One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Hi all!!
My surgery is in Aug. & for now we r planning on bigger implants N he better do more fat grafting. The whole area between my cleavage is too much! I measure mine & it was abt 4 inches between both foobs. I have a pit of pain arnd there & either he is NOT doing enuf fat grafting or it's not taking. He thinks it looks gr8!! Oy if u cld see. I have to see how to psot pix. I shld ask. I'm not shy Plus u don't c a face w/ it!! Lol I want this to be my last surgery until a dr near me does the whole fat grafting w/ BRAVA & insurance companies covers BRAVA!! what I'd do to have new foobs that r warm & when touched I cld feel it!! I'd also like to know more abt what happens in 20-40 yrs from the time u have it... Does it keep? I guess even us gals who have had the one step, might not know the answers to that w/ 1 step. But in 20 yrs from now I'll b arnd 70... Who knows what I'll want then.
I'm gonna see my BS this wk too. Way over due!! I'm also having the same old issues w/ the rt side .. Discomfort N swelling on the top above the implant so once again I'll tell her ... I'm also going for a bra fitting for the 1rst time b/c it's a pain not to n able to wear white shirts/ see thru shirts... Id wear a cami under my shirt (hey I get to be in style.. Layering..lol) but in the summer it's way to HOT!!!!! So I'll keep u ladies updated!!
Hey newbride... How r u doing? Haven't heard from u in a long time!!0 -
Hi everyone. Meg, things will get better! The sun is shining today
I read the article about the implants. Were they referring to cohesives as well? Nice here at the lake--cool lake that is. Perfect temperature, no need for ac. no bugs either.
Okiegal, let us know about your twin's results.
Hi to everyone else and hope you have a great weekend.
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Hi All
Tinkerbell where are you going for your surgery?
Hi Eileen Kaye- keep me posted please if you have any information regarding something in the New York area,
Hang in there all.
Chocolate
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After having one step reconstruction, did any of you ladies have dark purple areas that looks like bruising on your breast? My daughter had her surgery last Tuesday. She had a bilateral mastectomy and one step reconstruction with silicone implants. She was dx with breast cancer 2/11, finished 4 rounds A/C and 4 Taxotere. She is 25 yrs old. That brusing was there right after surgery.... today we saw the PS and she is concerned about those purple areas.....afraid that the skin/partial nipple tissue may not survive. She had us put an antibiotic salve on it...... Would appreciate any words of advice. Thanks so much!
Mom of 3 BRCA
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YearoftheHat- Did your PS say what it was he was going to do during the revision? I haven't heard of a PS just assuming there would be a revision so I was just curious.
momof3brca- I haven't had the one step but I saw no one has responded to your post yet so wanted to write. Is the bruising all over her breast or just on the nipple? If it's the nipple it's very common for them to turn purple or even black right after MX. They usually scab over for awhile and then after several weeks the scab falls off and the new skin appears pink and healthy. Like I said, it's very common but the surgeons never warn us about it. If the bruises are all over could it be where the PS used Alloderm? Did the PS say if it could be an allergic reaction or infection from the Alloderm? It's rare but it can happen with the donor tissue. And I think the Alloderm is stitched in place so maybe something going on with the stitches? All just speculation and some possibilities I've heard about while posting on here. I hope it clears up for her. She is lucky to have a caring mom who wants to help. Please wish her well.
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momof3brca: I had bilateral nipple sparing mastectomies in February and lost part of the nipple and some adjacent skin due to the methylene blue dye. The dye really discolored my skin and took months to go away. I guess you could have described the initial phase as bruised looking. Otherwise, as Kate33 stated it's not unusual for the nipple in particular to get very ugly and scabbed or black and crusty as the fresh tissue underneath is forming.
Did your daughter have a sentinel node localization with blue dye? The breast surgeon would have done the injection rather than the plastic surgeon. Does your daughter have a follow up with the breast surgeon?
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Hi again all!! My surgery is the beginning of Aug as of now... Yesterday I saw my BS N she was NOT happy w/ what she saw that he did ... She said if he stress out w/ allorderm N then went back in N " supposedly" fixed my lopsided left side N it still didn't work.. N now he's gonna kind of start all over again... I shld seek a 2nd opinion N see what they say. So I'm waiting on my BS 2 get me my appt w/ my 2nd opinion. I'll keep u updated!!
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Tinkerbell, I agree with your BS, a second opinion is in order and most possibly a new PS. It sounds like you have given the first one ample opportunity to improve things.
