Breast Reconstruction with Implants

Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the procedure,
the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some sites
on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in going
ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat with
people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont know
where to go.
Regards,
Mary E.

"Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the procedure,
> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some sites
> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in going
> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat with
> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont
> know where to go.
> Regards,
> Mary E.
Try posting a query on http://bca.ns.ca/forum/. There is also a chat room
at http://bca.ns.ca/chat/, but it is not used too much.

"Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the procedure,
> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some sites
> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in going
> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat with
> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont
know
> where to go.
-----------------------
I don't know about a site or a chat, but....I had reconstruction with an
implant a year ago, and I'm *quite* happy not to have to be bothered with
the stupid prosthesis. Now, bear in mind that it doesn't really look like
my other breast, and it certainly doesn't *feel* like a real breast, but my
primary purpose in doing this was not to have to be bothered with a
prosthesis that can slip or fall out and embarrass me (my job is
*physical*!) and the implant has met that need very well.

Eva

Mary E. wrote:
> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the procedure,
> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some sites
> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in going
> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat with
> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont know
> where to go.
> Regards,
> Mary E.
>
>
Have you looked at

http://susanlovemd.org/breastcancer/...3&L3=2&SID=167

Many people swear by Dr Susan Love's "Breast Book" too.


Tim Jackson.

Hi Eva
Thanks for feedback. I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with
implants. I am wondering whether you find the implant 'uncomfortable' lying
in bed ie. on your side. Does it feel heavy? What type of implant did you
have. The surgeon is placing a one stage saline and silicone
implant/expander in. When you say physical are you lifting and carrying in
your job? Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at the gym
etc. These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time but you
always think of questions afterwards!
Regards,
Mary E.

"Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
news:FYebi.2954$hp5.639@trndny05...
>
> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
> news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
>> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
>> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the
>> procedure,
>> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some
>> sites
>> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in
>> going
>> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat with
>> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont
> know
>> where to go.
> -----------------------
> I don't know about a site or a chat, but....I had reconstruction with an
> implant a year ago, and I'm *quite* happy not to have to be bothered with
> the stupid prosthesis. Now, bear in mind that it doesn't really look like
> my other breast, and it certainly doesn't *feel* like a real breast, but
> my
> primary purpose in doing this was not to have to be bothered with a
> prosthesis that can slip or fall out and embarrass me (my job is
> *physical*!) and the implant has met that need very well.
>
> Eva
>
>

Thanks for writing back Sandy - will look into it.
Regards
Mary E.
"Sandy L" <hlmssl@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:Llabi.18$ZY1.8@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.n et...
> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
> news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
>> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
>> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the
>> procedure, the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have
>> seen some sites on the internet and they have been horrifying and have
>> put me off in going ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin
>> to hear or chat with people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would
>> be good but I dont know where to go.
>> Regards,
>> Mary E.
> Try posting a query on http://bca.ns.ca/forum/. There is also a chat room
> at http://bca.ns.ca/chat/, but it is not used too much.
>
>

"Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with implants.
.....
> Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at the gym etc.
> These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time but you
> always think of questions afterwards!

I can't speak to the details of comfort, but I know that some women on my BC
survivors' rowing team have had implant reconstruction, and they have no
particular problems rowing or carrying the heavy boats. At least one also
weight-trains regularly (machine mostly, rather than free weights, I think).

Ann T.
Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email

"Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Hi Eva
> Thanks for feedback. I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with
> implants. I am wondering whether you find the implant 'uncomfortable'
> lying in bed ie. on your side. Does it feel heavy? What type of implant
> did you have. The surgeon is placing a one stage saline and silicone
> implant/expander in. When you say physical are you lifting and carrying
> in your job? Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at the
> gym etc. These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time but
> you always think of questions afterwards!
> Regards,
> Mary E.
>
> "Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
> news:FYebi.2954$hp5.639@trndny05...
>>
>> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
>> news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>>> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
>>> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
>>> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the
>>> procedure,
>>> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some
>>> sites
>>> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in
>>> going
>>> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat with
>>> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont
>> know
>>> where to go.
>> -----------------------
>> I don't know about a site or a chat, but....I had reconstruction with an
>> implant a year ago, and I'm *quite* happy not to have to be bothered with
>> the stupid prosthesis. Now, bear in mind that it doesn't really look
>> like
>> my other breast, and it certainly doesn't *feel* like a real breast, but
>> my
>> primary purpose in doing this was not to have to be bothered with a
>> prosthesis that can slip or fall out and embarrass me (my job is
>> *physical*!) and the implant has met that need very well.
>>
>> Eva
>

