How an unexpected option
changed Christine’s
mastectomy experience*
When Christine prepared for mastectomy, she
knew it might mean living with a numb chest.
Read about her experience with the Resensation®
technique with Avance® (acellular nerve
allograft–arwx).
3 minute read
Preparing for the worst
When Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer, her doctors were able to stop it from spreading to her lymph nodes. Unfortunately, it continued traveling into her breast tissue. She prepared herself for a mastectomy and was aware this might mean loss of chest sensation.1
“I just kind of assumed I would lose sensation or feeling,” she said.
Unexpected options
Like many women facing breast cancer, Christine had a limited sense of her reconstruction options. Her surgeon guided her through breast reconstruction options. He also discussed the potential of including the Resensation technique as part of her treatment plan.
Understanding numbness
During a mastectomy, the nerves are cut when the breast tissue is removed.2 Christine’s surgeon explained this by likening nerves to wires: “It’s like if you cut the cord between a TV and the outlet. The TV is not going to work, unless you bring in a new cord and connect the two.”
He explained that during mastectomy, the “cord” between the chest wall and the skin is removed, which is why many patients lose sensation in those areas.4
A bold way forward
Christine’s surgeon recommended that her plan include the Resensation technique, which would allow him to reconnect nerves cut during her mastectomy with the nerves in her reconstructed breast.3 Over time, Avance would provide the structure and environment for her nerves to regenerate.4
Before meeting with her surgeon, Christine had no idea the Resensation technique existed. She was overjoyed to learn about this option for her cancer journey.
To know that I have this chance, [I thought], I'm going to do this.Christine
Moving on
After her breast reconstruction with the Resensation technique, Christine talked to a friend who also had a mastectomy. Her friend was sharing how the numbness was uncomfortable—even a simple everyday thing like putting your seatbelt on.
Now, Christine hopes to help make other women aware that the Resensation technique is an option.
*Each patient outcome is dependent upon the nature and extent of nerve loss or damage, the timing between nerve loss and repair, and the natural course of the patient’s recovery. These testimonials reflect the experience of the particular individual and may not represent typical results.
References
- Flowers K, et al. Pain, numbness, or both? Distinguishing the longitudinal course and predictors of positive, painful neuropathic features vs numbness after breast cancer surgery. PAIN Reports. 2021;6(4):e976. doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000976
- O’Neill RC, et al. Modern approaches to breast neurotization. Clin Plast Surg. 2023;50(2):347-355. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2022.10.003
- Djohan R, et al. Sensory restoration in abdominally based free flaps for breast reconstruction using nerve allograft. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023;151(1):25-33. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000009773
- Avance® (acellular nerve allograft-arwx) US Prescribing Information, Alachua FL: Axogen corporation; 2026.
Read more stories
Hear from more patients about their experiences with the Resensation technique.
What is AVANCE® (acellular nerve allograft-arwx)?
AVANCE is a sterile nerve graft prepared from donated human tissue. AVANCE is implanted in patients with cut nerves to help restore sensory function.
Important Safety Information
AVANCE has risks related to surgery and the use of donated human tissue that you should understand before treatment.
Surgical and Procedure-Related Risks
As with any nerve repair surgery, complications can occur. Risks related to the surgical procedure and use of AVANCE may include pain, increased sensitivity at the implant site, swelling, bleeding, and infection. Other risks may include scarring (including thick or raised scars), delayed wound healing, scar tissue, and formation of a painful nerve growth. Some patients may experience loss, decrease, or change in sensation or movement in the area being treated. A serious problem involving wound healing has also been reported.
Risk of Infectious Disease Transmission
Because AVANCE is made from donated human tissue, it can pass on infectious diseases. Donors are carefully screened and tested for viruses and other infectious agents. However, these measures do not completely eliminate the risk of disease transmission. All infections thought to be transmitted by AVANCE should be reported to Axogen Corporation at 1-888-296-4361.
What to Watch for After Surgery
After your procedure, your doctor will monitor your healing and nerve recovery. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following:
- Redness, swelling, warmth, or increasing pain at the surgical site
- Drainage or signs of infection
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or pain
- Changes in movement or weakness
- Any other symptoms that concern you
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions during recovery and rehabilitation.