The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Tram Flap Reconstruction

neenie
neenie CSN Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi Everyone!

I'm a 6 yr. inflammatory breast cancer survivor, and will be ending tamoxifen treatment in September. Now I'm seriously considering tram flap reconstruction. The plastic surgeon said I'd be back to work (desk job) 2 weeks after surgery. Is this realistic? I'd like to hear from those who had this type of reconstruction. I want to hear the good and bad so I can make an informed decision. I'm 46 yrs. old and have worn a prothesis for 6 yrs. I really hate the prothesis because it slides around, but I want to stay healthy. Is reconstruction worth the risk of complications (i.e., hernia)? Thanks for any information you can offer. Neenie
Like Care

Comments

  • carolh
    carolh CSN Member Posts: 18
    #2
    Hi Neenie: I am amazed that your doctor said you'd be back at work after 2 weeks. I had a TRAM 18 months ago and was told I'd be off at least 8 weeks. In fact I took 10 weeks off work and I really needed that time, too. I had a double TRAM (6-1/2 hour surgery), so perhaps that's why I needed longer to recover. Make no mistake, the TRAM is a HUGE operation. Having said that, I highly recommend it and certainly have no regrets. I know what you mean about the prosthesis - I hated it, too.
    Best wishes, Carol (Vancouver, BC)
    Like Care
  • doris36
    doris36 CSN Member Posts: 16
    #3
    Hi Neenie! I am 6 weeks out of tram flap surgery and feeling great! I had a mastectomy with the recon at the same time. I am 36 years old with stage 1 ductal carcinoma. I still have to go through chemo so my recon won't be complete for a while, but so far so good. I went to the PS last week who said everything looked good and I could do just about everything except lift over 5 lbs. (I have 3 small children - so I did "go back to work" about 2 weeks after my surgery.) The surgery was tough, but not too bad. See if your Dr offers an epidural for pain management - it worked great! And expect to be numb throughout most of your torso, which probably helps to keep some of the pain away. The worst pain I felt was if I coughed, sneezed or laughed, other than that it's bearable. Hope this helps - feel free to email at DorisFinn@msn.com
    Like Care
  • doris36
    doris36 CSN Member Posts: 16
    #4
    Hi Neenie! I am 6 weeks out of tram flap surgery and feeling great! I had a mastectomy with the recon at the same time. I am 36 years old with stage 1 ductal carcinoma. I still have to go through chemo so my recon won't be complete for a while, but so far so good. I went to the PS last week who said everything looked good and I could do just about everything except lift over 5 lbs. (I have 3 small children - so I did "go back to work" about 2 weeks after my surgery.) The surgery was tough, but not too bad. See if your Dr offers an epidural for pain management - it worked great! And expect to be numb throughout most of your torso, which probably helps to keep some of the pain away. The worst pain I felt was if I coughed, sneezed or laughed, other than that it's bearable. Hope this helps - feel free to email at DorisFinn@msn.com
    Like Care
  • shirlann
    shirlann CSN Member Posts: 229
    #5
    Hi, Neenie, my daughter-in-law just had this surgery and I don't think 2 weeks in unrealistic, provided you are not hanging wall board? She really looks nice, I would go for it. If you have to stay home another few days or a week, so what? Just say, dang. Hugs, Shirlann
    Like Care
  • banker
    banker CSN Member Posts: 317 Member
    #6
    Hi Neenie, go for it, I had Tram Flap 3 yrs ago, went back to work after 8 weeks, desk job -banker. Could not lift anything over 5 lbs. Otherwise all went well, I like the result. Glad I did it, I am 58 now. If you have any questions just e-mail me. God luck and best wishes...Love Emmi
    Like Care

Discussion Boards