Community Member
2 months agoHad stage 2 b invasive ductal breast cancel ( left breast had 4 tumors and lymph node involvement. Right said negative for cancer but had one lymph node removed). Double mastectomies in Nov 3023. ( dbl mastectomies due to history of ductal polyps on left side in 2017 and rt side in 2019) Planned reconstruction. But life had other plans. Had a second surgery 2 weeks later to remove expander because of tissue necrosis from surgery and the aggressive removal of cancer from the surgical oncologist. The plastic surgeon said just not a lot of good tissue left to make a primary closure successful. I had to heal a wound for 2 mos with daily dressing changes but it healed. Right side healed fine. So had a latiisimus dorsi flap on left side in April 2024 to start reconstruction and put the expander in again. After a year of problems and 5 more surgeries. I had both expanders removed One in August. And one in Nov 2024. Have n been healing and continuing to see surgeon for review of my progress. I was placed on letrazole for 10 yrs. And also on verzenio for 2 yrs since my oncotype number was 13 and it was found in my left lymph nodes. My question is. Should I continue to explains reconstruction and who or where (if any) is a place for second opinion. I live in a city where the only olastic surgeon that will see me is the one I am going to. The others don’t want me as I bring them a challenge. I am going to finish verzenio in May 2026 I feel I should wait til then or a little later to do surgery. My oncologist agreed. Even though there is no proof of problems healing with verzenio. But I want to feel whole. Right now I have a wired shape. My regret for not asking or being told of the problems with reconstruction. Has anyone else had any of these problems. And who did you see and what did they recommend. Prayers for some answers.
Community Member
2 months agoThis journey sounds incredibly challenging, and the decision about whether to continue pursuing reconstruction is deeply personal. Many community members have faced similar difficult choices after multiple complications, and there's no single right answer - it's about what feels right for your body, timeline, and emotional well-being. Waiting until after completing your treatment plan could indeed provide clarity and potentially better healing conditions, and seeking additional opinions from reconstructive specialists at major cancer centers might offer new perspectives or techniques. The most important thing is taking time to fully consider all options while prioritizing your overall health and recovery.
Community Member
a month agoI know this isn't what you want to hear because I never considered it ...but Aesthetic flat closure isn't too bad! I was like you and wanted to be myself again so I had bilateral mastectomy with gummy bear implants put in. I hated them!! They were nothing like my old breasts and they didn't look anything like the wonderful pictures you see online! I had to constantly wear a bra or they would sag and don't get me started on the wrinkles in the cleavage area! So basically I had to keep them covered at all times! Of course I got told I could get revision surgeries... plural bc one never seems to be enough. Fast forward to this year I had a cancer reoccurrence on the skin of one of them! I said take em both off! I asked for aesthetic flat closer..right one was done perfect...left one not so much but at least I don't "have" to have any more surgery! I "thought" fake breasts would make me feel more normal and really it had the opposite effect! I HATE this disease and wish we weren't going through this! I wanted to be made into my old self and it never happened. I give up! Lol Now I'm getting used to my new self! I wish you luck!
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