Nipple reconstruction
Hi guys!
I was 26 when I was diagnosed with bc. Treatment including chemo and radiation followed. Managed fine, was very strong mentally through it. I was advised to get genetic testing done as we have a long familly history. Dianosed with brac1 and decided on bilateral mast with immidiate reconstruction(using lit dors musel). Unfor I'm not very happy with results as the scarring is awful front and back. Breasts look completely diff as the shape of scars dont match(behind cloths they look symetrical).Just got date for nipple reconstruction and I'm very nervous for some reason!! Anyone out there that has gone through this? Do the nippels make the breasts look better and more normal?
Thanks greta
Comments
Hi Greta,
Sorry to hear you are BRCA1+ and not too happy with your recon result. In addition to the sites that Mags has recommended, I would also recommend you have a look at the following two which are specific to high risk or BrCa positive people. I am BrCa2+ and have found them both good for support and info. I have made contact with a few BrCa women in Ireland and would love to set up some sort support group for us to chat and help each other out.
www.facingourrisk.org/messageboard
Regarding your nipple recon, I would not be TOO worried. Now, I should state that I haven't had it yet but my surgeon says it is a minor procedure - I think they just pull up a little bit of skin and put a stitch or two in it to give it a nipple shape and keep it in place. It is not a long operation and I think can be done as a day case. And later, when it is healed, you get it tattooed so it becomes more nipple like. I believe the results are usually pretty good. In fact, several women I have 'spoken' to online say that the cosmetic result of having a nipple recon is better than nipple saving ops (if having a mastectomy).
How long ago did you have your LD flap procedure? The scars do change a lot with time. Many women recommend massaging in Bio Oil or something similar to help with the healing and fading of scars. However, if you are not happy, have you told your surgeon this? Have you asked if they could do some revision to give you more symmetry? If they CAN do something for you, it would be better to have this done BEFORE any nipple recon (as it could change the positioning of the nipples).
Hugs,
Flo.
Hi Flo,
Thanks for the reply! Just cancelled the op as I'm not totally happy with the boobs at mo!!! I've been referred to a doc in Dub next week to see if he can help me further, my plastic surgeon in Cork said that he could do no more for me. Even when I told him that I have significant pain in my left boob. Which to be honest I think is awful, he was too busy really and didnt listen to my worries. I'm not being unrealistic in my hopes(I think) for them to look a little better (also I'm very happy to be alive!) So fingers xd for next week. I'll keep you posted!
hugs back at ya xx
Hi Greta,
I was 27 when I was diagnosed and had mastectomy and LD reconstruction and the works as regards to the treatments. There was no family history, so I never had the genetic testing.
I had problems with the reconstruction (but don't regret getting it done) and I only this year had to get the implant changed as it had become encapsulated (from the radiotherapy??). I never got a nipple done. I think, like you, I was nervous about it. I have a lot of scaring on the breast from skin necrosis, but I'm not sure that I want to go through another surgery. I would be interested too in what people have to say about this.
As this forum can be quiet, you could always look on the US site www.breastcancer.org. The forums are a minefield of information, with woman ranting on all things BC!! Also, there is www.youngsurvival.org which is a site dedicated to younger woman with BC - I don't go into this site as much, but it's worth a look.
Best of luck with it!
Mags