoman,
We here have had Alloderm stitched in as part of breast reconstruction. Mesh support for the abdomen is a different deal. I think it is done with Strattice, made by the same company, Lifecell. There is a lot of information on their website. There are women on the boards that have had a mesh to repair hernias. Maybe if you ask your question as a new thread. Good luck.
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All of the bras that were given to me by my PS and at the hospital were too tight in the band. It's as if they only had one size. After surgery, I dutifully wore the bras that I were given to me and was very uncomfortable and swollen. I finally started to feel more comfortable and improve when I started wearing larger, more comfortable bras. At first, I was concerned that I wasn't providing enough support and was afraid that the implants would shift down too much, but they didn't. Only a normal amount. I'm very happy with my results. I was most comfortable in a very inexpensive Fruit of the Loom bra that I purchased at Walmart. You can see it here. You can also find a similar bra by Hanes at KMART.0
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Thank you fortunate1 I will check website, not using strattice, I asked about that my last appointment. I have had alloderm placed with T/E this past Jan. so far so good, looks good, no fills yet, port was flipped over, that will be done in 2 weeks...how long have you had the alloderm in and any problems??? thanks for posting your reply....enjoy your weekend.
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Onetoughwoman,
I hope you are able to find others who went through the same surgery for better advice. If you go to the website, be aware that there are surgery photos and videos, not for the faint of heart.
I am now just over two years since the mastectomy/reconstruction all in one big combo surgery. I have had no big problems, just a few little blips that seem like nothing now. The reconstruction looks good. Other BC survivors think it looks great. I'm never sure exactly what non BC women who see it really think.
Hi everyone, how are you all? Chilly weather here and snow in our local mountains.... a glorious sight. I'm working away. Last week I turned down an offer of a half semester drawing class. What an odd feeling. I draw, but have never taught it. It would have been 12 hours of teaching a week and probably twelve more in prep to stay ahead of the schedule. I think I'd like to do it someday - well prepared. I have too many other commitments that would suffer badly. Aw gee.
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Good Morning All,
fortunate1, you are right about the reactions of the non BC's.. Somehow people that haven't gone through BC have it in their heads that PS leaves you enhanced and new. They don't think of the scars, the nips etc.
Hope you don't feel bad about giving up the drawing class. I believe you will get the opportunity again when the time is right.
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We've had a stormy Saturday with lots of rain and tornado warnings. Now it's calm outside. One of the big Mardi Gras parades, Endymion, always rolls on Saturday, but it was re-scheduled to roll tomorrow after another biggie, Bachus. Both of those parades always feature celebrities. Endymion has gorgeous costumes. DH and I were invited to go to the parade with neighbors and attend a party on the parade route. Instead we've had a quiet day here at home.
My birthday is Mardi Gras day, Fat Tuesday. On Wed. we have a birthday lunch planned at a favorite restaurant. My mother, two of my sisters, my niece and her baby girl will join DH and me. I told him he didn't have to skip his Wed. afternoon golf, but he insisted he wants to go with us. Tomorrow DH and I are taking lunch to my mother's house. DH cooked a big pot of red beans seasoned with ham and tomorrow morning I'll make a big potato salad. Nothing like carbs for comfort food! You may be wondering why I don't make the potato salad today and refrigerate it. In my family we don't like chilled potato salad. DH found that very weird at first.
Wed. I saw my old tennis friend who was diagnosed with stage 3 to 4 BC this year. She has finished her chemo and looked beautiful in her fashionable wig. A couple of weeks ago she had her skin and nipple sparing MX but not reconstruction because she has to undergo radiation. The analysis of the nipple tissue revealed cancer cells so one nipple will have to be removed. She is in great spirits. She said that the only thing she can control in this whole experience is her attitude.
I'm continuing to study the game of bridge and hope I am improving a little. It's such a challenging card game. I hope I'm never as addicted to playing as some of the people I've met. It's not unusual for them to play as much as 4 or 5 times a week. Once a week is enough for me. It's a lot of sitting and a lot of mental concentration.
A nice present arrived in the mail today. A royalty check for foreign sales of a paperback romance called The Black Knight that I wrote way back when.
Fortunate, I think it would be great to have the ability to draw. Some years back I took a course at the local art assoc. on Drawing with the Right Side of the Brain. There were exercises to help people relax and not be so self-conscious with a drawing pencil in hand.
I've been enjoying a new thread called What's for Dinner? Tonight I plan to cook a dish with left-over baked chicken and canned artichokes. It will be impromptu. I'm not sure exactly what other ingredients will be added.
Hope everyone is having a happy Saturday.
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Fortunate1 - Thanks again, I visited the site and know what I'm in for. I'm not faint of heart so that wasn't an issue and I'm a fan of the TV show HOUSE, things like that do not even make me flinch. Site was interesting and informative, thanks again!
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Just heading off to work but wanted to wish Carole a Happy Birthday!
Lots of snow yesterday. It is March isn't it? Hi to everyone.
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Happy Birthday Carole! I'll be enjoying a small Mardi Gras dinner tonight with family. Your parades sound like fun!
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Happy Birthday Carole! Hope you are having a wonderful time!
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Hello Everyone,
Happy Birthday Carole! I hope you had a great B-day! I was talking to a friend yesterday about king cake! I told her everything you taught me! Maybe I'll check out "What's for dinner". I'm always looking for something new!
I went to my OC appointment and she was on vacation. I took my blood test and left. I didn't want to see the substitute. I did not make another appointment. I really don't know why I visit her every three months. Do any of you have regular OC appointments? How often do you go?
