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RECONSTRUCTION

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A Little History-A three time cancer survivor, I'm living life with a little ache here and there but loving life.

As a breast cancer survivor and now someone that has undergone breast reconstruction, I would like to take this opportunity to express and educate those that are considering this undertaking. I had no one to talk to and had to research breast information sites myself to understand why I was having muscle spams in my breast. Because I am honoring the wishes of my companion of 18 years you will not see any photos of my before and after pictures. I will try to give you as much detail information as I possibly can and reference sites to go to for a clearer understanding.  September 9, 2006, was one month from my second mastectomy.  It has been a painful journey of healing and soul searching to why I wanted to have reconstruction. I recall saying, to one of my doctors that I didn't need reconstruction because I was sure of whom I was and that I didn't need breasts to make me a woman.  Well, I guess that image in the mirror told me.  I know that reconstruction is not for everyone and again I thought that I was one of these women...wrong I needed to feel whole.  So I'm human and I guess this is why I really believe the higher believer in me needed to be shown.  I still feel life is good and my relationship with Paul (my honey of 18 years) is stronger than ever but my breasts have a strong hold on me and at 58, I still want cleavage. I did not realize that the shell of the breast had to heal before the reconstruction procedure could start.  The pain is unbelievable.  The pain is from the shrinking of the breast.  (Thank goodness for pain medication-If you are having radiation it is suggested that you wait until the treatment is over).  Information I reviewed from one web site stated: www.plasticsurgery.org/public_education/procedures/BreastReconstruction -Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today... This gives me some hope that this is worth the pain.  

From www.plasticsurgery.org  If you're considering breast reconstruction....Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today. New medical tecniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. Frequently, reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (mastectomy), so the patient wakes up with a breast mound already in place, having been spared the experience of seeing herself with no breast at all.

 www.upstateplasticsurgery.com Breast reconstruction is performed using either a synthetic implant, natural tissue borrowed from another part of the body, or a combination of both.  Implant reconstruction is done in two phases: an initial operation when the tissue expander is placed under the chest wall muscle immediately after the mastectomy, and a second operation when the tissue expander removed and a permanent implant is placed.  The tissue expander is an unfilled implant with a valve, which allows it to be slowly inflated in the office after surgery.  The permanent implant is a saline filled prosthesis that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.  The implant used is chosen to best match the opposite breast.  The advantages of this appraoch include a more rapid recovdery and there are no additional scars off the breast. 

Breast reconstruction using your own tissue involves moving skin and fat from another area to replace the breast tissue.  The lower stomach is the most common area to borrow tissue from, but the back can be used as well.  These procedures require the sacrifice of a muscle to maintain the blood supply to the tissue and therefor recovery is more prolonged and the scars are more extensive.  The aesthetic results of these reconstructions can be quite remarkable.  The reconstructed breast is extremely soft and ptosis (sag) can be achieved to better match the opposite breast.

Following either type of reconstruction, a new nipple can be created.  Breast reconstruction and procedures done on the opposite breast to improve symmetry (reduction, lift, or augmentation) are covered by your health insurance. Our surgeons specialize in the TRAM Flap procedure and believe it gives the most natural appearing reconstruction as well as producing few complications.

Drs. Keller, Lovett and Blakemore would like to suggest massage therapy following your breast surgery.  MAassage therapy will aid in reducing swelling, pain and baruising postoperatively.  It can also alleviate the muscle spasms some patients experience.  This will help reduce the amount of muscle relaxants and pain, medication you require..........A postoperative massage is suggested 7-10 days following your surgery.