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Kate33 and TinaT- Thanks so much for the comments. On one breast the area is about the size of a half dollar and covers about 1/4 of the nipple.....also has a tiny black dot that the PS is concerned about..... and on the other breast about same size but goes to the lower part closer to her incision....which is also where she had/has a blister that was oozing. Yes, she did have the sentinal node procedure but only on one side...and this bruising is on both sides. I think the PS fears skin necrosis....if it is, can necrosis be reversed and get better? The PS has her putting a triple antibiotic ointment on it which did seem to help a little. When did the scabbing start? She is a week from surgery today......would scabbing have started by now? We go back to see PS tomorrow and we see the BS next week. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!
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momof3brca: Well, sounds like it's not a blue dye issue since it's on both sides. Nipple and skin necrosis is, unfortunately, one of the risks of nipple sparing surgery. Since most of the blood flow to the breast skin and nipple travels through the breast tissue and is removed during the mastectomy it takes a while for things to recover.
I looked back at my pictures and it looks like the black scabby stuff didn't appear until about 2-3 weeks out - but, everyone is different! I'm sure the PS has seen many nipple-sparing patients so this must look more ominous to him/her than the usual post-surgical changes where there is fresh pink tissue forming underneath. Necrotic tissue cannot be revived with antibiotic ointment and usually has to be removed.
Since I had tissue expanders placed at surgery the PS had the advantage of being able to drain most of the saline to relieve stress on the skin. The "all in one" procedure means she already has the implant inplace, I assume, so that's not an option for her.
Fingers crossed that there will be nice fresh, pink skin under those dark areas!!! Keep us posted, OK?
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momof3brca: As Tina wrote, skin necrosis is one of the possible risks for us all, and I think is more common with nipple sparing. I hope your daughter heals well. Several of us with one-step reconstructions had problems with it. I had a little strip of skin die next to the incision (no nipple sparing, 'sigh'). Scared me for sure. The PS removed it in an in-office procedure and re-sutured. Carole had a close call with the nipple healing with difficulty, which slowly resolved with the nipple surviving. Good luck, and feel free to check in just to talk about it.
Tink: glad you saw your Breast surgeon and have a chance at a second opinion! Keep us posted.
Hello to all. Great weather here - San Diego - no surprise. My veggie garden is dying from neglect. Still rushing my way to the next firing and next sale. I'll post photos sometime if I can remember how. DH is doing great, but still gets tired quickly. Hugs to all.
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TinaT and Fortunate1- My daughter has an appointment in the morning. I will update when we know more. I called the PS office today to ask more questions. She said the skin has a 50/50 chance and we will just have to baby it and watch it. I asked about Sulfadene and she said she doesn't consider the skin necrotic yet and that would be something to use later if needed. And she said the antibiotic ointment only moisturizes....really nothing else. So...we wait!! Hoping to lose at least two drains tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed! Thanks so much ladies!
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momof3brca: Thinking good thoughts!0
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Hi Ladies! The Dr thinks the tissue is improving....ever so slightly...she said it will still be a couple weeks before we know exactly how it will do. There is one spot on the bad skin area that is black and she called it necrotic....its a spot a little smaller than a BB. She said hopefully this impaired tissue is only the top layer and doesn't go through all the layers of skin. Some of the dark purple is lightening a little. And they are still watching her incisions....they still don't look good. So, I guess I knew something wasnt right about "dark purple bruising". But on a good note, they did remove 2 drains which totally made my daughter's day! We go back again Friday to check skin and possibly remove the last two drains. So thanks for the good thoughts TinaT......appreciate it so much!! And Fortunate1, how do I find Carole's experience with her tissue problem on here? Thanks so much everyone!! Will keep you posted...
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momof3brca: Yay on the drains! That always feels so much better; hope she gets the other two out soon. Hang in there!!!
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Momof3brca, so glad to hear that your daughter is free of at least some of her drains! I remember how wonderful that felt! And glad to hear that her skin is doing a little bit better. You can search for posts on "necrosis" or "nipple necrosis" or anything else you want by clicking the "search" button at the right corner of the top banner of this page. I just tried to search under Carole's name (carole halston), but didn't find anything. Perhaps I spelled something wrong. Hope this helps!
Good news, my sister's mammogram came back clean. Of course, I still worry because that's not how mine was discovered, but what can you do? Regular screenings are what we have and that's all there is to it.
Fortunate1, glad to hear DH is doing well. Or vegetable garden isn't producing anything due to the heat. It will be 100 degrees today. I better hurry up and take my walk!
Have a good day all.
