Breast Reconstruction VS Breast Prosthesis

Tweet

I am a certified mastectomy fitter and over the years I have met that a few women that have opted for reconstruction of their breast/breasts following a mastectomy. One woman in particular came to me to have me fit her for a prosthesis as her right breast was made smaller than her left breat. For years she accomodated this difference herself with fiberfill or tissue. But, the difference she felt still was noticable. We discussed why she chose reconstruction over prosthesis and as she was younger when she was diagnosed with cancer and had to have both of her breast removed, she opted for the reconstruction. We discussed lymphadema which often happens when lymph nodes are taken as well. She did have some swelling in her right hand and arm. She was getting therapy for the swelling. I measured her for a sleeve and glove to help maintain the swelling. We tried several breast prosthesis of different shapes and sizes and found one that worked well. It was not 100%, but it was darned close to it. A couple of weeks had passed and she came in for a re-evaluation. She felt the prosthesis didn't look right. After checking to see if she was placing it properly in her mastectomy bra. Everything seemed okay, except for the fact that her breast had changed shape. She was fearful that the cancer had returned. She left my that day promising to call her oncologist and would let me know the results. A week had passed and she returned to the store with great news! It wasn't cancer. But, due to the massage therapy the silicone implant had ruptured. Thankfully the leaking silicone was contained in her chest wall. Her surgeon told her that she is still a good candidate for implant surgery following the removal of the defective implant. She told her surgeon that she would prefer both implants to be removed. She did not want to risk further complications. She will wear prosthetic breasts. For any woman it is a personal decision for her when it comes to chosing reconstruction or wearing a prosthesis. There are pros and cons for both. I recommend that they discuss their options with their healthcare professional.