Reconstruction Surger

mfulghum

I was diagnosed with breast cancerin April 2005. Finished with mastectomy, chemo, and radiation January 2006. Decided to wait to do reconstruction until I was stronger. Now it is time to start on this process. I've spoken to my doctor and have the info regarding types of reconstruction but I am sort of confused at this point as to which will be better. Right now leaning toward using the stomach muscles. Has anyone gone through this surgery and willing to discuss?

lovonna

Hi

My name is LoVonna & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 05. In January 06 I had a mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction. This is the procedure using stomach muscle/tissue.

I am very happy with my choice. The down side to this option is that you are hospitalized longer and the recovery time is longer than the other type of reconstruction. I liked the idea of using my own tissue. The idea of a saline or silicone bag hanging off of me the rest of my life just didn't seem very appealing.

I have a scar all the way across my abdomen (spelling?) The reconstructed breast feels very close to a normal breast, but it is numb in about 3/4 of it. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days and wasn't back to my "normal" self for about 4 to 5 weeks. Some ladies go home earlier than that and recover quicker than that and then others take longer. We are all different.

I came home with 3 drains (tubes with a drain bulb on the end). Two from my stomach and 1 from the reconstructed breast. These are not painful, just a bother. I wore the tubes for ten days after I was dismissed from the hospital.

Feel free to ask me anything on this board or if you would like you can send me a message on the CSN mailbox. I try to check it frequently.

Good luck with your decision. LoVonna

mfulghum

lovonna said:

Hi

My name is LoVonna & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 05. In January 06 I had a mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction. This is the procedure using stomach muscle/tissue.

I am very happy with my choice. The down side to this option is that you are hospitalized longer and the recovery time is longer than the other type of reconstruction. I liked the idea of using my own tissue. The idea of a saline or silicone bag hanging off of me the rest of my life just didn't seem very appealing.

I have a scar all the way across my abdomen (spelling?) The reconstructed breast feels very close to a normal breast, but it is numb in about 3/4 of it. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days and wasn't back to my "normal" self for about 4 to 5 weeks. Some ladies go home earlier than that and recover quicker than that and then others take longer. We are all different.

I came home with 3 drains (tubes with a drain bulb on the end). Two from my stomach and 1 from the reconstructed breast. These are not painful, just a bother. I wore the tubes for ten days after I was dismissed from the hospital.

Feel free to ask me anything on this board or if you would like you can send me a message on the CSN mailbox. I try to check it frequently.

Good luck with your decision. LoVonna

Thanks for sharing your experience. Have you had any issues since the tissue transfer from your stomach? I have heard that some experience difficulty setting up, that you have to roll over to get to a setting position. I am really grateful that I am well today. I just wish this part would be over. I think I did the right thing waiting until I was stronger to dp reconstuction but I sure wish it was over.

susabella

Dear mfulghum,
I just had my reconstruction (immediate after bilateral mastectomy). I really wanted a tram flap reconstruction with my stomach muscles as well, but was not a good candidate. I didn't have enough tissue for 2 breasts, they would have been much smaller than the originals! I also have a bad back and my surgeon didn't want to compound that issue which can happen, as your stomach muscles will be permanently weakened, especially with 2 recreated breasts. I was very disappointed at first as I was squeamish about implants and would really have preferred my own tissue. Well, I got used to the idea and went with single-stage silicone implants and am very happy with the results. I have not had the nipples done yet, but will in April. They're quite perky, actually and I'll be able to wear all kinds of pretty swimsuits and tops this summer, not a bad perk! lol. The recovery was also much easier than having the stomach incision. Having had 2 c-sections, I was not looking forward to that! The important thing is that you do what is right for you, and that you have a plan B if plan A doesn't work out. Have a good relationship with your plastic surgeon as well! He/she will be important in making you feel confident with your choice. Good luck and feel free to ask anything here! Best of luck,
Sue

cabbott

I have not had reconstruction, but I have read a lot about it. If you have access to a place where it is done, the DIEP flap or SIEP flap take tummy fat to make the breasts and leave the tummy muscles alone. The plus side of that is less chance of a hernia or long-term muscle weakness problems. The down-side is that you need a real specialist to do it and there aren't many folks around that can. The tram-flap procedure is more common and easier for local plastic surgeons to do. Good luck choosing.

jmintern

Hi. My name is Janet and I was diagnosed in Sept, 2006. After 2 lumpectomies with no clear margins, the drs. told me I needed a mastectomy. This Friday, Jan. 19th, 2007, I will have the mastectomy and a diep flap reconstruction immediately following it. I don't really know what to expect but have spoken to many women. Checked out all the alternatives and decided this was the best one for me.

