One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Oh, and FarmerLucyDaisy - I don't have my strength back, yet - almost 3 mos. out and I'm very slowly going back to lifting, but I am having issues w/swelling, so have to back off. It's different for everyone, though - maybe it'll be quicker for you. I will caution you and Stac that more than a few women I know have said it'll be a full year 'til I'm clicking on all cylinders again - I was SUPER active, though, so to get back to that may take longer. But your body is going to go thru the wringer, and you need to take good care of yourself. As my PT cautioned me, "you only get one chance to have a good post-op recovery" - if you screw it up, you might 1) set yourself back even further and/or 2) mess up your reconstruction. So, much as I'm upset that I'm getting softer around the edges, I'm keeping my workouts moderate and listening to my body. Frustrating, but eyes on the prize!
Sarah
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Sarah and Caryn,
Thank you so much for your input and detail. That helps me to be prepared. I just blocked another 2 weeks (total of 5) based on the info you shared. My job is not physically strenuous at all, but can be emotionally strenuous. It is hard to be emotionally all there if you are not physically there, so I think that is the wise thing to do for now. Wowee what a ride you've been on. Blessings to all of you as you courageously move forward! You inspire me!
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Stac you have a great attitude going in to this. It took me a long time to heal as well. I had my surgery on May 27th, and was getting to where I was feeling a little more like myself but I have not been the same. Hopefully after this surgery I just had I will get back into the swing of things, I miss not being myself. I was very active before my DX too. I would go to the weight room and feel how much my strength has been lost and get a little down so I wouldnt go as often as I did before. I am looking forward to the new year with new boobs and smaller thighs, thanks to the fat transfers, a new attitude and try to feel more like myself again.
I think because everything went so fast with me I didnt have time to let everything sink in and didnt feel like I had cancer till the last few months or so. From the time I had my mammo from the time I had my masectomy was only two weeks.
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OKGals. I am more confused than ever. I had decided on the NSM with a one step and met with a PS today who has the "one step" as an advertised option on his website. Yet during our visit he explained that he could not get as good as results with it (usually ripples on top) and that 100% of the time it requires more work. He strongly recommended TEs and said I didn't have enough fat for DIEP - which surprised the heck out of me. He may have just come short of saying he'd only do TEs for me. I've got to decide whether to press this or not as he is the only one known for doing this in my area that I am aware of. My impression of him is he likes things perfect and the results may be less than perfect, but I am OK with some imperfection. I have an email comprised to send him asking him to reconsider, but before I send it I want to hear from you. How pleased are you? Problems? Revisions? He made it sound like the only guy who was getting reportedly consistant results was a Dr. in NY. I'm wondering about going ahead with the TEs. My only real objection to them was I heard many have had significant pain for about 3 months while the extenders are in and I've also heard of a number of infections. Oh and I have a $4500 deductible that I'd have to pay again next year if I go with TEs, but I guess that is the least of my worries. Any thoughts from you "one-steppers?" And if any TE people read this please way in. Also I'm wondering if the TEs is more likely to save the nipple or not (both are done as NSM, but is one more likely to save the nipple? If you have a thought on any aspect, please way in. Thanks.
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Hi Stac,
I had one step ( silicone) and look almost exactly as I did before surgery. I have barely noticeable, minor ripples when I raise my arms WAY above my head. Since I don't do this in the nude often, it doesn't bother me. I am really pleased with the results. As for ns, I think it has more to do with not having cancer close to the nipple and the skill of your surgeon. As a matter of fact, both ns and one step owe a great deal to how experienced the surgeon is with those procedures. it sounds like the ps you've spoken to is not. Why would he offer a procedure and then talk you out of it by saying the result is not good? Sounds like DIEP is not his thing either. You might have to expand your geographical search to fins a skilled ps. If you mention where you live there may be someone here who has a recommendation. Good luck! Caryn0 -
I just got reconstruction surgery at the time of my Masectomy. Yes there was rippling and I had no nipple but 6 months later I had the fat transfers from a different plastic surgeon that trained under Dr. Khouri, and she placed fat from my thighs all around the implants and reconstructed my nipple at the same time. She did an awesome job and they look very nice and feel almost real. I just had it 12-6 so I am still really bruised and sore but I think I will really be happy with the results. This surgery was a lot less invasive than my masectomy surgery.
