[Sheila]

I decided to have reconstruction 1 year after my mastectomy. I was part of a study, using a tissue expander that was later replaced with a silicone implant made by Mentor. During my reconstruction, I had a recurrence in the lymph nodes in my neck...they P.S> thought it was a reaction to the tissue expander. I thak God I demanded a biopsy...it was the breast cancer in my nodes, and I was node negative originally. My surgery was fast tracked, so I could begin treatment. I have pain, scar tissue and a capsular contracture. I have been in treatment ever since, and Mugas and echos are a struggle as my implant is on the left, and it is hard to visualize the heart. Even last year, when I had a pericardial effusion, I required thoracic surgery as the implant was obstructing them doing a needle aspiration. Reconstruction is a very personal decision....in my case, I wished I would have left well enough alone. I actually felt less deformed before the reconstruction! 8 years later, i am back to wearing a symmetry shaper to even out what the reconstruction lacked.
Many have had excellent results....if its a choice you make, be sure to research the plastic surgeon...you only want the best...many insurance companies dictate who you can go to.....this is not fair. Do your homework!