Edith Stone
Breast reconstruction patient enjoys results of procedure
Edith Stone was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. The mass in her right breast was the size of a golf ball and was discovered during a routine mammogram. After having the lump removed, Stone underwent 38 treatments of radiation.
But her battle with cancer wasn't over. In April 2008, while doing a self-examination, she noticed two lumps in the same breast. Her mammogram confirmed her suspicions that the cancer had returned. This time around she didn't have the option of receiving more radiation treatments.
"I ended up having my entire right breast removed as the only option for saving my life," said Stone.
The mastectomy
Miren Schinco, MD, a University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville associate professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Acute Care Surgery, performed Stone's mastectomy on July 10.
According to Schinco, there are three primary reasons women have a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy: the cancer has spread within the remaining breast tissue; patients do not want to or cannot undergo radiation therapy; or they do not have much breast to preserve.
In Stone's case, she could not take any more radiation. Following her mastectomy she decided to have breast reconstruction surgery.
"If I hadn't made this decision, I probably would have gone into a bad depression from losing my breast," added Stone.
Some women experience different emotions following a mastectomy, including depression, negative self-image and grief.
Christopher Vashi, MD, a UF assistant professor of plastic surgery, performed the reconstructive surgery on Nov. 4. He said the surgery that Stone underwent is becoming more common following a mastectomy.
The breast reconstruction process
 Stone meets with Christopher Vashi, MD. The procedure involves inserting an expander under the large muscle in the chest wall to begin the skin-stretching process. Over a period of six to eight weeks, the skin stretches and eventually allows room for a permanent implant. Once the skin has been stretched enough, the temporary expander is removed and an implant is put in.
There are a number of advantages to this type of reconstructive surgery that include a shorter stay in the hospital, a shorter recovery time and less scarring. Having breast reconstruction also improves self-esteem and body image. Vashi said the procedure is less painful when compared to another type of breast reconstruction known as the TRAM flap. The TRAM flap involves removing a portion of skin, fat and muscle from the lower abdomen and transferring it to the mastectomy site. These tissues are then used to construct a new breast.
A disadvantage of reconstructive surgery using silicone breast implants is the possibility that the implants may need to be replaced after 10 years. Other disadvantages include a prolonged skin-stretching process, risk of the implant or expander rupturing and the breast having a less natural shape.
"Women should be aware that the biggest complication with implant reconstruction is infection," said Vashi. "If the implant or the expander becomes infected, it will need to be removed and reconstruction can be reattempted within four to six weeks after the infection has cleared. The good news is infection rates are less than 1 percent."
Know your options
Reconstruction surgery may not be for everyone and will depend on a number of factors, including the patient's health, the size of the breasts before surgery and whether or not there is enough excess body tissue to allow for skin stretching.
Stone said she believes the breast reconstruction surgery was a great option after having a mastectomy. What she liked most about the procedure is how natural her new breast looks and feels when compared to the other one.
"The only thing that is artificial is the implant itself," said Stone. "It (surgery) truly is a wonderful thing."
Stone believes that it is important for women to educate themselves on breast cancer and to know all of their options.
"I have two daughters," said Stone. "I'm the only one in my family who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. My two daughters are very leery now, but they both are getting their mammograms done."
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