Is this cosmetic??

I went to see a patient on the floor today after her DIEP surgery, and she asked me, " Is this cosmetic, what I just did?" She went on to explain that her oncologist, out of town, really gave her the impression that this was not necessary.

We truly feel that this is not cosmetic surgery. Working through a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and mastectomy is a life changing process. The time spent on rebuilding yourself is not cosmetic, but is really meant to give you back what was taken from you. Every diagnosis and treatment regimen is individual, and although most may not know exactly what you are going through, I hope you surround yourself with those who attempt to understand it. Understanding that the process of reconstruction is worth it, is offered to make you feel whole again, with hopes that you can go through your day without being preoccupied with your diagnosis.

You are a woman with breast cancer, often a mom, wife, sister, full time working woman, who wants to lead a normal life, despite a diagnosis. Reconstruction can help you get back to feeling like you again. DO NOT let anyone tell you otherwise. Often, talking to a medical team such as our Boston DIEP group, who feels strongly about this, can give you support throughout this process. Talk to other women that have gone through this. Many of our patients feel this is most helpful.

Ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who support you, and a medical team that is behind you, will make for a more positive experience....

Choosing the type of reconstruction

I saw a patient of mine a few weeks ago who remarked, "Up until I received my diagnosis of breast cancer, I felt in control in life, able to make decisions about life, family, and work.... Now, I have been through treatment, surgery, and treatment now following surgery.... my reconstruction is the only thing I feel I have control over...."

While, indeed, issues of health often have seemingly unknown paths and future, our job as plastic and reconstructive surgeons is to first and foremost educate, in this case regarding breast reconstruction.... The consultation for breast reconstruction should be educational, and may be a process in order to provide as much information as possible about all the options... At the end of the day, the choice for reconstruction is one that everyone is one same page about.....

Tough times are meant to be shared

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you do not need to tackle it alone. Many of our patients come in and say they do not want to burden family or friends , afraid they will "bring them down." "I have to be strong for my family..." However, it is in these tough times where you need to reach out. Approximately 1 in 8 woman get diagnosed with breast cancer. Chances are, someone you know has been touched by breast cancer. The only way for you to know is to reach out. Family support is priceless during tough times. This is going to be a journey for you, and you should take charge of it. Reach out to family, friends, talk to other woman through support groups, and even social work can help guide you. Your breast care or reconstructive nurse can help guide you. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Breast reconstruction after weight loss procedure

I had one of my patients who had undergone a lap-band procedure come in after having a bilateral (two-sided) mastectomy ask me if she would be a candidate for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction. Certainly, following significant weight loss patients can be a candidate, in order to use the excess tummy tissue for reconstruction.

In addition, it is important to know that individuals who otherwise has not had a weight loss procedure may still be candidates for breast reconstruction. Weight alone usually is not a singular factor to cause someone to be or not to be a candidate for breast reconstruction.