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Momof3brca, Carole had healing problems with scar and nipple. Carole is on vacation now, but I looked back at her posts. Read about Carole's experience from her posts from August 8, 2010 page 4 to September 4th Page 9. I hope this is helpful to you. Best wishes to your daughter.
Okiegal, I've been thinking about you and your sister. Great news to hear her mamo came back clean! I understand your concern. The cancer in my left breast was not detected by mamo, but was found by MRI.
Upcreek, Enjoy the cabin...Sounds wonderful! I'm still doing yard work around here...fun, fun, fun!
Fortunate1, Good to hear that DH is doing well. Good luck with the sale.
Tinkerbell, Definitely get a second opinion. I hope thing go much better this time.
It is in the 80's today and not as humid! I hope everyone is well and have a great July 4th weekend!
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These boards were extremely helpful to me when I went through treatment two years ago (a huge THANKS to everyone!), but I have not felt compelled to post until I read momof3brca's posts here.
I had a bilateral nipple-sparing one-step procedure on May 16th, 2011 and had the same "purple breast" issue on one side. It does seem pretty uncommon. In my case, it was actually about half the breast (from the incision, which is under the breast, up to the bottom of the nipple). Then, two weeks in, the skin started blistering and peeling quite badly, especially near the incision, and the PS was concerned. For the next 3 1/2 weeks, we placed Xeroform medicated gauze on the area, and it slowly got better. No bras during this time either, just camis. Like the antibiotic ointment, I don't think the Xeroform can stop necrosis, but there does seem to be an advantage to keeping the skin moist and protected, so it sounds like momof3brca's daughter is seeing the same advantage with the AB ointment. Each day, it has gotten a little better, and last week, the PS said I could stop the Xeroform and wear non-underwire bras. There is still a very tiny bit of peeling that pops up once or twice a week, but overall, it looks 100% better. The purple faded, but you can still see that it is a bit more pink on that part of the breast.
Otherwise everything else is going great. Doctor cleared me for exercise and any activities (within reason). Flew for work travel this week with 2 light bags, and it went well. I am a runner, and plan to try that over the 4th weekend. We'll see how it goes! Overall, I am still very glad I went with this procedure. It was very nice to wake up from surgery with cleavage (!), and I think the long term results are going to look and feel great.
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By the way, for those of you who noticed in my diagnosis that I had a lumpectomy and Mammosite radiation two years ago, this issue occurred in the other breast. The lumpectomy breast has done great! Go figure!
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TinaT- Hopefully getting the last two out in the morning! And hoping for some encouraging news from the PS about her skin issue!
Okiegal - I do not have much luck with that search thing.....and I will try to figure it out someday but Meg9 actually searched and got me the page number and dates for Carole's posts...... thanks!
Meg9 - Thank you soooo much for that info.....my husband will be so glad I have more reading in bed to do.....NOT....lol And thanks for the best wishes!
BeachDee - I was so so encouraged by your post. It sounds exactly like what my daughter has, except she has a small black dot in the purple area on one breast. And I believe that is what they are most concerned about......did you have any black areas or just the purple tissue? She is 9 days from surgery and today after her shower one area of skin began to peel.....ughhh. Is this just part of the process? I do so appreciate you chiming in here.....thanks so much!! Hey, I'm from MO also.....St. Louis area.
I've been reading these boards since my oldest daughter (28 y/o) was dx with breast cancer 4 years ago. She just celebrated 4 yrs cancer free this past June. My middle daughter (25 y/o) was dx this past Feb......the pathology from her mastectomy said no cancer in lymph nodes, none in other breast and original tumor...gone!! Yayyyy!!! I also have a 22 y/o who will be having a PBM in August.....who would think all three of them would get the gene?
Well, thank you all again so much!
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momof3brca: Wow, so so young. Sounds like you have 3 brave young daughters!0
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Hi everyone, a good day to all of you.
momof3brca, and all three daughters, my heart goes out to you. A PBM at 22 must be such a combination of sadness, relief and triumph over BRCA.
BeachDee, welcome. It's always nice to meet more women with one-step reconstructions. I'm going to ask my PS if it is becoming more common. We have all the fears and treatments and complications as everyone else, but the reconstruction is sure easier.
