Capsular Contracture Again
 

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_19_5.gif Some of you may recall the pain and complications I had last year with my tissue expanders. I had a double mastectomy in February, 2007, and radiation in June and July. And I had surgery again---a capsulectomy and gel implants in late November, 2007. After that surgery, my breasts healed and were even and soft, natural feeling for weeks. Unfortunately, my radiated (left side) has become a problem. Very gradually it has contracted, hardened, and moved up over three inches on my chest---the pain has started to come back and I'm obviously lopsided.

I saw my plastic surgeon a couple weeks ago. He is recomending a capsulectomy again, having the implant removed, and having a latissmus muscle flap performed. I'm not comfortable going in that direction as I had 16 lymph nodes removed from my armpit, I have shoulder arthritis on that side, along with weakness and limited range on motion with my left arm; and I'm very careful to follow all the do's and don'ts to help prevent lymphedema. And I'm afraid of any potential problems from having a latissmus muscle relocated.

I also don't think I would feel comfortable being flat on the left side and keeping the implant on the right side. (The right implant has moved some---toward my armpit.) Right now I'm leaning toward getting both gel implants removed and just being flat. I really think the difference (from keeping one implant) would really bother me.

Although there isn't a doctor in Michigan that performs the DIEP surgery, that type of reconstruction was originally my first choice, but I settled for reconstruction and gel implants. I'm considering going that route. I just don't know if I should wait to have that done sometime in the future.

I am grateful that losing a breast/s is not like losing a limb, and that breasts are merely cosmetic now. After all I went through to have boobs again, I feel disappointed.

I'm just not sure what to do? I would love to hear your ideas and opinions.

Thanks,
Jo

I say go flat. I have been lugging around these breasts around, to put it politely, for 46 years and I am sure that if I had to go flat, although initially it would seem odd and maybe even traumatic, I think it would eventually be ok. The perks would be that I would no longer have to spend hours looking for a comfy bra that would end up costing me like $50 bucks and I always wondered what it would be like to go braless and be free as a bird. I know we all have this special attachment to this part of our anatomy and so do our spouses, but I would have gladly given them both up a long time ago if it meant I wouldn't be stage 4 right now.

Re: Capsular Contracture Again
 

Joanne, how did it turn out with your implants vs no implants decision. Just curious? Tracie

Re: Capsular Contracture Again
 

Joanne,
I have a friend who has one implant and use's a sticky boob, like I do, on one side. They are self adhesive from Amona (sp) My insurance pays for a new one every 2 years which works out perfect. I just stick it on and I am good to go. Around the house I just go without, and I am comfortable.
I personally could not even think of the surgery and all that went with it. Glad I just got "Betty boob" instead.
Good luck,
Emelie