DIEP flap

mama999

I am planning to have DIEP flap reconstruction in June. (where they take fat and skin from stomach and reattach at breast site, microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels) I had bilateral masts 11/02, do not need radiation or chemo. I am taking armedex for 5 yrs. Did not consider reconstruction at the time of mast, really didn't think I'd want it, but I hate the protestis, not too happy about the simple lightweight puffs I'm wearing now either. And I'm not comfortable with nothing although I applaud those that are, the scars are so ugly and I feel mutilated. (Although I do have this reoccuring daydream about getting radical and going topless like men get to do I'm obese and trying to lose some weight before surgery. I'm a single foster/ adoptive parent (well not fostering right now) and I teach public school. So I'll be off and have more help with the kids during the summer.
Anyone know anyone who's had this surgery?
Mary

banker

Hi, I had a Tram Flap 1 year after single mastectomy. It is a similar surgery, difference beeing, the stomach muscle with the main blood supply stays attached and get tunneled up to the mastectomy site. The result is great, glad I did it for the same reason you are doing it. Prosteses was heavy and hot. Best wishes and a speedy recovery. Emmi

meteena

I had abdominal tram flap done in 1994 after 2 years of chemo, bonemarrow transplant, stem cell transplant and radiation. I was 33 years old. I will be honest and tell you it was the most painful thing I have ever had. I was unable to set up for 4 weeks. I still can't set up from a lying down position BUT I am glad I had it done. I didn't finish the reconstruction but I have pretty good symetry and can look fairly normal in my clothes. I had a prosthesis for 2 years while going thru treatment and it was not for me. I knew when I had my mastectomy that I would have the reconstruction but I didn't know it would be bilateral until after the path report. I am glad I did it..GOOD LUCK,

STACYASONIC

Mary,
I had my tram done 1 1/2 years ago. It was hard in the beginning because your incisions are long and spread out. I prayed during the first week that I would not sneeze cause I knew it was going to hurt real bad, and that my stomach would rip open, but they send you home with a band tight around your waist to help hold everything together. Make sure you wear that for the whole time that your doctor tells you to. I didn't, and I think my abd incision suffered a little bit for that. In the beginning, you think that you are in worst shape than before the surgery, but this process is not just one surgery, it is followed by a few much smaller ASU visits that, as time goes by, you start to see a real breast be created. I just recently started nipple construction, which was done in the doctor office, and I am amazed how lifelike it is. I am now in process of having that nipple tattooed to match my real nipple on the other side. I could have done some of these things sooner, but I didn't want to mess up two summers in a row, so I delayed some of the reconstruction to wait til wintertime. At the time of my tram, my doctor also modified my good breast (made it a little smaller) so it wouldn't be so hard to match them up later.(My breast weren't really large, they were just heavy and he took care of that. I went from a C cup to a B cup.) and I didn't mind that at all. All in All, I am glad I chose this way, Now at 41 years old, My breast do Not hang down, I don't even need a bra on, but I always have one nipple always shinning, cause it is set that way permanently. Sometimes I put a band-aid over it, depending on what type of shirt I am wearing. But the biggest satisfaction is when I spend time with my husband, cause the scars are fading, and I really look like normal. (I felt self conscience about not having a nipple, It distracted me. Now, I have to really think about my breast cancer experience, cause now I can ALMOST think it was not real.. Good Luck to you!!!

Stacy