How long is too long to keep a breast expander in.

[Hazellynn50]

I had 1mm of invasive breast cancer, a lumpectomy and a mastectomy in the same month as the doctor thought there may be more cancer but there wasnt.  I was so devastated that I didnt have a reconstruction, it took me 2.5 years to pluck up the courage to try and move on.  I developed lymphedema during this time.  I started the reconstruction process last November after an oopherectomy and hysterectomy as my previous doctor had never thought to check my FSH during my taking Tamoxifen, so everything was taken out due to extremely high estrogen.  A month later I started with the expander.  I was told it would take five months from start to finish, and that I would be completed by April.  I rang and was told it was going to be June, then I went round to find it would be September, and today I rang to be told its now October 21st which will mean that I will have had my expander in for 11 months, just to be a size 34b.  During this time now, I have found I have one atrophic kidney and the other one has started with problems.  I am frightened to death as I have absolutely no faith in what I am going through.  I do not know which way to turn or where to get help.  Am I being paranoid or is this too late??????? I wanted one summer of normality with my children and all I have had is one nightmare after the other.  Has anyone else had a small expander in for such a long time and did they suffer scar tissue.???????  Thank you.

[japdip]

Every case if different and your Plastic Surgeon is the only one who would know how long the expander needs to remain in place in your particular situation. If you aren't happy with the care you are currently receiving then by all means make an appointment with another Plastic Surgeon and get a second opinion. I would hope that you are also seeking treatment from the appropriate Specialist for your kidney problems. Often a person has more than one issue when it comes to health care and each one needs to be dealth with seperately. One other thing ... you mention that you are calling about the expander removal date .. may I suggest that you make an appointment and have a face to face meeting with the Plastic Surgeon for a detailed explanation of the entire situation at this point. i do not approve of many dealings over the phone; it's much too easy to be brushed off at times.   Regards ....

[Hazellynn50]

Hi Jadpip, thank you for your response.  To be honest I have been back three times to see the plastic surgeons face to face and each time they have told me the dates, and once I am gone they revert back to their original plan of goal post moving.  The last time I saw the plastic surgeon to sort this out, he promised that he would lift the other breast at the same time,but I doubt if he will.  Sorry need to vent!  I cannot believe this has all come to me, I dont know if you remember my original posts 3 years ago when they told me I had ductal carcinoma, well it certainly seems to have developed into a horror show.

[japdip]

I did recall your username but at the moment I couldn't connect with the actual problem. I agree with what you say about the "horror show". If it's possible I would certainly try to see someone else if for nothing else but another opinion. This putting off just doesn't seem right unless there is some reason that the Plastic Surgeon isn't making you aware of at the moment. No problem with your venting .... even though it never solves anything it can sure make one feel better !! I don't know how forceful you are being with the Dr. but perhaps you should stomp your feet and pound the table a little. Or, complain so much that they will comply just to get rid of you  LOL; they say it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease you know. Now and then these seemingly impossible situations do occur but somewhere there IS an ending to it all. Let's hope and pray that one comes soon and you can once again get back to LIFE !!