more surgery part one

Yes, it's true more surgery for repair NO CANCER!!!!!! A few weeks ago, I noticed my skin above my right breast getting stretched and it was getting itchy from time to time. I also notice my breast getting firmer and it started to get uncomfortable to sleep on. I made an appointment to see my plastic surgeon. In the meantime, I e-mailed her my concern. She e-mailed me back and said "most likely what you see and feel are side effects of radiation treatment called capsular contracture".

I couldn't believe radiation could have a side effect 1 1/2 years later. I did some research on the Internet until my appointment. On Thursday October 21, 2010 I went and saw her. She confirmed it was capsular contracture from the radiation just by looking at me. She didn't even have to touch me to make the diagnose. She explained this is why the doctors were concerned for me to have radiation after they found out I was positive for cancer in my margin because they were afraid of this side effect. I wasn't aware the radiation would effect me this long after my surgery. Believe me, I am glad I went through radiation rather then having cancer! She explained my breast can stay the way it is now or can get worse. Unfortunately no one knows what my body will do. It is uncomfortable for me. This side effect can happen at anytime but for  most of the people the side effect happens shortly after treatment was completed. Everybody knows I don't ever fall in the category as normal when it comes to my story for breast cancer. To give everybody an example it feels like a balloon when it's ready to pop and at the top its getting pulled. This is how I feel. I was shock it happen but not mad. It seems when I think I am done with surgeries and ready to move forward in my life another bump arrives in my journey. All these steps I am going through is making me stronger and I appreciate what I have in my life. It could be worst! At times it does seem like a big dream that I had cancer but I learned not to get depressed about it and to fight and beat it!

From the Internet:
Capsule contracture, the most common complication of breast augmentation surgery, can happen at any time, but seems to be more common in the first several months after surgery. At the time of the initial surgery, a pocket is made for the implant. During the healing process, a capsule forms, which is comprised of fibrous tissue. The body is genetically programmed to shrink scar tissue somewhat. Under normal conditions, the pocket remains open, thus allowing the implant to look and feel natural. However, in some people, the capsule will tighten, and squeeze the implant. This makes the breast implant feel hard, and distorts the appearance of the breast. In the later stages, the implant feels very firm, and may take on a "ball-like" look. It is important to remember that it is not the implant that has hardened. The shrinking of the capsule compresses the implant, causing it to feel firm/hard. However, once the implant is removed, it is just as soft as it was the day it was inserted.

Just like the description above, my breast is firm,  looks like a ball and is slightly higher than my left side. The tissue that is under my skin and around my implant has gotten harden from the radiation. The implant itself isn't ruin. I decided along with my surgeon to have the implant removed and replaced. She will order a new implant. The left side is not damage. I would like the surgery done this year before the holidays get hectic and before we go to Canada. The sooner the better. Now that I know I need surgery, I want it tomorrow. She asked me to follow up with her assistant to make the hospital arrangements. If you don't remember, my plastic surgeon's main office is in Long Island, NY and travels to CT a few days a week.  The tissue that is damage will be removed. She will perform liposuction and replace the damage tissue with fat tissue. She explained I can choose where I want the liposuction taken from. I would like it taken from my lower abdominal area. I also asked if she can take extra ha ha ha. At least I tried to get more off and make the best of it. The tissue that she will insert will develop over time. She called the process new babies which will develop around the implant. I was concern transferring the tissue without making sure its okay and the answer was no its good just fat. Wow, I guess  I can say I had Botox and now liposuction!!!! The surgery will take about 1 1/2 hours and she will perform the surgery by herself. If my cancer surgeon is not performing a surgery at that time, she might be in there with her. This will be an outpatient surgery and I will not stay overnight in the hospital. I am sure your wondering can this happen again after I go through this surgery. Yes, it can. Please say a pray for me that the radiation will not damage the new tissue. In the worst case if that happened then I would need the flap surgery which is major surgery (8-12hrs). I don't want this option at this time.

There is alot more to write and I know its alot to read about for this surgery. Please check back in a day or two for more information.

new photo

Hi,
As many of you know this month is Breast Cancer awareness. There has been several sports and activities on TV that help individuals aware of breast cancer. My son's hockey team played in a tournament last weekend and each team had picked how they would represent pink to help awareness. On our team, each player taped the bottom of their hockey stick pink. I thought it was awesome that the breast cancer symbol was painted under the ice for these games. Look at the photo I added to my site!!!
I will be walking on October 24, 2010 along with family and friends to help raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society. I will update the photos and how the day went after the event. I hope the weather is beautiful for us.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=11611219&pg=personal&fr_id=28154&fl=en_US&et=6OyRWCQMrHgtgZzDoIwEHA..&s_tafId=542293