Tram flap recovery

Beaglemation
Beaglemation Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery-tram flap. However, I am very discouraged about the "tummy tuck", as my stomach is now larger, with no waist, and I can't fit into any of my pants, except for those with an elastic waistband. It has been 12 weeks since the surgery, and I can't get much of an answer from my surgeon. I realize that this should not be a major concern, as my prognosis is excellent with no further treatment required.

Comments

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #2
    Hi Beaglemation and welcome.
    Hi Beaglemation and welcome. I had a lumpectomy so I can't answer your specific question, but, I am sure others on here will offer you their thoughts and advice. Good luck!

    Hugs, Diane ♥
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #3
    DianeBC said:

    Hi Beaglemation and welcome.
    Hi Beaglemation and welcome. I had a lumpectomy so I can't answer your specific question, but, I am sure others on here will offer you their thoughts and advice. Good luck!

    Hugs, Diane ♥

    Tummy Tuck recovery

    Hi Beaglemation. I'm not sure that you had the exact same surgery that I did, but I think it's similar. I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction: one was DIEP and the other was free-TRAM flap. I didn't have the surgery where they tunnel the tissue up inside (which is usually called TRAM flap); the tissue was discoonected from the blood supply and reconnected under my arms. This was done a little over four months ago.

    I was having a lot of problems similar to yours, and I was pretty disappointed: I was able to wear most of my old clothes, but the wasteband really hurt if there was no give in it. Also, I felt bloated/heavy a lot in my abdomen. I believe that mine was related to two issues: swelling and not using the abdominal muscles. I feel like the swelling is just going down now, so you may have some relief in the next few weeks. Also, I was told to do some simple exercises for the muscles: lie on my back and pull my belly button back toward my back (almost like holding your stomach in but while lying on your back). I was told to do this a couple times a day. Also, the motion of going up stairs will help with the muscles.

    Hope this helps. I feel like I've had major improvements in the last month, but I've been on vacation for 3 weeks. The real test will come when I have to go to work on Monday and have to dress in something other than jeans.

    Joyce
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #4
    Hi! I hope someone will
    Hi! I hope someone will post and offer you their advice about this. I just want to say Welcome to the site!

    Kylez ♥
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #5
    DianeBC said:

    Hi Beaglemation and welcome.
    Hi Beaglemation and welcome. I had a lumpectomy so I can't answer your specific question, but, I am sure others on here will offer you their thoughts and advice. Good luck!

    Hugs, Diane ♥

    Hey
    Welcome and hi beaglemation. So sorry about the problems you are having.

    ♠♣ Susie ♠♣
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #6
    Welcome, Beaglemation
    Glad to have you here, while sorry for the reason.

    My surgery was lumpectomy - so, I can't specifically address your concerns. Am glad for your excellent prognosis.

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