I will be more than glad to share my experience after the surgery. I am not sure how fast you have to move. I also don't know the ramifications of this surgery but I am about it find out.

I wish you the stamina to wade through all the information on reconstruction. *S Keep a happy thought.

lovonna

In answer to your question about having to roll over to sit up. I was born with scoliosis and at the age of 12 had spinal fusion with herrington rod placed in my back. This left me with no bend in my back, so for 30 plus years I have had to roll over to sit up! LoVonna

wunnybunny1

Ihad bilatteral mastectomies Sept. 25 and finished chemo Dec. 20. I also am looking for advice on what type of reconstruction surgery to get. I am leaning toward tram flap. My general surgeon is trying to convince me to get implants. She says she has seen lots of patients with hernias and other complications from the tram flam surgery. I would also like to get peoples experiences with this type of surgery before I make a final decision.

mmontero38

lovonna said:

Hi

My name is LoVonna & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 05. In January 06 I had a mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction. This is the procedure using stomach muscle/tissue.

I am very happy with my choice. The down side to this option is that you are hospitalized longer and the recovery time is longer than the other type of reconstruction. I liked the idea of using my own tissue. The idea of a saline or silicone bag hanging off of me the rest of my life just didn't seem very appealing.

I have a scar all the way across my abdomen (spelling?) The reconstructed breast feels very close to a normal breast, but it is numb in about 3/4 of it. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days and wasn't back to my "normal" self for about 4 to 5 weeks. Some ladies go home earlier than that and recover quicker than that and then others take longer. We are all different.

I came home with 3 drains (tubes with a drain bulb on the end). Two from my stomach and 1 from the reconstructed breast. These are not painful, just a bother. I wore the tubes for ten days after I was dismissed from the hospital.

Feel free to ask me anything on this board or if you would like you can send me a message on the CSN mailbox. I try to check it frequently.

Good luck with your decision. LoVonna

Hi LoVonna:
I was diagnosed in June with DCIS. Had a right radical mastectomy, had 6 rounds of CAF did not need radiation and am now looking at reconstruction. I loved the idea of the DIEP flap or the tram. Are you happy with your decision? Do your breast look somewhat normal (or as well as they can be)? Did you have the other breast worked on? I have so many questions because I am not sure which procedure to do. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for you time. Lili

Rose Ann

lovonna said:

Hi

My name is LoVonna & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 05. In January 06 I had a mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction. This is the procedure using stomach muscle/tissue.

I am very happy with my choice. The down side to this option is that you are hospitalized longer and the recovery time is longer than the other type of reconstruction. I liked the idea of using my own tissue. The idea of a saline or silicone bag hanging off of me the rest of my life just didn't seem very appealing.

I have a scar all the way across my abdomen (spelling?) The reconstructed breast feels very close to a normal breast, but it is numb in about 3/4 of it. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days and wasn't back to my "normal" self for about 4 to 5 weeks. Some ladies go home earlier than that and recover quicker than that and then others take longer. We are all different.

I came home with 3 drains (tubes with a drain bulb on the end). Two from my stomach and 1 from the reconstructed breast. These are not painful, just a bother. I wore the tubes for ten days after I was dismissed from the hospital.

Feel free to ask me anything on this board or if you would like you can send me a message on the CSN mailbox. I try to check it frequently.

Good luck with your decision. LoVonna

I really want to talk to you
I'm going to have this same surgery in a couple of weeks and i would like to talk to you about it if i could.Can you please email me at thcojc776@yahoo.com and i will reply with a phone number i just want to talk with someone who has been where i am going. Thank you

Rose Ann

lovonna said:

Hi

My name is LoVonna & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 05. In January 06 I had a mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction. This is the procedure using stomach muscle/tissue.