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Hi ladies, just wanted to update all of u w/ the he** my life has been this week. On Mon when I saw my BS & she said to get a 2nd opinion & was gonna call the other dr to get me in, changed her mind. She feels I shld stick w/ my PS. I didn't agree & asked her to call the Other dr & I'm not sure what she said to him but he basically doesn't want to even see me. So I was able to call & get squeezed in to see my previous PS who moved further away who did my reduction & he did a gr8 job!! I saw him alfter my BMX for a 2nd opinion & agreed w/ what my PS said. My big issues r #1- he further away & I can't take time off from wk (got a big talking to already) & I don't know if I'd get to him b4 he wld close. #2- he may want me tO have the implants taken out N left out for 6mo b4 he wld do anything. (I don't know if I cld do that). So wish me luck on Tues. Also I had a partial Hysterectomy a few yrs ago & just found out the pain I have is from a ovarian cyst. So Tues morning I go to OB-gyn to ck that out!! What fun!! Next wk I'm off all week, so I'm trying to see whTever dr's I need too. Lol
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Hi everyone. We're in the town of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula in AK. This is a very popular area with tourists and with Alaskans. Fishing is a big attraction. Lots of charter boats taking people out halibut fishing. Also the rivers and streams are full of salmon going upstream to spawn. There's a lot of salmon fishing. So much, in fact, that I feel sorry for the salmon. I read that the salmon stop eating once they begin their journey. DH isn't a salmon fan, but he does like halibut. On the 7th we're going out on a fishing charter boat. I'm hoping we each catch a couple of smaller halibut, "chickens," so we can fill up our small freezer in the camper.
Our rv park is on the water and we have a beautiful view of sea and mountains in the background.
Hope everyone is having a good summer.
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Tinkerbell, what a week! My heart goes out to you!
Carole, nice to hear from you. I suddenly want fish for dinner!
Hope everyone has a nice 4th!
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fortunate1
Hi ladies,
I do believe this one-step process is becoming more common. I live in Vancouver, BC and when I had my first surgery, rt mastectomy in Feb. of 2010, this one step proceedure was not available and I opted for a tissue expander. Now, at my second surgery, June 22, 2011, during my prophylactic left breast mastectomy I was told I could have it completed in one step. Of course I am still healing, but I feel great, and am pleased that I won't be needing yet another surgery for a TE exchange.
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Bravo, Natrellex2. I'm glad to hear from still another "one-step" reconstructioneer. Heal well!
Carole at the top of the world. Thanks for saying hi. Tink, I'm so sorry. I wish you good luck and will be thinking of you.
I fired the kiln today, read the paper, made strawberry jam, and lazed around. A good summer day. Tomorrow I'll see if the firing was good or blah. Fingers crossed for really really good, and then fireworks. I adore fireworks..
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Hope everyone had a great 4th!
momof3brca - TinaT is correct - you have some very courageous daughters! I didn't have any black tissue - just purple with some pretty bad blisters. Showering does seem to cause it to peel more for some reason, however at week 7 (yesterday), it seems like the peeling is done for me....knock on wood! Please keep us posted on how your daughter is doing. Hopefully you are keeping cool, temperature-wise, assuming St Louis is as hot as it is here in KC today!
fortunate1 - Thanks for the nice comments. Sounds like an awesome day yesterday (or..it actually looks like you were talking about the 3rd in your latest post).
Tinkerbell - Hoping your appointment went well this morning, and that you have a better week this week!
Carole - Sounds like a gorgeous trip - enjoy!
Natrellex2 - That is awesome that you are doing so great after your surgery. Best wishes for a quick recovery!
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Hi everyone, nobody home right now? Well, I wish you all a cool spot to relax with an iced drink in hand.
Almost ready for the sale - fingers crossed. Even if no one braves the heat to buy something beautifully unnecessary, I'm going to have a great time with my pals.
The fireworks were fabulous! It was so hot we almost didn't go - so glad we did.
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Hi Ladies-- Good news......the PS thinks my daughter's skin will make it!!! So relieved... There is one little spot next to the incision that she may remove next week if it hasnt improved but she said its an easy fix she will do right in the office. She also removed 8 cc of fluid from one breast...hopefully it doesn't come back, but I understand theres a small chance it could.
And thank you for the kind words about my daughters! Yes, they are brave and courageous......and I would say each one of you fit that description as well!!!! I love them so much and watching them go through this is sheer agony.....it doesn't matter their age...they are still my babies and a mom just wants to fix whatever is wrong....and I can't do anything but watch...I can't fix anything.....
Tomorrow my youngest has an appt with a BS.....will probably be getting her PBM scheduled soon.
BeachDee....its still hot and the storms keep rolling through....lol
I can't express how much it has meant to be able to get feedback from each one of you.....thanks again.....I'll be checking in.
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