Breastroke

I know how shocking and confronting a mastectomy can be… and everything following. I remember it so clearly, after my
first operation I never thought I would have a reconstruction, only because of the unselfish act of Cheryl by showing us her new boobs, did I change my mind. I went through some traumatic times for my new boobs, but I am happy that I had it done. If I can help only one woman to get a reconstruction and feel better about herself, then I am happy.

In 2003 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and consequently I had to have a total mastectomy, my right breast was removed. Even though at the time I was devastated to have lost my breast, I never even contemplated a breast reconstruction. For 2 years I struggled with a prostheses.

But I clearly remember the first time I forgot to put the prostheses in my bra before I went out shopping. It was hours later when I realised that I was flat on one side. My immediate thought and fear was “I have lost it”.

Things where never the same after this day, I never felt really safe again with the prostheses. After that day the first thoughts of a reconstruction entered my mind. I also remembered that I had seen the result of a great reconstruction job. I knew that a reconstructed breast could look very good.

In 2005 I made the decision to have a reconstruction, to make my breast whole again. But first I wanted to do some homework and find out as much as I could about different techniques. I have spend hours on the internet, made appointments with different plastic surgeons, spoke to everyone who had anything to say on the subject.

After the decision was made I could not wait for the day of my surgery. Because I was a public patient in a public hospital I was put on a waiting list. Every day I imagined how I would look with two breasts, how my clothes would fit me again and all the little things I used to take for granted before the mastectomy. But I had no illusions, I was aware of the fact that no operation could make me look the way I used to look before cancer and a mastectomy.

After 12 months it was my turn. The technique used for my reconstruction was a pedicle flap reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi muscle from the back. Because my left breast was a size D, I needed to have a tissue expander put in the reconstructed breast. The tissue expander was inserted under the chest muscle. Every week it was filled with a saline solution to inflate the expander. As the solution inflates the expander, the tissue is gradually stretched making room for a breast implant. I never found this procedure painful or uncomfortable.

My only problem was that the wound in my back did not heal as quick as expected after the surgery. But this is not an uncommon problem in women who have had Radiotherapy as part of the cancer treatment. For many weeks I had a deep open wound in my back, but I can say that I never felt any pain with it . I guess the fact that I had to lay flat on my back for a week did not help my healing process – shortly after my surgery I had a heart attack. This was a reason why my next step for surgery was postponed for a further 12 months.

During my second operation the tissue expander was removed and a permanent implant was put in place. At the same time my left breast was lifted to give the bust a more balanced look. A new nipple was constructed from tissue from my left breast. (The Areola will be tattooed soon.)

This time around I have had no problems with healing and everything went very well. I was told that my reconstructed breast would soften with time and take on a more natural droop. At the time I was happy with the outcome.

But now, 7 month after surgery, my bust line is still not even and the reconstructed breast is still very firm and immobile. My plastic surgeon suggested that the implant used originally was a bit to big and a smaller implant should be put in its place. I was told this procedure would be short and could be done as day surgery. The outcome should be more comfortable for me and look much better. I must admit, this time I have not given it much thought before I agreed to this next step. I just want the best possible result.

For me the reconstruction was the right thing to do, but it is not a quick fix. The first step is a very big operation and not without risks and there are other operations to follow, and not everything goes according to plan every time.

I also feel from my own experience that there is a difference in the treatment of private patients to public patients, especially in the after care in hospital.

I am still happy with my decision but I would advise anyone to do enough research before taking the final step to a reconstruction.