Ro's Breast Reconstruction Surgery with Breast Implants

 

I had always been ambivalent about breasts, wishing I had larger ones, yet there was no way I would get them augmented. In June 2002, at age 37, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast, following breast pain since January 2002, and the nipple starting to retract since April 2002. I researched my options and discovered that breast augmentation and reconstruction would soon be my option to getting my breast back. In August 2002, I had a mastectomy by a breast surgeon who then brought in the plastic surgeon who inserted a tissue expander. This was inflated twice to stretch my skin to accommodate the permanent implant that would be inserted. I decided that since I lost my breast to cancer, then I would get a new one in return and it would be bigger! I was limited to the size so the expander was inflated to 500cc of saline. In October 2002 I started chemotherapy, for four courses every 3 weeks. I had no positive lymph nodes and the chemotherapy was an option. My husband and I had discussed from the start that we would 'hammer the hell out of it" from the start, so I finished my chemo on December 18, 2002. I turned 38 the next day, and viewed this as a brand new start! Valentine's Day I had my surgery to replace the expander with a the permanent implant and to augment the healthy breast to match (as best as possible).

I now view the idea of augmentation a lot differently, and have come to appreciate the feelings of the women who opt to have it done. As of this writing, I am not quite one week post op and still have to have a nipple created for my new breast.

I hope my pictures will be useful for women who are faced with this disease and also as educational about the affects that cancer can have on the breast.

 

 

 

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