Questions about Reconstruction

[Monique M]

I have been a visitor to this board for the last 6 months and have been inspired and informed by your posts. I finally decided to become a member and this is my first post.



The short and long end of my story is that I was diagnosed at the age of 39 (in August of 2004) and I am HER2 positive. I had a bilateral mastectomy, followed by 8 rounds of adjuvant dose dense chemotherapy (4 a/c and 4 taxol with herceptin). Fortunately, my oncologist was ahead of the curve with the herceptin and I have never had an issue with my insurance company paying for it. I have since been on Herceptin, every three weeks for one year and expect to complete a second year through December of 2006 (as long as my heart function remains good). When I had my surgery, my surgeon did not want me to have immediate reconstruction. I am now ready to proceed and I have so many questions. I would love to hear anyone’s comments on any or all of the following:



1. I still have my port in (located underneath my collar bone). Did anyone have reconstruction with the port in this place? Since I am going to get herceptin for another year, I would like to keep my port but I do not want any complications with the reconstruction.



2. I do not think the tram flap will be an option for me, so I am choosing between saline and silicone implants. I am leaning toward the silicone. I would love to hear from anyone with either silicone or saline implants and why they love or hate them.



3. I have my first consult with a plastic surgeon this Friday—any suggestions on what to ask the doctor would be appreciated.



4. Finally, we have just moved to the BirminghamAlabama area. I continue to go back to MemphisTN to see my oncologist (he is just too good to give up and the 8 hour round trip ride is worth it). If there is anyone in the Birmingham area that has had reconstructive surgery from a local plastic surgeon and would be willing to share their experience, please email me (mkmeadows@hotmail.com).



Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Peace and Blessings,

Monique