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Re: reconstruction questions
I had immediate reconstruction at time of mastectomy. I'm about to start radiation, so I'll let you know how that effects the reconstruction. My right breast has been over-expanded to counteract the possibility that radiation will cause the skin to shrink. I am under the impression that my doc will remove the expander and place the silicone implant 4-6 months after radiation ends. (Great Christmas gift!). That will be a year since my mastectomy. Clearly, Rome was not built in a day and neither is the reinvented breast. I chose not to have the DIEP procedure because it entailed a longer recovery time. It's all a personal decision, but having a plastic surgeon who is willing to spend a lot of time counselling you about the various options is critical.
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 Found lump by self-exam 10/14/11
HER2neu +/Estrogen +/progesterone -
Grade III poorly differentiated
R side modified radical mastectomy on 12/09/11 with immediate reconstruction (expander)
Stage IIB 2 nodes + out of 10 removed
Double power port inserted 1/11/12
Chemo therapy (TCH) - every 21 days for 6 cycles beginning 1/25/12
Finished chemo on 5/21/12
Continue Herceptin only every 3 weeks until 12/28/12 Radiation (28 rads) began 6/26/2012.
Will start Femara after radiation ends (8/03/12)
From: It's Not About the Hair:
"The hope for healing is not born out of a fear of death, but a love of life.This is a very good thing. When people love life more than they fear death, they come to treatment with open hands, open hearts, open eyes.When people fear death more than they love life, they are clinging and clutching and grasping."
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