Reconstructive Surgery

[vandie]

I will be getting a mastectomy at the end fo the month.  I spoke to a plastic surgeon today.  His plan is to put an extender in at the same time they do the mastectomy.  He will fill that every few weeks until the breast is the right size and then replace that with an implant after 2 or 3 months.

Question:  Has anyone had or known anyone that has had reconstructive surgery while being on immunosupressents?  It is my surgeon's only concern, and mine as well, because of the risk of infection.
He called my neph and is waiting for a call back, but I wanted to throw this on the board and see if anyone had any idea.

[Des]

Vandie,
My heart goes out to you and I hope everythings goes well.

I was told that I have to have my kidneys out 6 weeks before I have a tranplant because the immunosupressent medication can cause infection in the wound. But.... the doc can use certain types of antibiotics before and after the op to decrease the chance of infection.

Keep us posted.

[rose1999]

Vandie I can't offer any advice but I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and I hope all goes well for you. 

[monrein]

Sending you a truckload of hugs and good thoughts Vandie. 

[paris]

Vandie,  I hate that you are going through this.  I will say, my sister in law had a double mastectomy last year, had the expanders and the reconstructive surgery.  She did well, although it is a tough thing to deal with.  Of course, she isn't dealing with the immunosupressent issues.  I hope your doctors can give you some comforting answers.  I am so sorry.  You are always so supportive and I just wish I was closer to be of some help to you.        Lots of prayers      

[vandie]

My plastic surgeon called yesterday and my neph has given his approval for the reconstructive surgery.  As soon as the two surgeons can coordinate, I will get a surgery date.

My only decision to make, and make pretty quickly, is whether or not to have a bilateral mastectomy.  Although I have no history of breast cancer in the family, I know many women who have gotten either a lumpectomy or a unilateral mastectomy only to have the cancer come back with a vengeance.  I don't want to go through this in another year or five years.  I still have a 10-year-old at home and two grown daughters who are my world, not ready to be down and out yet  Getting rid of them both at the same time seems to make the most sense. . . .logically.  Getting my emotions around losing the other breast is a whole differrent ballgame.  I know this is a kidney website, but this is my safe place.  It got me thought so much with ESRD and transplant and you are my family.

I so appreciate the support and the love I receive here.

[rose1999]

I can only offer you love, as you know the decision has to be yours and it will not be an easy one - but whatever you decide we will be here to love and support you.

[willieandwinnie]

  Oh vandie, I am so sorry. You need to do what you think is best for you and your future. Medicine has come a long way in treating breast cancer since 1965 when I lost my Mom and I was 11. We are your family and will be with you through this even if only in spirit. I wish I lived nearby, I'd be there in a heart beat. Keep us posted and know that we are all praying and thinking about you. 

[thegrammalady]

i don't dwell on this type of thing however i have thought about what i would do if it happened to me. my first though is "take both" that being said i'm not really sure that's how i would react if i needed to. but that's the direction i lean. i like the idea of not having to worry or having less worry. whatever you decide you are in our thoughts and we wish only the best for you.   

[paris]

Sweet Vandie, It is a very hard decision to make.  I have had lumps removed and always thought if the resutls came back as cancer, I would have both removed. Just to get it over with and not have to think about it. But, it is a huge emotional decision. We will support you in any decison you make. The only right decision is the one that is right for you.       

[okarol]

I also have thought I would do both and have reconstruction bi-laterally - but maybe that's because I like things to be symmetrical. I have not had to face the emotional challenge of this vandie, and I know it must be tough. Best wishes whatever you decide.

[glitter]

Vandie- I want you to know you  will stay in my thoughts. I think you should do whatever will keep you alive and cancer free. Whatever you decide- we will all be here to support you in any way we can.  I hope you heal beautifully and I hope the reconstuctive surgury heals swiftly.

This may be a kidney website, but its my safe place too.    Julie

[paris]

You are continually in my prayers.   

[vandie]

I told my surgeon yesterday I would be getting a bilateral mastectomy.  He agreed and sent in the authorization today.  As soon as that is approved, we will get a date.  Probably early August.  The sooner the better for me.  Just want to start and finish this whole thing.  It's going to be a several month process from surgery to new breasts, and I just need to get it going.  I will keep you all all updated.

ps.. . . . I saw my neph yesterday too, and my kidney is still running super-duper!!

xoxo

[rose1999]

You are a brave and sensible lady but it can't have been an easy decision.  I am truly in awe of the way you are dealing with this.  I hope you have a successful surgery and heal well, I will keep you in my prayers.  Fantastic news on the kidney.

[Zach]

Sending my love and prayers.
 

[lola]

Good luck Vans, xoxoxoxo

[kitkatz]

HEy Sweetie! I hope things go good for you.

[donnia]

Hugs and Prayers Vandie! 

I'm not sure what immunosuppresents you are on, but when I had my hip surgery they took me off of Rapamune and switched me to Prograf for a while because Rapamune hinders healing.  If you are on Rapamune and they do decide to switch you to Prograf, I would suggest you switch at least 2 weeks ahead of time.  I switched only a few days before and it played havoc on my tummy and umm....  and bowels.  Wish I had gotten over that before I had the surgery.... instead I was trying to recover from surgery and had a double hard time with my bowels. 

Hope everything goes well and I will continue to keep you in my prayers!!!!   

[monrein]

It must feel good to have come to a decision and it will feel even better when it's all behind you.   

[Hanify]

You are amazing.  Thinking of and praying for you at this time.

[paris]

I have shared your story with my sister in law who was down this road 2 years ago.  You're in her prayers too.  She is now glad she opted to have both removed.  You are a very brave and strong woman. We are here for you, especially during the next few weeks.  Sending you much love   

[Jill D.]

Sending you love, hope, strength and support. I'm glad you posted the question about surgery and immunosuppressants as I have always wondered about that as well with any type of surgery.

It sounds like you have very good doctors and surgeons that are looking out for you and listening to your concerns. Oh Vandie, I will keep you in my prayers!!!

[vandie]

We have a tentative date of August 14th for surgery.  The surgeons are coordinated.  Just have to confirm with the hospital.

I will tell you that this has been the craziest of rides.  When I was diagnosed with kidney disease, I came to this board and I realized that my job is to meet every challenge head on because my daughters deserve all that I have to give.  They have been through so much, as I know you all understand having to deal with ESRD and what it does to your family, I want easy for them.  I don't want them to worry again or hurt again because their mama is sick.  That is the most heartbreaking of things when I hit a hurdle like this.

I love my IHD family and am so appreciative that I have you in my corner.

xoxo

[okarol]

You are a great example for your girls Vandie - and you will get through this fine.