Reconstruction after 11 years???

joyadams
joyadams Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had DCIS and squamous cell carcinoma on the nipple 11 years ago. I received a modified radical mastectomy with no lymph involved. I was not offered reconstruction. I have gotten very tired of a prosthesis since I am in the middle of menopause and the hot flashes are sometimes unbearable. I am wondering if I am foolish for having this surgery after such a long time? Are there others that have had this reconstruction done after waiting so long? Did you decide on a tram or an implant? How did you do post surgery? Thanks to anyone who can help me!

Comments

  • marytres
    marytres Member Posts: 144
    #2
    Hi, don't know much about what kind of surgery to go for, that you should decide with your surgeon but I haven't had reconstruction yet either. It'll be 4 years in Feb. but I want to reach my 5 year mark before having surgery. It was a decision I took after discussing it with my oncologist. So, in my opinion, I say, go for it and good luck! Happy New Year too. Hugs, Marie
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #3
    marytres said:

    Hi, don't know much about what kind of surgery to go for, that you should decide with your surgeon but I haven't had reconstruction yet either. It'll be 4 years in Feb. but I want to reach my 5 year mark before having surgery. It was a decision I took after discussing it with my oncologist. So, in my opinion, I say, go for it and good luck! Happy New Year too. Hugs, Marie

    My time line is much the same as Marie's. During the period of time I've been treading water here, someone mentioned Becker implants, and I went from having no interest in any of it to a great deal of interest for future consideration. The Becker implants serve as both expander and permanent implant... the fill tubes are removed when desired effect is achieved. It is part gel, with saline expansion capability. My breast forms continue to peep out of my neckline now and then no matter what garment I try, and when it happened on Christmas Day at a gathering with my eight siblings, their significant others and children, my interest in reconstruction took a giant step forward. To tell you the truth, I think you might have a more predictable stable result after 11 years than if you had elected to proceed immediately after the mastectomy. The surgeon can provide the kind of information you need right now. Keep in touch.
    Hugs,
    Denise
  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    #4
    Hi know i dont think your crazy or anything for waiting this long and if you just know want to do it then go for it.I had a mastecomy a year ago and just went in yesterday and talked to a doc about reconsturction.Iam dealing with the same thing Tram vs Implants.I know implants have a smaller recovery time but tram is your own skin.I wish you the best of luck in wich ever one you decde on.Have you talked to a surgeon yet?Bunnie
  • joyadams
    joyadams Member Posts: 5
    #5
    bunnie said:

    Hi know i dont think your crazy or anything for waiting this long and if you just know want to do it then go for it.I had a mastecomy a year ago and just went in yesterday and talked to a doc about reconsturction.Iam dealing with the same thing Tram vs Implants.I know implants have a smaller recovery time but tram is your own skin.I wish you the best of luck in wich ever one you decde on.Have you talked to a surgeon yet?Bunnie

    Bunnie, thanks for your reply. I have talked to a surgeon 2 different times. He says I do not have enough body fat for a tram flap. I kind of wonder if he is right, I am not that thin!!! I guess it's how much you are willing to go through. I do know the tram is several hours of surgery and a large scar on the abdomen, pelvic bone to plevic bone. I am 55 and very active, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I am doing this. After 10 years, everyone I know has adapted to my situation. Good luck with your decision. The one thing I do know is it HAS TO BE YOUR DECISION! You can't do it for anyone else. Happy New Year and God Bless you!
  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    #6
    joyadams said:

    Bunnie, thanks for your reply. I have talked to a surgeon 2 different times. He says I do not have enough body fat for a tram flap. I kind of wonder if he is right, I am not that thin!!! I guess it's how much you are willing to go through. I do know the tram is several hours of surgery and a large scar on the abdomen, pelvic bone to plevic bone. I am 55 and very active, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I am doing this. After 10 years, everyone I know has adapted to my situation. Good luck with your decision. The one thing I do know is it HAS TO BE YOUR DECISION! You can't do it for anyone else. Happy New Year and God Bless you!

    Thanks i agree with you whole heartaly it has too be your decision alone no one can make it for you.We have all been through so much already.Have a good new year Amy
  • banker
    banker Member Posts: 317 Member
    #7
    Hi there. No you are not foolish. I was dx at age 54 with BC,had mastectomy also, waited one yr before reconstruction. Got tired of the prosthesis, always hot, still have hotflashes. Had the tram flap done, beautiful job I might add. Not really painfull, more of a discomfort. Was back at work after 7 weeks. Just no heavy lifting or sit-ups. I am very active. Had no complications and trusted my doctor completely. Had total understanding of surgery and what to expect. Also saw the surgery twice on TV, that was what convinced me. Happy I did it. I am 60 now. Doing fine. Hope this helps. ((hugs))) emmi
  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #8
    joyadams said:

    Bunnie, thanks for your reply. I have talked to a surgeon 2 different times. He says I do not have enough body fat for a tram flap. I kind of wonder if he is right, I am not that thin!!! I guess it's how much you are willing to go through. I do know the tram is several hours of surgery and a large scar on the abdomen, pelvic bone to plevic bone. I am 55 and very active, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I am doing this. After 10 years, everyone I know has adapted to my situation. Good luck with your decision. The one thing I do know is it HAS TO BE YOUR DECISION! You can't do it for anyone else. Happy New Year and God Bless you!

