I too have auto-immune issues [serious ones], and Cancer...I received an implant and am in [I believe] a clinical trial for same... For me: I ALREADY had immune issues, more than one. For me: the implant issue was a no brainer as I had severe balance deficits and that few extra ounces of whatever stuff made the difference between listing to dangerous falls or maybe keeping an even keel.
The surgeon and plastic surgeon I was lucky enough to have counsel and treatment from are both researchers and practioners of the highest degree. Both having done extensive research in major area facilities on this very subject. I did not go into this all blindly! Nor for vanity purposes at all-merely pragmatic ones.
BTW? I'm in a TEN year trial, not a quickie...and, I get tested out the wazoo for the cancer, my immune issues and other stuffs that you would not believe...

Believe me, I understand and appreciate all the creatures who sacrifice their lives for my health! Did you know that there are specialized breeds of creatures to help research in auto-immune diseases such as Alzheimers, MS, MD, Immune Deficiencies and Parkinsons? I have to tell you that I once encountered a PETA person who was soo ignorant of key relevant facts about some critters, that when I shared it w/other professionals in that animal field...they all almost choked in laughter? This person was serious, well meaning, but had NO grasp of facts...IN CONTEXT. Me? I am grateful daily that these creatures are giving their lives to help the well being of me and soo many others. They are valuable animals that are well cared for..I know of vets who are on-call to such facilities and they are amazed at the quality of their care.

Soo, I have to ask YOU? Do YOU have immune issues? If so what? There are many here all over the boards who have them, but, we also happen to have 'implants' of varied types, not only 'breast' implants. Knee, Hip, and you name it's...who have effects of our bodies simply not liking them.

IF you have immune issues, there are many on these boards who can help you. Or steer you to resources that can help you. Please don't hesitate to ask questions, I am sure that either I or many others will try and help you - j

any site u can share that deaks with cancer treatment for us w/CFS; FM; PMR; HYPOTHYROID;AND ADRENAL FATIGUE? 6 yrs ago I had a mastectomy w/ TRAMflap reconstruction because i didn't want a foreign matter put inside me. Now i'm facing a 2nd mastectomy & the TRAMflap is not an option> HELP ASAP....i want to get this cut out & rebuit if possible. Hope you're improving in health issues...God bless..........

CIDP after a year of first a neurologist who felt that it was merely PN. When it kept progressing and was prescribed more Neurontin [turning me into a 'human zombie'] I sought second opinions and then a THIRD opinion to 'move things along. It took me a year to get that CIDP diagnosis and IVIG treatments. 9 months later a 'lump' was found in one breast...thus surgery and the implant and trail.
That I was not tested 'off the bat' for a cancer related neuropathy? [Known as Paraneoplastic PN] is not unusual as a cancer, once it settles in... can take 5-7 years to be diagnosed. So, I could have had cancers causing problems, or not. I'd been having IVIG for almost a year before my mast. and subsequent implant - and some small studies have shown that this treatment could have helped contain the tumor..It was stage 1, either a or b..forget which and 'well contained'.
I'd been hypo thyroid for at least 10 years before the CIDP onset? Which had followed a 10+ week antibiotic course for pneumonia. The thyroid 'acted up' six months after the CIDP onset and my feet and lymph system were likely damaged in that issue, as the feet were swollen at least 3+ times the normal size and have had problems since. Thyroid declared 3 years ago as 'Hashimoto's'-autoimmune.

The implants, as I said, were a no-brainer for me. Balance wise, this little aspect is essential, especially in trying to walk normally and such. That 'TILT' factor is just not what we want or need! I now have definite osteo due to the neuro meds and the post cancer meds I've taken... inspite of good nutrition and supplements [BTW? Mrs D is a genius in this aspect!] Ergo...Falling is NOT an option for me anymore!
This group I've found to be user friendly and informative: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/
I am in a 'trial'? I really don't know HOW I qualified for a 'gummy bear' type of clinical trial, but I do know that I am tested out the wazoo each year - blood work and Pet-Scan wise! Actually the Pet's are the bestest for detecting any other possible hatching issues! All my docs sort of keep touch w/each other now? Why? They are realizing that 'things' mite be related to other 'things'! Hugs and hope always - 's post more and I'll then be able to PM you lots of cancer sites. - j

PS my surgery and implants were done 5-1/2 years ago... hate to count, but ...you know.

While I have a definitive mind on the why's and how's I came to my conclusions? I believe that it is useful for ALL of us to try and sort this all out. YES! I have definitive opinions? But only after extensive researches and a heap of 'homework' in deciding what was best for me.
All I can say is 'so far, good' The tests will be in mid-late spring at the 5-year mark and beyond. Thing is....information from all viewpoints, not one or a few is key to any good decision. IF you ARE keeping mind that any and most 'viewpoints' come from particular biases.. That too leads to even MORE homework that can and usually boggles the mind? I admit to being 'boggled' more than once?
Do not forget that each of us is UNIQUE in what ever we have and how we deal with it? Not to mention how we respond to meds [or not].
Please ask questions! Please post! After 5 posts I can PM you with resources tailored for you?
I hoep this helps you, and I hope you aren't shy.
Please post and I truly hope that I and others can support you in other ways...INFO and hugs? 's - j
PS I'm firm, but I never bite? You get my drift! Good things and soon!