I'm I the only one? cc

Joanne S · 03-30-2008, 04:12 PM

Am I the only one with capsular contracture? Lucky me.

My previous post only got one reply! http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=33261

Any thoughts?

Jo

Vi Schorpp · 03-30-2008, 04:43 PM

sorry I can't be of help. I had a mastectomy and haven't done anything further. However, if you go to search and type capsular contracture you'll find some old posts. Hope that helps. Take care! Vi

Audrey · 03-30-2008, 04:54 PM

Hi Jo, I read your post with interest today--I had a mastectomy on both sides followed by saline implants a little over five years ago. While I don't have capsular contracture, I do know what it's like to be uneven and a bit lopsided since one implant seemed to move up higher than the other--also, since they're saline, they don't feel soft or natural. I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon next month to discuss possibly exchanging my saline implants for the newer silicone gel ones. After years of overly large breasts on a petite frame, I have been enjoying this period of being able to go braless if I want, but lately I've been feeling that I'm still young and want some curves back (something soft, not these little rocks I have now). Is it worth all the trouble--more surgery, drains, etc. for a procedure with no guarantees? I can't decide, but I haven't felt "sexy" in a long time and would like to get that back again, if possible. I wish I could help you decide whether to get the flap procedure, just wanted you to know I'm also struggling with reconstruction issues... have you checked out the website www.breastreconstruction.org I think it's called lately? I find it helpful and most informative.

Joanne S · 03-30-2008, 05:25 PM

Hi Vi, Thanks for your response.

Audrey, Thanks for your response too. As many times as I have done searches on the web, I never went to the website you mentioned. Thank you very much!

Jo

Merridith · 03-30-2008, 06:38 PM

I can't give you any first hand experience with this problem as I never had it, but my girlfriend did. She had massive problems.

Capsular contraction is much more common with tissue that has been radiated.

You are going to have to do something...... especially since it is uncomfortable.

I researched the diep flap surgery and there are elevated risk factors associated with that surgery over the tram flap. Diep was originally my first choice - until I completed my comparison research.

Since you have already had surgery to remove the contracture and its returned, it seems that there is a risk that it would keep on coming back.

I would go for the symetrical "flat look" myself.

Good luck with your decision!

Merridith

Joanne S · 03-30-2008, 09:40 PM

Thanks Merridith!

I recall some of the ladies on this site had DIEP procedure without problems. Do you know or can you point me to a site that indicates the risk factors associated with the DIEP method of reconstruction? My breast cancer surgeon felt that getting all the delicate blood supply connected was complex and a major risk/concern.

Hugs, Jo

Sheila · 03-31-2008, 04:48 AM

Joanne
I also have it in my reconstructed side...I have had the implant in for 4 1/2 years, silicone, Mentor brand I believe. I never seem to stay "clean" long enough to get back to the PS and have something done....I am sure it will have to be removed and redone, but if it is likely to recur again, I think I will just say ditch the implant. I have been very dissatisified with the pain, the pulling and the outcome of reconstruction. So I know where you are coming from!

04-13-2008, 10:48 PM

Hi Joanne,
You asked about other sites that may have information. The FORCE site, at facingourrisk.org, is a gold mine of information for women who have had or are considering mastectomies/reconstruction. FORCE members have had a lot of experience dealing with post-mastectomy problems. You will also find thorough discussions about DIEP, for example, how crucial it is to find a surgeon who is very experienced in that type of surgery.
Sending you warm wishes!

harrie · 04-13-2008, 10:55 PM

Joanne, both soccermom and I had the DIEP flap reconstruction. To get the breast size I wanted, I also had the Mentor silicone implants.
I did not have any significant complications and yes it is a very microscopic surgery that most surgeons are not able to preform. BUT there are qualified surgeons out there that are able to achieve magnificent results. Since you are on the east side of the US, you might want to contact Soccermom for information on that end. I can refer you to my surgeon on the west coast whom I would highly recommend. You can also ck out his website or contact him with questions. Let me know if you are interested in the DIEP. I know of at least half a dozen women that have had it done and their results are great.
PM me if you would like more information.
Maryanne

harrie · 04-13-2008, 10:57 PM

MaryJo will be having the DIEP done in June, coming up really soon.
Personally, I cannot believe how awesome the results are. I am very, very happy.
Maryanne

harrie · 04-13-2008, 10:59 PM

PS AGAIN....
my friend at the gym just had that capsular contracture. She had expanders and implants.

Merridith · 04-13-2008, 11:44 PM

Hi Joanne:

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner on your DIEP research question. I didn't realize that you had asked me the question.

It's been 4 years since I did my research, and I can no longer remember where I got my info. There might be changes/improvements to the technique since I checked it out anyways.

Here is what I remember: Maintaining circulation and connecting all the veins were where the main risk areas were because there was so much less tissue supporting the redirected veins. The whole transplant could die if it wasn't done just right. What I found out was not only was the risk factor statistically higher for the DIEP over the TRAM - but IF something went sideways - it tended to be more dramatic than if something went sideways with the TRAM.

The good thing about the DIEP is that there was a much higher probability of remaining fully or partially senate over the transplant area which is the main reason that I wanted it.

Would you need an implant in addition to the transplant? If you do, that is an added risk of complication......

Regards,
Merridith

hermiracles · 04-14-2008, 04:14 AM

Hi Joanne - I did see your post but I couldn't reply as I had no idea what 'capsular contracture' is??? I think Im starting to get the picture now - it sounds pretty frustrating!!! I hope some of the folk's suggestions can work out for you sis and you can start feeling better about yourself real soon!

Blessings
Hermiracles