Читать книгу The Lovin' Ain't Over for Women with Cancer - Ralph Alterowitz - Страница 29

Many women who have had a double mastectomy expect or are given the impression that reconstruction will give them perfectly matched, equal size breasts. In the case of a single reconstruction, they usually believe that the reconstructed breast will closely match the existing breast. Unfortunately, depending upon the quality of the reconstructive surgery and the skill of the surgeon, this is often not the case.

Many women have found that a reconstructed breast, even one well matched at the beginning, may no longer match in situations of weight change and as they get older. Mismatch can also occur with changes in the implant itself.

Other possible complications following breast reconstruction include capsular contraction (tightening of the scar tissue that forms around the implant), infection, hematoma (where blood collects around the implant), delayed wound healing, shifting of the implant, and even rejection of the implant(s) by the body. Women should also be aware that implants are not permanent, and will need to be replaced at some point in the future, requiring further surgery.

One woman had to have nine surgeries related to the reconstructive surgery, some planned and some due to unexpected complications. Nevertheless, she is glad she had the reconstruction.

Some women who have reconstruction want their body’s appearance to be as close as possible to the figure they had before surgery, and some may hope for breasts that are superior in appearance to what they had before. Sometimes this is possible and sometimes it is not. Some women have reconstructive surgery because they want to continue pleasing their partners. Unfortunately, that does not always work. “I can’t get him to put his hand on that breast,” said one woman. “If I put it there, he’ll leave it on for a minute and then take it off.” Her husband comments that her reconstructed breast does not feel as soft and natural as her other breast. Some types of reconstruction feel more natural than others.

The biggest complaint about reconstruction is that women miss feeling aroused by the touch on the breast. The reason: Reconstruction is a cosmetic solution. It does not restore the nerves; therefore the sensitivity in the breast is lost. The good news is that a couple engaging in “whole-body sex” will find plenty of other areas to touch that will arouse both partners.

The greatest benefit expressed by women who have had reconstruction is that it makes them feel that their body looks normal and attractive. Some women who had “matching work” done on the other breast even feel they got an extra bonus because their breasts are now larger or smaller than before, making them look the way they always wanted.

In this chapter, we only discussed the effects of reconstruction on sexuality and body image. The appendix titled “Reconstruction Options” addresses more questions women ask when they are faced with the decision whether they should opt for reconstruction, such as:

•Who should I consult with?

•Is it a good idea to talk with a plastic surgeon before I have a mastectomy?

•When can reconstructive surgery be performed? Does it have to be done at the same time as the mastectomy?

•What are the various reconstruction options?

•How much do these procedures cost? Will they be covered by my insurance?

•How long will it take for me to recover?