Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation | Breast Cancer

Bilateral total mastectomies with silicone implants
Age 44 at diagnosis (1984)
Age 57 in photo (1997)

I had a lumpectomy at the end of August, 1984, which was diagnosed as hyperplasia (excessive growth of cells). After consulting with my family physician and two surgeons I decided to proceed with bilateral mastectomies to avoid any further breast disease and the risk of cancer. In October, 1984, I had the mastectomy surgery and breast reconstruction with silicone implants.

When I had my lumpectomy a hematoma (collection of blood in the tissue) and infection resulted at the surgical site. The wound had to be reopened and drained. This was both painful and repulsive (smelly, gross stuff came out of the wound and hot compresses had to be applied over several days).

Certainly, I did not want to be in the position of having to have repeated lumpectomies, which one of the surgeons felt was a distinct possibility. I also did not want to be in the position of fearing I would miss finding a lump and that breast cancer could develop. It seemed at the time that having my breasts removed would be the best course of action--it would take away all the fear and anxiety. During this time my husband and I were already having marriage counseling. He did not provide any emotional support for me, and my only child still at home was my then 16-year-old daughter. She was too young to confide in with my fears, and I was very alone with my thoughts and my decisions. My husband and I finally divorced in 1986.

Initially, the implants were very noticeable to me--every time I moved I could feel them in my chest. I was aware that my own breasts were gone and that I had plastic breasts. I believed I looked okay, but my brain didn't seem willing to allow for plastic replacement parts. It was six or more months before I "forgot" the presence of something foreign in my body. In 1985--just one year after my initial implant surgery--I had to have my left breast implant repositioned, since it had shifted significantly to the left and was interfering with my arm movements.

In 1986, because of further difficulties with the left implant, I had the original implant removed and replaced. In 1991, due to continuing difficulties with scar tissue, capsular contraction and hardening of the implants, I had surgery to remove and replace both implants. Each surgery put me through the same mental and physical discomforts as the first surgery had.

Each surgery required a lengthy period of getting over feeling the implants every time I moved. And, after each surgery, I felt like I had lost my original breast all over again. I wish that, during my original presurgical discussion with the surgeon, I had paid closer attention to "the fine print" words. Certainly, he must have reviewed the potential complications of implant surgery with me at that time, although I have no clear recollection of that.

I had an allergic reaction immediately after the first surgery, which caused my entire upper torso to break out in an itchy, burning rash. About two months after the initial surgery my left breast implant began to shift seriously to the left. It was nearly impossible to shave my armpits due to the deep indentations under my arms resulting from the breast removal. There was significant buildup of scar tissue underneath the incision sites and across the pectoral muscles.

During the postsurgical healing process body tissue forms around the implants. This is normal and expected; it helps hold and keep the implant in place--the implant becomes encapsulated. Unfortunately, in 35 to 50 percent of patients severe scarring occurs and can cause the affected implant to feel quite firm to the touch. It can also cause physical discomfort when the pectoral muscles are flexed, stretched or contracted in any way. This is what happened to me, which is why I had so many additional surgeries.

My last surgery in 1991 did little to correct the scarring and the firmness of the breast implants I have today. Additionally, my right breast implant has migrated upward about an inch, while the left implant has again shifted slightly to the left. These disappointments are not so noticeable when I have my clothes on, but I am not happy with my naked self.

I am happy to have taken away the fear of recurring lumpectomies and breast cancer. However, the silicone breast implant controversy causes me varying degrees of stress from time to time, although I choose to believe that any present physical complaints I have are related to my age rather than my breast implants. I am not sure what decision I would have made about breast reconstruction with the knowledge I have today, but I am certain that mastectomy was the right decision for my continuing emotional well being, regardless.

The most important thing to remember when you are making choices is to choose the action which makes you feel most comfortable.

Carole: Bilateral total mastectomies with silicone implants