I had a strange incident with my hearing. I lost all hearing in my left ear and was so dizzy I couldn't walk. I felt like I was under water. It happened after my 3 mile walk. It lasted for two days and then went away. My PC can't explain it, but suggested if it happened again I should go to a specialist.
I went shopping for a dress for DS wedding... (I have plenty of time before the wedding). All the dresses I tried on had a built in bra and nothing fit right! I will need major help in filling the nipple area! Ugh!
Okiegal, How is the shower going?
I'm still den watching! We received some bad news for the bears. The new Dir. of Natural Resources will not protect the collared research bears during hunting season. We are trying to get legislation passed.
I hope you are all well. Even when I'm not here, I think of you all every day!
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Hi all,
Meg9, I only visit my BC doctor/surgeon once a year and I never had an OC. I was DCIS, Stage 0, ER+, but PR+ also. Perhaps your staging and PR- diagnosis requires closer monitoring? I guess you could always ask your OC for the guidelines/recommendations for followup.
Your hearing loss issue is very strange! Perhaps it was related to having had a cold? The bridal shower prep is coming along. I decided to make life hard on myself and fix some caulking/ crack issues in the dining room. Now it's rather messy, but no problem, it will be finished soon and the shower isn't for another 2 weeks.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend. We are beginning to experience wonderful Spring temperatures. Lovely!
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Hi ladies. I go to my oncologist once a year just to make sure there are no lumps and bumps.
Meg: Good luck with the dress. Have you gone for a bra fitting with someone that knows what they are doing? They can do wonders. I agree with Okiegal--probably just some fluid behind your ear drum.
Have a great weekend. Skiing still good here although it's starting to melt.
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Hi to everyone. Thank you for the birthday best wishes. I spent the morning of my birthday babysitting with baby Olivia while my sister and my niece and her two older children went to a Mardi Gras parade in nearby Covington. They had a great time and returned with lots of pretty beads and other throws. The next day, Wed., we had a birthday lunch at a favorite restaurant with two of my sisters, my mom, my niece and little Olivia, her brother, and DH and myself.
Meg, I don't have an oncologist. I see my bc dr. every 6 months for an ultrasound of the armpits and chest. I think that will soon change to once a year.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
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I am seeking your advice and help and it is urgent! Have any of you ladies used Dr. Ashikari and Dr. Salzberg with the NY Plastic Surgery group? If you have, I would greatly appreciate any feedback you can share with me on these docs. You may send me a PM if you would prefer.
Thank you so much for your help! I am scheduled for a one-step with Alloderm soon and would love the opinions of those of you who might have used these docs and had this procedure.
Hugs
Sandy
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Hi Sandy,
Dr Andrew Salzberg is the pioneer in the use of Alloderm for one stage breast reconstruction. While I did not use him from way over here in California, I wouldn't hesitate. I can't imagine you could go wrong with him.
We 'spoke' the other day by PM and I would be happy to share any more details you want to know. Waiting and deciding is so very hard. Information is pure gold. Ask away, here or by PM.
Big hugs to you too!
Hello to everyone else. Carole, your birthday sounds wonderful. And Meg, I do have an oncologist, and see him every three months. I think it has just gone to four months. I wonder why we're all different? The staging or cancer type perhaps? I find it reassuring, though the little lump/enlarged lymph node sagas do get me worked up. By the way, I didn't tell you all - the MRI put that one to rest for good, I hope. The lump once again is just a lump, and the lymph nodes signify nothing at all either. Yay!
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Fortuanate 1: Glad your MRI is good, whew!
Just wanted to let you know if anyone is scared of flying and lymphedema like I am, I just received the Silver Wave bilateral sleeve and it is very comfortable. I tried the separate arms but even with the silicone at the top--they would slip down. These sleeves have a piece of material that is behind your upper back. The pressure is lower than I could get with the individual sleeves--15 to 21mmHg which is suggested for prophylaxis. With Binney's suggestion I also got the isotoner fingerless gloves to go with the sleeves if needed. I'll post both sites.
Sandy: As Fortunate1 has stated--Dr, Salzberg is well known and a great choice.
Hi to all. Hope you are having a good weekend.
lymphedemasleeveco.com
We went for a 10km ski this morning. Just beautiful
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Hi everyone, I'm glad that I have found this website and very grateful that you have all shared your
journeys. I am recovering from Stage 2, grade 3, no lymph node involvement - triple negative.
I have had a lumpectomy & 6 months of chemo and decided to have a bilateral mastectomy and one step silicone implants with Alloderm 4 1/2 weeks ago. Last Thursday, I got up and felt a terrible pain
under my left breast - that day my entire implant dropped! Went to my plastic surgeon on Friday and he was going on vacation for 2 weeks - however he will
have to redo left breast with another implant and more Alloderm!
Has anyone encountered anything like this?
I'm wondering if it is an 'Alloderm' issue or a PS issue?
Thanks in advance! Catherine10 -
Catherine1 I am very sorry to hear of all that you have been through and now to have a problem with the implant. I had a 1 step back June on one breast. I have not had a problem with my implant.
From the little bit I know of Alloderm, one steps and implants it seems that problems may occur for a number of reasons: integrity of the patient's breast & muscle tissue, the surgeon, and the size of the impant (larger are heavier, of course).
My PS told me that she only performs this surgery on women who have small breasts (B cup or less) and on women who have skin that is not too stretched out. I had barely an A cup to start.
I think sometimes even with skilled surgeons and all the factors appearing to be okay, there are complications. It pains me to hear of these problems. Having breast cancer, chemo, rads and all the fear and pain is enough without the addition of the complications.
Hang in there as you wait for the doc to get back from vacation...sorry you have a wait. I hope someone who has been through it will post with better advice. Take care!
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