Jean214 on BCANS had a tram flap and profoundly regrets it. It has left her
with weak abdominal muscles. I won't try to paraphrase her experience.

"A.P. Thorsen" <annthorsendontsendspam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:f4l0ci$jp4$1@news.msu.edu...
>
> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
> news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with implants.
> ....
>> Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at the gym etc.
>> These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time but you
>> always think of questions afterwards!
>
> I can't speak to the details of comfort, but I know that some women on my
> BC survivors' rowing team have had implant reconstruction, and they have
> no particular problems rowing or carrying the heavy boats. At least one
> also weight-trains regularly (machine mostly, rather than free weights, I
> think).

I know one who regularly pulls a longbow with a 100lb draw weight - I can't
manage more than a 40lb bow - but I haven't had an implant :-)

Mary

"Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this done
> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the procedure,
> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some sites
> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in going
> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat with
> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont
> know where to go.
> Regards,
> Mary E.

There's an advisory saying in our family which works: When in doubt, leave
it out. Or, When in doubt, don't.

If you have an implant it might be 100% successful. I suspect though that
you'll be looking for even teeny problems and if you find any you'll regret
it all the rest of your life.

Hugs,

Mary

"Sandy L" <hlmssl@mindspring.com> wrote in message
newsotbi.16084$296.3682@newsread4.news.pas.earth link.net...
> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
> news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> > Hi Eva
> > Thanks for feedback. I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with
> > implants. I am wondering whether you find the implant 'uncomfortable'
> > lying in bed ie. on your side. Does it feel heavy? What type of
implant
> > did you have. The surgeon is placing a one stage saline and silicone
> > implant/expander in. When you say physical are you lifting and carrying
> > in your job? Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at
the
> > gym etc. These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time
but
> > you always think of questions afterwards!
> > Regards,
> > Mary E.
> >
> > "Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
> > news:FYebi.2954$hp5.639@trndny05...
> >>
> >> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
> >> news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> >>> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
> >>> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this
done
> >>> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the
> >>> procedure,
> >>> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some
> >>> sites
> >>> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in
> >>> going
> >>> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat
with
> >>> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I dont
> >> know
> >>> where to go.
> >> -----------------------
> >> I don't know about a site or a chat, but....I had reconstruction with
an
> >> implant a year ago, and I'm *quite* happy not to have to be bothered
with
> >> the stupid prosthesis. Now, bear in mind that it doesn't really look
> >> like
> >> my other breast, and it certainly doesn't *feel* like a real breast,
but
> >> my
> >> primary purpose in doing this was not to have to be bothered with a
> >> prosthesis that can slip or fall out and embarrass me (my job is
> >> *physical*!) and the implant has met that need very well.
> >>
> >> Eva
> >
>
> Jean214 on BCANS had a tram flap and profoundly regrets it. It has left
her
> with weak abdominal muscles. I won't try to paraphrase her experience.
----------------
A tram flap is not an implant, though. The OP was specifically asking about
implants. (Of course, if she visits the implant newsgroup I'm sure she'll
find many horror stories there!)

