Nipple Removal

I've got to have my nippl and areola removed because the CA is going into the nipple.  Doe anyy one have experience with it.  Can't find much on the internet.

 Thanks,

Jill

I'm not sure of all the circumstances of your situation, of course, but I had to have a mastectomy because the "segmental mastectomy" (lumpectomy) I had originally didn't get all the cancer. I don't know what I thought they would do, but I assumed they would leave the nipple. But my surgeon told me that the nipple is just another area of breast tissue and it and the areola had to go. I had reconstructive surgery with a great plastic surgeon and he created a new "nipple" out of my own skin and tattoed it a darker color, then tattoed an areola around it. It honestly looks like the real thing.

Suzie,

 

How much did it cost you?  I'm not o a masectomy (not yet anyways) Just the nipple and areola, the cancer went into the nipple.  The insurance I have doesn't cover reconstruction, it's government and they don't have to abide by government laws.

 

Thanks for responding  -  Jill

Well, the cost is definitely an issue. I do have insurance that covers reconstruction, but I also have a high deductible and high out of pocket payments, so I have spent thousands on my medical bills since I was diagnosed three years ago. I pretty much wiped out my life savings. I still owe thousands on credit cards. My suggestion is if you want to get reconstruction find a plastic surgeon that will work with you. There are some who do a lot of work with breast cancer patients and might be willing to help you minimize the expense. The thing about reconstruction is that it does take place over time. They put a tissue expander in first--they put mine in at the same time I had the mastectomy, and that had to have saved some money because it wasn't two different operations. Then you have periodic visits to the plastic surgeon who adds liquid to the expander and you sort of space those out. Maybe you can find someone who will charge you a lower fee for those. The final surgery, though, is another real surgery with anesthesia and all. That's when they put in the final implant and get you all shaped up. As I said, I would try and find someone who will work with you. None of it is cheap, and it is obscene that we should have to pay so much or that we should be denied these procedures because we can't afford it. I'm so tired of being broke!

Have a consult with a few reconstruction plastic surgeons (your dr. can refer you).  Consults will get you the info you need.  The reconstruction of the nipple wouldn't be as extensive as the previous description since you do not have to replace the entire breast, i.e., no expanders or implant.