Also I will be getting my tattoo in about 8 weeks or so and I really think that will complete the revision. I had a 5000 $ deductable so she made sure she got my revision done within the year.
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Stac - really? 100% of the time? maybe if he's doing it, but although I've heard of women needing minor revisions, I certainly have not heard that 100% need more work. I think this guy just isn't comfortable w/this procedure, and if you can, you should get another opinion from someone who is - don't know where you're located, but b/c this is a relatively new procedure, you may have to end up traveling.
I have no ripples, and despite the fact that I have very little fat at all on my upper body, you can't even see the tops of the implants - again, only 3 mos. out, but for now, I look pretty much exactly as I did before surgery - and this is with saline implants, which more PSs say give an inferior cosmetic result.
I have had one revision - within a few weeks of my surgery- because there was a tiny spot along the scar on my left breast that wasn't healing properly (I had rads to this breast, so everything took longer on that side). It was a 15-minute, in-office procedure where my PS cut out that little bit and sewed me back up. Didn't feel a thing.
She and I have discussed doing some "housekeeping" after I see her in May and when (presumably) all my swelling has subsided - post-op I now have little pockets of underarm fat b/c the implants are firmer and push up the skin there - she can lipo those out so look like myself again there. She also will try to tack up my right breast a little so that my nipple faces in more of the same direction as my left - this is an issue specific to me b/c I had prior surgeries on the left. Lastly, she said that if by then things have settled and you CAN see the tops of the implants, she can do a little fat transfer to fill things in.
But I'm also like you - I don't need to have perfect breasts - didn't have them prior to surgery either. So that is definitely something you should discuss w/whomever you end up with - not to let them off the hook in doing a good job, but to have a mutual understanding of your expectations.
Good luck - keep us posted!
Sarah
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Stac,
I agree with Sarah. 100% just says to me that this ps is not comfortable with one step. I saw a new oncologist yesterday and when she examined me she commented on my reconstruction, saying it was the best she had ever seen. Like Sarah, I look just like I did before surgery. Not bigger, not smaller but perhaps a bit perkier although my original girls were quite youthful for a 55 year old woman. The tops of the implants are not visible at all. I think the skill and experience of my ps and the fact that I stayed the same size, generous B, yielded very good results.
Caryn0 -
Sarah, Jen, and Caryn,
I have so appreciated your input along the way and yes I am getting another opinion. I don't think he and I were a good match for many reasons. I think if I were to do implants I would continue pursuing the one step. Most recently I have been exploring flap reconstruction. Even though I may not have enough in my abdomen, I've got boocoos to offer in my buttock and thigh area. So I have sent emails to the centers who are the experts of SGAP and IGAP flaps. Thanks for being on the ride with me. Not only having the information, but the emotional support has been huge! Blessings to each one of you. You all are awesome! And I definitely in you have been supported by some courageous women willing to share of themselves to help another on the journey. Thank you!
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Stac - don't mention it, my pleasure. I think the free flaps are awesome if you have the stamina for the surgery and recovery - I could TOTALLY have done one w/butt & thigh too, despite not enough abdominal. I was just so leery of the length of surgery and recovery time, and I might've wanted to travel for it, to boot. With an 8-year-old and a husband who's on the road all the time, it just didn't seem feasible, but as I said, it's a great procedure and I know women who're really happy w/their results.
Anything else you need, just ask!
Sarah
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Hi everyone, old and new,
I just got back from a long delayed mini trip. We had so much fun, and are only now starting to get ready for Christmas - and Hannukah! I wish you all a very sweet and beautiful holiday! And also, if I can't check in soon, a beautiful, reconstructed, cancer free year to come! You are all marvelous -- Hugs all around.
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Merry Christmas to all of us! And a healthy 2012!
I spent the morning cooking dishes for Christmas dinner tomorrow at my younger sister's house. There will be 17 of us, 4 children and 13 adults. My mother will be the oldest at almost 89. Her birthday is the 27th. Little Olivia will be the youngest at 2 yrs.
I hope all of you have a happy Christmas day, whatever you're doing and wherever you are.
Let's keep in touch.