I am very happy with my choice. The down side to this option is that you are hospitalized longer and the recovery time is longer than the other type of reconstruction. I liked the idea of using my own tissue. The idea of a saline or silicone bag hanging off of me the rest of my life just didn't seem very appealing.

I have a scar all the way across my abdomen (spelling?) The reconstructed breast feels very close to a normal breast, but it is numb in about 3/4 of it. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days and wasn't back to my "normal" self for about 4 to 5 weeks. Some ladies go home earlier than that and recover quicker than that and then others take longer. We are all different.

I came home with 3 drains (tubes with a drain bulb on the end). Two from my stomach and 1 from the reconstructed breast. These are not painful, just a bother. I wore the tubes for ten days after I was dismissed from the hospital.

Feel free to ask me anything on this board or if you would like you can send me a message on the CSN mailbox. I try to check it frequently.

Good luck with your decision. LoVonna

I really want to talk to you
i'm not sure if my post worked so i am trying it again please email me at thcojc776@yahoo.com im going to have this same surgery in a couple of weeks and i want to talk to someone who has been where i am going. Thank you

skipper54

Rose Ann said:

I really want to talk to you
i'm not sure if my post worked so i am trying it again please email me at thcojc776@yahoo.com im going to have this same surgery in a couple of weeks and i want to talk to someone who has been where i am going. Thank you

bump up or PM
I'm weighing my options right now and would really appreciate hearing about your decision and the thought process. My PS is suggesting a litssimas (sp?) flap and implant. He doesn't like the TRAM flap procedure. I'm really conflicted and would love to "chat" about this.

Rague

skipper54 said:

bump up or PM
I'm weighing my options right now and would really appreciate hearing about your decision and the thought process. My PS is suggesting a litssimas (sp?) flap and implant. He doesn't like the TRAM flap procedure. I'm really conflicted and would love to "chat" about this.

4+ year old
4+ year old OP. The OP only posted twice so doubt if you get any replies from her.

Rose Ann

lovonna said:

Hi

My name is LoVonna & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 05. In January 06 I had a mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction. This is the procedure using stomach muscle/tissue.

I am very happy with my choice. The down side to this option is that you are hospitalized longer and the recovery time is longer than the other type of reconstruction. I liked the idea of using my own tissue. The idea of a saline or silicone bag hanging off of me the rest of my life just didn't seem very appealing.

I have a scar all the way across my abdomen (spelling?) The reconstructed breast feels very close to a normal breast, but it is numb in about 3/4 of it. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days and wasn't back to my "normal" self for about 4 to 5 weeks. Some ladies go home earlier than that and recover quicker than that and then others take longer. We are all different.

I came home with 3 drains (tubes with a drain bulb on the end). Two from my stomach and 1 from the reconstructed breast. These are not painful, just a bother. I wore the tubes for ten days after I was dismissed from the hospital.

Feel free to ask me anything on this board or if you would like you can send me a message on the CSN mailbox. I try to check it frequently.

Good luck with your decision. LoVonna

I really want to talk to you
I want to hear more since i am getting ready to have this done.

csr771

Rose Ann said:

I really want to talk to you
I'm going to have this same surgery in a couple of weeks and i would like to talk to you about it if i could.Can you please email me at thcojc776@yahoo.com and i will reply with a phone number i just want to talk with someone who has been where i am going. Thank you

DIEP Flap
I was reading this post and some of the postings are dated 2007. I noticed that your's was current. I had a mastectomy of the left breast in January. I had an immediate reconstruction using the DIEP Flap protocol. If I can answer any of your questions. Let me know. It will be helpful to speak with someone that has been there. My surgery took 10 hours. I was in the hospital for five days (the fifth day was my choice). I came home with four drains -- two in the breast and two in my abdomen. The difference between the TRAM and the DIEP is that the DIEP does not take stomach muscle. You still do not have use of your abdominals for a while. It is a long healing process, but I have no regrets about doing the immediate reconstruction.

Susan