Breastroke

I was fortunate when diagnosed that, if I had a mastectomy I didn't need chemo or ray treatment. So my Breast Cancer Specialist suggested I have a reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy. He recommended a Plastic Surgeon who I believe did a fantastic job. Both of these surgeons are also good men - helpful, very skilled and trustworthy. I saw a video showing various types of reconstruction and had a visit from a woman who had the same type of reconstruction as I was considering and I found this experience most helpful. The plastic surgeon recommended my back muscle (letitimus dorsi) be used to make a new breast. As I was fairly thin at the time, I also had a small silicone implant placed
under the muscle. My breasts now match in size and weight with the scaring hardly noticeable. I would defy anyone to know which is the new breast even when I'm wearing a quarter cup bra. My husband cannot feel the difference.

Physically I was recovered sufficiently to move on and get into the pool after 5 weeks but mentally I took longer - perhaps because the reconstruction was part of the process of ridding my body of cancer. For others who have the reconstruction much later, even years later, the reconstruction is a real celebration of getting ones body back.

It is now 6 years since my mastectomy and reconstruction and I am still delighted with the result. I know that many improvements have been made since then and results are just amazing. I was also fortunate to have Private Health Insurance and know that this gave me excellent care. My experience with women going through this process in the Public system has its problems and delays but it can be done.

Carol - Ph : 8358 6209