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Hi Carole, and everyone else,
We spent Christmas eve and Christmas with my Dad. We bring in food to cook something different for him. Lamb chops, roasted vegetable casserole, salad and rhubarb pie made Dad happy, plus a visit from my son and daughter in law (baby due in a few weeks, yay). Overall, we find staying with Dad rewarding but exhausting. He's wonderful, but an overheated stuffy house with no activity at all doesn't relax. Instead, we struggle to stay awake until his 10:00 bedtime. Odd, but definitely the pattern. We'll go back for New Years Eve dinner with chicken braised with olives, mushrooms and chicken livers, definitely not his regular fare. All in all, a very very quiet holiday! Cooking reigns supreme.
And yes, don't want to lose touch, my friends.
Carole, in February we'll be closer, but not close enough or long enough. We're flying to Little Rock to hear a friend conduct the symphony and see the new art museum in Bentonville.
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Fortunate, I read about the new art museum in Bentonville. The name has Bridges in it? Crystal bridges? I saw pictures of it, and it's said to be a fabulous art museum. You'll have to give us a report.
I would be interested in the braised chicken recipe.
Today was my mother's 89th birthday. I visited her this afternoon and took her a present. She usually gets her birthday presents on Christmas day along with Christmas gifts. So her actual birthday is a non-event.
Christmas day was a little flat for me this year. It was probably something to do with me. My youngest brother who lives in Atlanta wasn't present, nor his wife, who was working. He always adds a spark to the family gathering. Also my niece came with her 3 kids, her boyfriend, 3 of his 5 kids, and.... his ex-wife! We had enough food but the extra people threw off our seating numbers. It was just an odd situation.
My mother is the main reason we still get together as a family at Christmas.
Fortunate, how exciting that you will soon have a grandbaby.
Hope everyone is doing well.
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! Haven't been on for awhile with caring for
my mother who had a bad month, getting ready for the holidays and work.My niece had a baby boy in November and I was there for the
delivery as I was chosen as a coach (my niece's idea not mine) but it was a
great experience.My daughter is working full time (yeah!) and directing a
musical opening next week.We are going on a cruise in January and meeting up with Carole
and her DH for another visit when we get back-can't wait!Wishing everyone the best this year and I agree-let's keep
in touch!0 -
Beautiful picture, upcreek. Great to hear from you. DH and I are looking forward to seeing you in New Orleans. You will be boarding your plane home just as Mardi Gras parades begin. The first ones are on that Sat.
I hope you get lots of snow in the meanwhile so that you can enjoy your winter sports.
Okiegal, I wish you would check in and let us know what is happening with you. If anyone has her e-mail address, would you please PM to me?
Beautiful weather here on New Year's Day. Hope everyone is enjoying the 1st day of 2012.
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Oh darn, we are just missing Mardi Gras. Will have to come back!
That pic is from the deck of the cottage (in the summer)! Went out there yesterday to shovel the driveway and go for a walk. Lots of snow now.
I sent you a pm re okiegal.
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Stac,
I just wanted to share my experience.
I went through a completely prophylactic nipple sparing BMX with one step alloderm implant reconstruction. I was a full C cup before and after surgery I was barely a B. I had complications two weeks later with necrosis and nipple/tissue loss, had second surgery 2 weeks later to take out implants and put in expanders.
I found relief because now that I have felt both, I can say that waking up with 445cc of implants from original surgery was much more painful for me and I assume it was because your muscle has to be stretched so much right away. I was also told that your surgery and implant size that will fit into the muscle is hard to predict right away since the surgeon will be able to assess it once he gets in there during the surgery since everyone's anatomy is different. That was the biggest he could put under mine.
Having expanders now feels better and I had my first fill and it was not painful. I too was very active before and still am since I have twin toddlers at home to take care of and now 3 weeks post last surgery I am mostly taking care of them. I am also a fan of expanded now because I feel like it gives me an opportunity to choose and direct the expansion process and see where I want to end up as to size.
My sister on the other hand had a the exactly same surgery with exactly same team of doctors just a year earlier and she could not have been happier with her results.
I think everyone is different and every surgery could be different to two people but my biggest advise to you is to be prepared for good and bad outcomes and weigh in your options. Also, listen to your gut! PM me if you have any other questions!0 -
ThisTooShallPass, I love the name! It indicates a great attitude which should serve you well.
I absolutely agree that one size does not fit all when it comes to bc surgery and reconstruction. For those women who want large breasts, the expanders are definitely the best choice. Very wise advice that everyone should be prepared for good and bad outcomes.
It sounds like you're doing great to be taking care of two toddlers three weeks after surgery. I certainly would not have been up to that challenge. But then you're only 27!