    >> I am 55 and very active, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I am doing this. After 10 years, everyone I know has adapted to my situation. <<

    I passed on commenting earlier but after reading the above along with your earlier comment about menopause and unbearable hot flashes, I'll add my 2 cents worth for what it's worth!

    You say everybody has adapted to your situation - but how about you? i don't see any problem with someone else adapting to something that is not part of their body!!!

    You are clearly ambivalent about this so I would say you need more time. Reconstruction will not help your hot flashes which may make the prosthesis more annoying than if you were not in menopause. For myself, I 'think' I would go on without reconstruction as so many years have gone by- but my middle name could be 'caution' - LOL!

    It seems to me though that reconstruction is something that you think will solve something else not connected with this at all- just a feeling I got from your second post.

    Explore your options and especially your reasons.
    Good Luck,
    Jean
  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #9
    joyadams said:

    Bunnie, thanks for your reply. I have talked to a surgeon 2 different times. He says I do not have enough body fat for a tram flap. I kind of wonder if he is right, I am not that thin!!! I guess it's how much you are willing to go through. I do know the tram is several hours of surgery and a large scar on the abdomen, pelvic bone to plevic bone. I am 55 and very active, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I am doing this. After 10 years, everyone I know has adapted to my situation. Good luck with your decision. The one thing I do know is it HAS TO BE YOUR DECISION! You can't do it for anyone else. Happy New Year and God Bless you!

    >> I am 55 and very active, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I am doing this. After 10 years, everyone I know has adapted to my situation. <<

    I passed on commenting earlier but after reading the above along with your earlier comment about menopause and unbearable hot flashes, I'll add my 2 cents worth for what it's worth!

    You say everybody has adapted to your situation - but how about you? i don't see any problem with someone else adapting to something that is not part of their body!!!

    You are clearly ambivalent about this so I would say you need more time. Reconstruction will not help your hot flashes which may make the prosthesis more annoying than if you were not in menopause. For myself, I 'think' I would go on without reconstruction as so many years have gone by- but my middle name could be 'caution' - LOL!

    It seems to me though that reconstruction is something that you think will solve something else not connected with this at all- just a feeling I got from your second post.

    Explore your options and especially your reasons.
    Good Luck,
    Jean
  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #10
    jeancmici said:

    >> I am 55 and very active, but sometimes I wonder exactly why I am doing this. After 10 years, everyone I know has adapted to my situation. <<

    I passed on commenting earlier but after reading the above along with your earlier comment about menopause and unbearable hot flashes, I'll add my 2 cents worth for what it's worth!

    You say everybody has adapted to your situation - but how about you? i don't see any problem with someone else adapting to something that is not part of their body!!!

    You are clearly ambivalent about this so I would say you need more time. Reconstruction will not help your hot flashes which may make the prosthesis more annoying than if you were not in menopause. For myself, I 'think' I would go on without reconstruction as so many years have gone by- but my middle name could be 'caution' - LOL!

    It seems to me though that reconstruction is something that you think will solve something else not connected with this at all- just a feeling I got from your second post.

    Explore your options and especially your reasons.
    Good Luck,
    Jean</p>

    Don't know how these double posting come up sometimes- SORRY!!!
  • sarajane
    sarajane Member Posts: 22
    #11
    I know what you mean about the hot flashes...it took about 9 months for them to simmer down and I still get some thanks to my medication. Have you looked at wearing a teddie instead of something heavy....they are very soft and while they do not due much for your figure i pretended I was twiggy for a while and at least I was comfortable. ALSO i DISCOVERED THAT THEY ARE A LOT OF FALSIES OUT THERE..THE KEY IS BEING PROPERLY FITTED..DO NOT RUSH INTO SOMETHING UNLERSS YOU ARE SURE IT FOR YOU AND FOR THE LONG TERM.
  • dstarnes
    dstarnes Member Posts: 14
    #12
    I too am waiting - scared more than anything. It will be 5 yrs this fall. After having scare from hys., and breast canc. - I think reconstruction should be a breeze, though. Good luck.

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