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Against Breast Cancer

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Re: more reconstructive surgery

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Posted by Betsy Mullen on 4/1/2000 from 205.188.195.27:
In reply to: more reconstructive surgery posted by Joanne on 3/27/2000 from 205.188.199.21:
Dear Joanne:

I am glad that you posted your message on our web site. I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and immediate lattisimus dorsi reconstruction with an implant. Our cases sound similar in many ways. I was very lean and my breasts were not that large so my options for reconstruction were limited. I blazed through surgery with an outstanding result. I did develop a rather sever capsular contracture with my first implant and did undergo additional surgery to remove the scar tissue and implant, replacing the original implant with an implant with a textured surface. The surgery went very smoothly and I healed quickly.

There is a great book out entitled "Be a Survivor" written by Vladimir Lange, M.D. My plastic surgeon and I served as consultants on the project (there is also a corresponding video and interactive CD-ROM). There are full color pictures including my breast reconstruction in the book, video and CD-ROM, as well as description of the various reconstructive surgical procedures. You can purchase the book through our site’s bookstore. Another good book that extensively covers breast reconstruction is entitled "A Woman’s Decision" which is also highlighted in our "virtual bookstore". You can certainly ask your plastic surgeon to speak with some of his or her patients who have had a lattisimus dorsi reconstruction with an implant and ask your surgeon to show you photographs of surgical results.

In addition, you may want to bring your bathing suit to a pre-op visit with your plastic surgeon to discuss and plan for where the incision will be made on your back. She/he can actually mark off for you where the incision will be made.

I am very predominately left-handed, and the surgery was on my left side. I experienced no problems with loss of strength or range of motion once I healed.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPRS) has a very informative patient education section on their web site. We provide a link in the Resources Section of this site.

Mentor, a manufacturer of breast implants, has a great patient information hot line that provides information about breast implants and reconstruction. The toll-free number is 1-800-MENTOR-8.

We can also send you, free of charge, a video and booklet about breast reconstruction. We would be happy to send you additional educational materials, free of charge regarding breast self-exam, breast health, understanding breast changes, questions to ask your health plan about exemplary care (found on our web site under help yourself – 10 key questions for women to ask their health plans), breast cancer myths and much, much more depending upon your needs.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: It is very difficult to render an opinion without knowing all the facts of any one particular case. But one strong recommendation we would like to make is that you pursue your question(s) with your own physicians. You should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second or third opinion. We have some great tips on partnering with your health care team and key questions to ask your doctors, communication tips and informed decision-making tips to help you get the information you need. There is a special form on our web site that you can fill out and e-mail to us to help us best meet your needs and you are also welcome to call us at (626) 332-2255. Your information will be kept confidential.

You may also be interested in reading the statement that I provided to the FDA regarding breast implants and reconstruction. You can link to the statement on our site’s home page.

I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing back from you so you can let us know how you are doing.

My warmest regards,

Betsy Mullen
President/CEO
WIN Against Breast Cancer