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Reconstruction: Time between expansion and second surgery

Posted by KK57 @kk57, Sep 26, 2021

For those who’ve had reconstruction, how long did you have to wait from your final expansion to your second surgery? I’m having to wait three months, which seems excessive. Just wondering if this is what others have experienced, or if I have a unique scheduling issue.

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KK57 | @kk57 | Sep 28, 2021

Thanks, all. I guess at Mayo you must wait three months from last expansion for healing purposes. Wasn’t expecting that, but sounds like it is similar everywhere. Good luck, all. Sending healing energy.

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d13 | @d13 | Sep 28, 2021
In reply to @kk57 "Thanks, all. I guess at Mayo you must wait three months from last expansion for healing..." + (show)
@kk57

Thanks, all. I guess at Mayo you must wait three months from last expansion for healing purposes. Wasn’t expecting that, but sounds like it is similar everywhere. Good luck, all. Sending healing energy.

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Well, then, If they have me wait three months, then by December I should be able to have the permanent implants put in. The left breast cancer was 26 years ago. I had that implant done 7 years after cancer treatments. Now when I have my expander taken out on the right breast to have the permanent implant put in, the plastic surgeon is going to take out the old implant in the left to put in a new implant because of how old it is. He said they should be replaced every 10-15 years. Any comments on this?

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KK57 | @kk57 | Sep 29, 2021

@d13 Sounds like you’re ready for your final implant! Kudos to your surgeon for giving you two new ones. Fresh start. And probably higher likelihood for symmetry. Best of luck!

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KK57 | @kk57 | Sep 29, 2021
In reply to @vsunshine18 "Depends on Dr. Originally my nurse told me I would have to wait 3 months. I..." + (show)
@vsunshine18

Depends on Dr. Originally my nurse told me I would have to wait 3 months. I asked why and she told me that they take cancer patients over reconstruction. Since I'm cancer free now there's no urgency in my surgery. I was so disappointed but when I went for the pre op appointment and the scheduler scheduled me for about 3 weeks out. I was so relieved. I'm 8 weeks post surgery now and feel much better. Hope that helps.

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Ah, thanks. Thought that may be an underlying factor @vsunshine18. I wasn’t so lucky. Eager to get the expanders out. Thanks for your story.

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