Friday, August 5, 2011

Reconstruction

Talking about your breasts is a pretty personal thing, talking about reconstructing your breast after a mastectomy is even more personal.  Not something I would ordinarily talk so openly about, but it has really helped me to approach this experience very methodically and openly.  I warn you in advance that this post is blunt and to the point.

The time has come for me to have my final reconstruction.  My entire life, I have never once considered having plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation, however when given the choice between plastic surgery or no breast....I choose plastic surgery.  Perhaps I am more vain than I thought I was.  Really I think I just want to be able to wear the clothes I like, look good, and not worry about symmetry.

One of the hardest decisions of my life was back in March when I chose to have a mastectomy.  Since then, I have spent a tremendous amount of time learning about reconstruction methods.

The easiest method of reconstruction is to use an implant.  This surgery is relatively quick and usually results in a nice perky breast.  The problem is, real breasts aren't as perky as round implants.  So then the decision needs to be made if you want to have an implant placed in your other breast to help with symmetry.  This adds another surgical site, and since you are adding an implant makes your breasts larger than they originally were (although you can choose how much larger).  The end result is two perky breasts that hopefully have good symmetry.  Although this is the simplest reconstruction method, there are some downsides.  Implants don't last forever, even in straight forward augmentation (boob jobs).  Additionally, reconstruction with implants often is not successful for women who undergo radiation.

Another method of reconstruction is a flap procedure.  Surgeons take fat, muscle, and a blood supply, usually from your abdomen or trapezius, and somehow reposition it to your breast.  Obviously this is a lot more invasive than implants.   Not only is recovery time longer, but since muscle is sacrificed there is a good possibility of reduced strength or muscle imbalances.  Surgeons, however, seem to like this technique  because the blood vessel is pulled from the original location to the breast and no reattachment is necessary.  For me, this was never an option.  I'm simply not willing to sacrifice muscle for reconstruction.

The final method involves fat, skin, and associated blood vessels being taken from the abdomen, butt, or inner thigh and transplanted (actually removed and then reattached) to the chest wall.  The surgeries are called DIEP, S-GAP, or TUG depending on where the tissue comes from.  No muscle or motor nerves are sacrificed with this procedure and a gifted microsurgeon can produce amazing results.  I've heard some women say that their new breast perfectly matches the other side.  The downside of this surgery is that it is an incredibly tedious surgery; often patients are under general anesthesia for up to 10 hours, thus increasing the risk of surgical complications.  After surgery, if all goes well, there are strict precautions for up to 6 weeks.  This procedure also requires a sufficient amount of adipose tissue in either the abdomen, butt, or inner thigh so often is not a viable option for extremely thin women.

To help me make my decision, I have met with three different plastic surgeons as well as consulted via telephone with a microsurgical specialist in New Orleans.  Since I had taken flap procedure off the table, I had two options: implants or S-GAP.  I am a perfect candidate for implants because I am young, healthy, and did not get radiation.  I was told that I was also a candidate for a S-GAP.  Apparently I have enough butt fat to build a small breast.

Based on this information, I have decided to have implant based reconstruction.  I chose this procedure because of the reduced surgical and recovery time.  I have also chosen to have my 'other' breast augmented slightly to help with symmetry.  So the end result should be slightly larger and more perky than I was before.  Although I wasn't really looking to increase my breast size, I do want to have good symmetry, and S-GAP aside, this is my best chance for that.  If for some reason this is not successful, I can always pursue the S-GAP in the future and the 'other' implant can be removed.  There are also new reconstructive techniques emerging all of the time.  Maybe, down the road, there will be a procedure that uses your own tissue without the surgical risks and extended recovery time.  In fact, one of the plastic surgeons mentioned one such new technique.

I did not take this decision lightly, in fact, it probably took me a few months to come to a final decision.   Seriously, my plastic surgeon just found out my final decision this week.

I would advise anyone who has to make this decision to meet with multiple plastic surgeons.  I found that different surgeons feel more comfortable with different techniques.  If one surgeon is not trained in a specific technique, he/she may not mention it as an option.

This week when I met with my plastic surgeon I told him my final wishes.  I said words that I never thought would come out of my mouth such as 'I don't want my breasts all jacked up, try to make them droop more like natural breasts'.  Apparently this is possible.  and 'I want the very smallest implant possible'.  Throughout this process he has been very respectful of my desires and I feel that he truly understands my wishes.  We'll see.......Surgery is August 15th.


12 comments:

  1. I like how you discuss all of the procedures. Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Bravo. Good luck on your surgery!

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  2. Mandi, It is very personal and the only right choice is what is right for you (or me). I have made lists of my perceived pros & cons of each procedure; it was way to much information for my post, but it helped me come to my decision. I'm kind of continuing down the burn no bridges approach as other options are still open if needed. Good luck to you as well!!!!!!!

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  3. Jen, I admire you for your courage, not only through this ordeal, but in being so open talking about such personal topics. I've been pulling for you to make a full recovery and get back to kicking ass on the bike next season.

    Thanks for the well wishes from you and Shannon on my brother's behalf. I've now got two teammates facing tough recoveries, but we will find plenty of inspiration from your story.

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  4. Congratulations on coming to a difficult decision. I hope all goes well for you under the knife and that you come out looking just as fabulous as before your mastectomy.

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  5. Hoping everything goes smoothly today.... Good luck!

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  6. You made a good decision, dear! Well, I agree with you, one must always seek for a second opinion whenever deciding for health issues. After all, doctors do have different specialties.
    I do hope for your continuous recovery, Jen. I'm sure many would be inspired by your story.

    Bettie Comerford

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  7. How's the operation? Going through breast reconstruction is a bit of a challenge, like biking up a mountain. But the end result is that you've got more confidence in your looks, and your outlook in life can become brighter. I admire for your courage in fighting breast cancer by keeping fit.



    Dennis Rode

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  8. I admire you for being abrave woman, Jen! You see, my ex-girlfriend was a Breast Cancer survivor too. But unlike her, she gave up hope that's why we had to go our separate ways. I have deep respect for women who can decide what they want in life and pedal to the metal their way to it!



    Jack Sebastian

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  9. Very good blog post I love your site keep up the great posts.

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  10. Jen, I honestly don't think choosing surgery makes you vain. You sound like a very humble person, and I'm sorry for the ordeal you went through. My aunt is fighting cancer tooth and nail, and winning. We're hoping to schedule her reconstruction soon. http://www.lookingyourbest.com/procedures/BreastReconstruction

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  11. This post is very interested and helpful for Woman. You discuss all the major points about beauty of woman's breast. Using all the things you can increase your breast's beauty.also visit my blog...
    Reasons Before Undergoing Breast Reconstruction

    ReplyDelete