Breast Reconstruction with Allo Derm

[pecwae]

I am scheduled for bilateral breast reconstruction using Allo Derm (cadaver tissue) Nov. 30. Allo Derm has been used for grafting for burn patients for several decades. It's been used for immediate breast reconstruction after surgery only this past summer. The PS are only now venturing out with using it for delayed reconstruction and my PS has done five patients so far.

The most fantastic part of using it is that I don't have to lose a lat in having the recon! This will save time in the OR, but even better, it will save pain and the healing proces from having a muscle moved. Plus, the Allo Derm is non cellular so rejection is practically nil, no chance of it harboring disease. Another plus is only an overnight in the hospital

I'll still have to do expanders and swap out after a few months, but I was dreading the first surgery; now I'm not!

[OzarkDem]

1. Let us know how it goes

Does it work with radiated skin? I know of a couple of women who want to have mastectomies after recurrence and radiation therapy skin mets.

This sounds like a great alternative. I had the latissimus flap and it was very painful. Let us know how it goes.

[pecwae]

2. Yes, it does work

with radiated skin. That's one of the main reason my PS is doing this on me. My irradiated side has practically no muscle left from surgery in addition to radiation and the Allo Derm extra thick will be used there. My PS is very pleased with the 5 recons she's done with the Allo Derm (2 were on radiated skin) and showed me the photo results. I'll post after surgery as well.

I'm very excited about this! I was not looking forward to the pain of losing that lat. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

[Imalittleteapot]

3. Good Luck 11/30

I am anxious to hear about your experience. As soon as your able, post your thoughts.

[Irishonly]

4. A am

anxious to hear how everything turns out. It sounds fantastic. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[pecwae]

5. My surgery was postponed until next Thursday

Dec. 14. My PS had a family emergency and had to reschedule. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. The results I've seen look great. Two more pluses are: I won't have to stay overnight if I don't want to and no drains!

[flamingyouth]

6. Good luck with your procedure

Sorry to hear about the delay, but it sounds like it will be great when it's all over (maybe no overnight stay and no drains are two huge pluses!). :)

[OzarkDem]

7. No drains! Great!

Let us know how it goes, I've heard some others talking about Allo-Derm, too.

[Auntie Bush]

8. Bless you and your surgery and may you have fantastic results. n/t

[Imalittleteapot]

9. 2 days to go.

No drains. No overnight stay. Great!!!

Please keep in touch. We are all anxious to hear about Allo Derm and how you are doing.

You are in my thoughts - wishing you the very best.

[flamingyouth]

10. Hey pecwae

Thinking of you today. Hope all went well. :hug:

[pecwae]

11. Hello All!

Well, I did end up staying overnight since I had a little anesthesia problem (no biggie, they just wanted to watch me) and it was like a luxury hotel! I couldn't believe it when they wheeled me in from recovery; carpet in the halls and rooms, a desk with ornate mirror and beautiful dried flower arrangement, wallpaper, and all private with sparkling clean bathroom. This was Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center in Durham, NC and I must highly recommend it. One wouldn't find a more accomodating, professional staff either.

The bad news is--PAIN! I knew the day after is always worse for me, but I wasn't prepared for this level of pain and discomfort. I have percocet 5/325 and am taking 2 every four hours and am still maintaining about level 6 pain. Plus, I'm spiking a little temp tonight (this always happens with me after surgery as well) and am still really restless from the anesthesia.

My PS only used the Alloderm on my radiated (right) side, under the muscle with the expander. I didn't need it on my prophylactic side since there was still lots of my own tissue left. The doc says there was very little radiation damage which pleasantly surprised her.

I'm her 8th Alloderm reconstruction and all have done well. She fully expects me to do excellently as do I. And no drains! She stopped using them because they were causing infections. I had them after my mastectomy and developed cellulitis.

I've told you all more than you ever wanted to know, but also know that your warm wishes, prayers, blessings and peaceful thoughts helped me through this. Ha! The anesthetist said I woke up with a smile on my face.

:grouphug: to return the love.

[Imalittleteapot]

12. I've heard that reconstruction pain is way worse than

a mastectomy. Sorry you're so miserable. But it sounds as if your spirits are high, which is 3/4 of the battle.

Do you have a recliner, like a Lazy Boy? Several women have told me that a recliner is a must for sleeping during the reconstruction process. Wish I had one. Getting comfortable to sleep ( even on Vicodin) is impossible.

Thanks so much for posting and keep those reports coming.

:hug:

[ShabbySherrie]

13. allo derm after radiation

i have been searching for someone to do this procedure for 5 years(!!!). i have heard of all the 'flap' surgeries, but i am absolutely NOT candadate for several reasons. i never understood why this was not being used!!! i even thought about contacting a burn unit and asking if they would TRY it!

i'm in houston -- does ANYONE know of a doctor doing this procedure in texas? if not, is this still something someone like me might get into for study purposes?

i am insured -- i know they will pay for reconstruction, but it's a matter of finding someone to do it.

i would appreciate ANY information anyone has. shabbysherrie.com

[noiretextatique]

14. if you don't get any reponses here

try breastcancer.org. they have a wealth of information, and they have chat rooms. you may find some resources there.
good luck!