Eva

"Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
news:TmEbi.8941$Ar5.3644@trndny01...
>
> "Sandy L" <hlmssl@mindspring.com> wrote in message
> newsotbi.16084$296.3682@newsread4.news.pas.earth link.net...
>> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
>> news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> > Hi Eva
>> > Thanks for feedback. I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with
>> > implants. I am wondering whether you find the implant 'uncomfortable'
>> > lying in bed ie. on your side. Does it feel heavy? What type of
> implant
>> > did you have. The surgeon is placing a one stage saline and silicone
>> > implant/expander in. When you say physical are you lifting and
>> > carrying
>> > in your job? Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at
> the
>> > gym etc. These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time
> but
>> > you always think of questions afterwards!
>> > Regards,
>> > Mary E.
>> >
>> > "Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
>> > news:FYebi.2954$hp5.639@trndny05...
>> >>
>> >> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:2_5bi.11845$wH4.10214@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> >>> Does anyone out there know of a site that can advise you about breast
>> >>> reconstruction with implants. I am on a waiting list to have this
> done
>> >>> probably in August and would appreciate lots of feedback on the
>> >>> procedure,
>> >>> the aftermath, the long term effects and comments. I have seen some
>> >>> sites
>> >>> on the internet and they have been horrifying and have put me off in
>> >>> going
>> >>> ahead. I suppose I want the other side of the coin to hear or chat
> with
>> >>> people who have been happy. Yes, a chat room would be good but I
>> >>> dont
>> >> know
>> >>> where to go.
>> >> -----------------------
>> >> I don't know about a site or a chat, but....I had reconstruction with
> an
>> >> implant a year ago, and I'm *quite* happy not to have to be bothered
> with
>> >> the stupid prosthesis. Now, bear in mind that it doesn't really look
>> >> like
>> >> my other breast, and it certainly doesn't *feel* like a real breast,
> but
>> >> my
>> >> primary purpose in doing this was not to have to be bothered with a
>> >> prosthesis that can slip or fall out and embarrass me (my job is
>> >> *physical*!) and the implant has met that need very well.
>> >>
>> >> Eva
>> >
>>
>> Jean214 on BCANS had a tram flap and profoundly regrets it. It has left
> her
>> with weak abdominal muscles. I won't try to paraphrase her experience.
> ----------------
> A tram flap is not an implant, though. The OP was specifically asking
> about
> implants. (Of course, if she visits the implant newsgroup I'm sure she'll
> find many horror stories there!)
>
> Eva
>
Ah yes. I sit corrected.
Sandy L

"Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Hi Eva
> Thanks for feedback. I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with
> implants. I am wondering whether you find the implant 'uncomfortable'
lying
> in bed ie. on your side.
-----------------
I wouldn't say it was *uncomfortable*. I can sleep in any position. It did
take a little getting used to, I guess.
----------------
Does it feel heavy?
----------------
It's heavier than my real breast, but not uncomfortably heavy. My breast is
small. Maybe if it was larger the implant wouldn't feel heavier by
comparison; I don't know.
-----------------
What type of implant did you
> have. The surgeon is placing a one stage saline and silicone
> implant/expander in.
-----------------
Yes, I had an expander first, and it had to be pumped up several times
before I was stretched enough for the "permanent" implant.

I got a silicone implant. I have Stage 3 breast cancer, and the chances of
the cancer coming back and killing me are far greater than the chance I will
get sick from the implant--that's how I think.

Saline squishes, and silicone gel doesn't, and that was pretty much the
basis for my decision. OTOH, I've spoken to women who've had saline
implants for years and are perfectly happy with them.
----------------
When you say physical are you lifting and carrying in
> your job?
--------------------
Yes, lifting, carrying, stretching, bending, pushing, pulling, all that. I
work in a nursing home.
-------------------
Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at the gym
> etc.
---------------------
Obviously you can't do any lifting while you still have drains in. Then you
have to wait till there's no danger of your wound re-opening. If you build
yourself up gradually and sensibly, starting with the lightest weights, I
don't see why you would have a problem.
------------------------
These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time but you
> always think of questions afterwards!
----------------------
Yep! Been there! But the other thing is....surgeons don't really know all
that much about rehabilitation, I'm sorry to say. In the UK, apparently, it
is standard practice to prescribe physical therapy (they call it
"physiotherapy") after a mastectomy, but here in the US you won't get it
unless you argue for it--which I wish I had known to do. It would have
helped a lot.

Eva

Thanks Ann T. Its good to know that I should be able to do all the physical
things Im doing now!
Mary E.

