just wondering if there is anybody out there who has had to make this decision, and if so , were you happy with it??? Oh and the reconstruction will be expanders.
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with ExpertsSponsored Offer
- Resources
Q: surgeons recommending prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, no malignancy at this time
Answers (2)
7/29/09 5:53am
Hi Melanee - This is a tough decision a significant number of women have to make. Please read our post on Jessica Queller, who's written a book about this, "Pretty is What Changes" - you might want to buy her book. Also, please read our interview with Queller. In the meantime, can anyone out there speak to Melanee's question? PJH
7/30/09 12:39pm
Melanee,
Unfortunately not all excess fat and body tissue is acceptable to use in a flap procedure, beleive me, I wish it was! I mean seriously, who wouldn't want a free tummy tuck, right? But since we're talking about moving tissue, and blood flow you have to keep in mind that there would be a risk of failure. Now I know there are plenty of women out there who have had a flap procedure, and it went fine, but that is because the doctor knew that the donor site tissue was just right. You don't want to have a procedure done and then have the tissue die and have to do it all over again. Plus it is a very complex surgery that takes many hours in the OR. Reconstruction with expanders is not that bad. The pain associated with the fills is very minimal, and an implant can and does make a nice soft breast. If you are really wanting to do a flap procedure, first find out if your insurance will cover it. Then ask your doctor what you would need to do to qualify. Perhaps losing 20 lbs would help, and it may be worth it to you if that's what you really want. Gather the info on both procedures and then weigh your options.
Good luck!
Angi
8/13/09 1:36pm
hi mealanie. im nanette i met u about a year ago. how are you??????????????????? God Bless
1/14/10 8:59pm
Hi, nanette - are you sure I'm the same Melanee? Your name isn't familiar - where do you live (east coast, west coast, etc.)??
1/14/10 9:02pm
Hi, Angi,
Thanks for the reply and sorry mine is so late! Needless to say, I had my mastectomy 9/24 and had the expander exchange 12/29 - I am so unhappy and I have SOOOO much I would like to ask you - can I contact you NOT publicly, by chance?
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By Melanee— Last Modified: 12/14/10, First Published: 07/29/09
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for your quick reply - and for your help - now I am having issues with this expander business (reconstruction) - I wasn't given any other options and believe me, there is plenty of excess fat on my body that could be used! Anybody else run into this?