Thanks for sharing. I wish you excellent health.
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A message to the oldies. I had a PM from Okiegal and also one from Meg. I'm happy to report they're both healthy and are busy with their lives.
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I cant seem to find anyone in chicago that does the one step procedure?? Do you have to have specifics to qualify for that procedure???? I dont want TEs!
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Katiep. I live about 2 1/2 hours south of Chicago and had a friend that had the one step done with a Dr who is in one of the suburbs up there..the name of her breast surgeon was Dr. Winchester( young Winchester..I guess his father also is a surgeon in the office) and he works with Dr. Fenner plastic surgeon that do this procedure as a team. My friend was thrilled with her results and loved both of them. hope this helps!
Jennifer0 -
Thanks jenni! Im going to set up an apt with him its actually veryclose tome! Can i ask how old your friend is? Do you think shed be willing to email me pictures?
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I am finished chemo, now I have to decide on reconstruction. I am able to have immediate reconstruction if I remain the same size with an implant? I wonder if alloderm is used in this case. I have an appointment with ps tomorrow to discuss this. My first ps had planned on taking my lat muscle and using it for supporting the implant on the effected breast after radiation. I have decided not to go that route. I wonder if I can have immediate reconstruction on the left breast and then radiation on right with an additional surgery for implant on my right with alloderm. I would also prefer not having tissue expanders. can this be done?
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Katiep- My friend was in her mid- 30's when she had procedure done. She tested positive for the braca gene and chose to have both removed and he did nipple sparing on her as well. I will ask her about pictures...she said her only regret was that she was not able to go as big as she wanted, but that was her only complaint. If she sends me photos I will pm you.
Good luck!
Jennifer0 -
Hi everyone,
I've been peeking now and then and not seeing any activity here. Miss you all. But, the best way for me to keep in touch is to keep in touch myself!
So, in my world.... Went to Portland on a wonderful little trip. It's such a cool city and I highly recommend it. Why you could spend the whole time in Powells Books alone.
Got sick as a dog for a while with a cold that settled in my chest and wouldn't leave. That happens with most colds now. My PCP says my immune sytem is supressed with some of the medications I take so I guess it my be my personal bug-a-boo from here on.
School has started, with a very nice group of students. Aaaand, I am now a grandma. Two weeks ago. He's a big fellow. Actually, with two very tall parents it's going to be interesting to see just how big a man he'll grow into.
Lastly, Ill get that bight red silk dress out again this Saturday for the opening performance of the Opera. Yay! Salome in a red dress - who needs ball gowns and mink?
How are you all? Still here? Big big hugs to you all.
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Hi, everybody. What a weird January we're having. Lots of days with temp. up in the 70's.
My dh was in the hospital on Mon. for an angiogram. He had a stent placed in a cardiac artery. This was his 3rd stent. He had two placed in 2005. The good news is that he is taking his diet very seriously now and is even watching the sodium. I'm hoping he can drop some weight.
I'm struggling to lose some lbs. and not having a lot of success.
Upcreek and her dh will be in New Orleans this week. I'm looking forward to seeing them both and spending a day together in the city.
I feel good and am staying much too busy playing golf and bridge, helping my mother and trying to keep up my household chores. I downloaded Turbo Tax but haven't gotten started with taxes.
Fortunate, how is your teaching going?
Hope everyone is doing great.
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Everyone must be doing well! Had a great day with Carole and her DH in New Orleans the end of January and I got to hold an alligator! My DH said it felt like a purse.
We celebrated St. Patricks Day yesterday by having a family dinner. The food was wonderful--crown roast of pork with an apple cider sauce, colcannon (potatoes and cabbage), mushroom and scallop casserole, asparagus and soda bread. Lots of fun!
Take care!
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Yum, yum! Upcreek, that St. Patrick's Day meal sounds scrumptious.
I took my mother to church today, and the minister told the story of St. Patrick, who was not from Ireland, but from Scotland. After his religious conversion, he went to Ireland as a missionary.
How is everyone doing? I'm feeling good but still struggling with losing weight. Also, the arimidex keeps me in a mild state of menopause, where occasionally my body heater turns up to High.
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hi all
diagnosed with lcis and in process of consulting for a pbmx.
would love to do the one step with alloderm.
i am a d cup and do not want to go bigger and would not mind going down in size a bit.
anyone know if the one step could be done with a d cup?
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