"A.P. Thorsen" <annthorsendontsendspam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:f4l0ci$jp4$1@news.msu.edu...
>
> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
> news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with implants.
> ....
>> Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at the gym etc.
>> These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time but you
>> always think of questions afterwards!
>
> I can't speak to the details of comfort, but I know that some women on my
> BC survivors' rowing team have had implant reconstruction, and they have
> no particular problems rowing or carrying the heavy boats. At least one
> also weight-trains regularly (machine mostly, rather than free weights, I
> think).
>
> Ann T.
> Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email
>

Eva wrote:
>
> I got a silicone implant.

<Gravelly baritone, sings>
Oh I can't believe, we're on the Eva construction.
</sings>

Sorry, I couldn't resist it. I'll try harder next time. Honest.


Tim

(Quickly searching for Allan's old shin pads.)

"Tim Jackson" <tim@tim-jackson.co.uk> wrote in message
news:46702041$0$8717$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
> Eva wrote:
>>
>> I got a silicone implant.
>
> <Gravelly baritone, sings>
> Oh I can't believe, we're on the Eva construction.
> </sings>
>
> Sorry, I couldn't resist it. I'll try harder next time. Honest.

PLEASE don't attempt the counter tenor ...

:-)

Mary

Hi Eva
Do you know the brand name of the implant. My surgeon said that I will be
having the Mentor expander gel implant in the tear drop shape.
Mary E.
"Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
news:ejJbi.5976$Mo5.5026@trndny08...
>
> "Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
> news:L5mbi.12187$wH4.9410@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> Hi Eva
>> Thanks for feedback. I am having bilateral breast reconstruction with
>> implants. I am wondering whether you find the implant 'uncomfortable'
> lying
>> in bed ie. on your side.
> -----------------
> I wouldn't say it was *uncomfortable*. I can sleep in any position. It
> did
> take a little getting used to, I guess.
> ----------------
> Does it feel heavy?
> ----------------
> It's heavier than my real breast, but not uncomfortably heavy. My breast
> is
> small. Maybe if it was larger the implant wouldn't feel heavier by
> comparison; I don't know.
> -----------------
> What type of implant did you
>> have. The surgeon is placing a one stage saline and silicone
>> implant/expander in.
> -----------------
> Yes, I had an expander first, and it had to be pumped up several times
> before I was stretched enough for the "permanent" implant.
>
> I got a silicone implant. I have Stage 3 breast cancer, and the chances
> of
> the cancer coming back and killing me are far greater than the chance I
> will
> get sick from the implant--that's how I think.
>
> Saline squishes, and silicone gel doesn't, and that was pretty much the
> basis for my decision. OTOH, I've spoken to women who've had saline
> implants for years and are perfectly happy with them.
> ----------------
> When you say physical are you lifting and carrying in
>> your job?
> --------------------
> Yes, lifting, carrying, stretching, bending, pushing, pulling, all that.
> I
> work in a nursing home.
> -------------------
> Was wondering how it would be if I would lift weights at the gym
>> etc.
> ---------------------
> Obviously you can't do any lifting while you still have drains in. Then
> you
> have to wait till there's no danger of your wound re-opening. If you
> build
> yourself up gradually and sensibly, starting with the lightest weights, I
> don't see why you would have a problem.
> ------------------------
> These are things I should have asked the surgeon at the time but you
>> always think of questions afterwards!
> ----------------------
> Yep! Been there! But the other thing is....surgeons don't really know
> all
> that much about rehabilitation, I'm sorry to say. In the UK, apparently,
> it
> is standard practice to prescribe physical therapy (they call it
> "physiotherapy") after a mastectomy, but here in the US you won't get it
> unless you argue for it--which I wish I had known to do. It would have
> helped a lot.
>
> Eva
>
>

"Mary E." <happy@home.com> wrote in message
news:s8Gci.14535$wH4.2254@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Hi Eva
> Do you know the brand name of the implant. My surgeon said that I will be
> having the Mentor expander gel implant in the tear drop shape.
-----------------
Mine is made by Mentor too, but that's all I know about it.

Someone I know just had her expanders removed and implants inserted on
Monday. She's much more comfortable already, even though she had developed
some adhesions which the surgeon had to excise during the operation.

Eva