u/TropicsCook

Breasties! Hope today you are feeling hopeful and seen, whichever part of this JoUrNEy you’re on.

I was - - +, and had my last Herceptin treatment in Nov 25. Yesterday, about a year after 15 post smx rounds of radiation, I had my first plastic surgeon appointment. I was really looking forward to it. It did not go well.

I don’t have enough fat or skin to build another breast (despite being an A cup size), so best case scenario would be a new breast that is 60% the size of the remaining one. Implants out of the question because of radiation. My remaining breast can’t be substantially reduced, either, because it’s already very small (it would mean more scars for a mediocre result).

I could have a new breast if I agree to a diep followed by who knows how many more surgeries to graft some fat. A long process.

I think I have decided against it. I’m very disappointed and spent yesterday feeling so much grief. Today is a little better.

Do you have any experiences with fat grafting after diep? Or with choosing to remain flat on one side?

Love you all, and thanks for being a haven of sanity (and insanity!) for me.

Hello everyone! I need your help and experience with my upcoming consultation.

Tomorrow, a little over a year after my SMX, I am meeting a plastic surgeon for the first time.

Like most HER2+ hr- patients, I had chemo first, then surgery, then radiation and the full Herceptin course.

I was told I am an unlikely candidate for an implant because of the radiation.

I had size A breasts (one left) but am quite small and fit and will probably need a stacked diep. My main goal is to be symmetrical (I don’t mind if they have to make both breasts smaller) and be able to go back to climbing and running.

I am dreading the abdominal scar from the diep— my belly is my favorite body part! I don’t show it to anyone but I like it as it is.

I live in a public health system which is excellent but rather impersonal. You don’t get to choose your doctors and you often switch. The surgeon who does the consult isn’t necessarily the one who will operate on you, for example.

This means that a lot of information falls through the cracks. Everyone thinks someone else has told you what you need to know, which is more than often not the case at all.

So, I thought this time I will go armed with a few questions. What did you ask or wish you had that you feel was important?

Thanks a lot!