Transflap reconstruction

isaiah4031
isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone,
I need some info regarding the transflap reconstruction. My "mom" had this procedure about 2 years ago and now she has a huge bulge on the right side of her abdomen. She went back to the plastic surgeon and he said it was due to a ten pound weight gainand that there was no longer any muscle there and it was normal. She is also in occasional pain, but she thinks that since the doc said it was normal, that the pain is normal too. I told her to get a second opinion because it doesn't sound normal to me. Anyone have any experience or knowledge about this? I really appreciate anything you can tell me. My "mom" also has a small lump on the side of her mastectomy(reconstruction) that the surgeon said was just fat, but he wanted to see her next week aftdr 7 pm. Hmm...should I be suspicious? Thanks for everything.
Love, Jayne

Comments

  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #2
    Hi Jayne. I had a Tram Flap. From what I can think it's possible to herniate(muscle pushing through the fat) like in a hernia. I have mesh up my abdomen to prevent herniation. I would think that if you gain weight you'd bulge evenly on both sides. Yes, there's discomfort in the abdomen,a pulling sensation but shouldn't be pain. I would keep complaining! If you're not satisfied with the answers, get a 2nd opinion. The worst thing that could happen is he would agree with the other MD. As far as the lump, I'd want it out, even if it were fat! Wish her good luck! Keep us informed! HUGS!! Cathy
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #3
    cruf said:

    Hi Jayne. I had a Tram Flap. From what I can think it's possible to herniate(muscle pushing through the fat) like in a hernia. I have mesh up my abdomen to prevent herniation. I would think that if you gain weight you'd bulge evenly on both sides. Yes, there's discomfort in the abdomen,a pulling sensation but shouldn't be pain. I would keep complaining! If you're not satisfied with the answers, get a 2nd opinion. The worst thing that could happen is he would agree with the other MD. As far as the lump, I'd want it out, even if it were fat! Wish her good luck! Keep us informed! HUGS!! Cathy

    Thanks Cathy,
    The MD said that it wasn't a hernia. She had a CT scan and he just said it's not cancer, but rather due to weight gain. It is very large on one side only and she definitely has pain with it. I will recommend the 2nd opinion ASAP. We're heading for an appointment next Monday. Thanks for the info.
    Love, Jayne
  • banker
    banker Member Posts: 317 Member
    #4
    Hi Jayne, I had a flap reconstruction 3 years ago. I have occasional pain on my left side, I do wear a Binder when I stand a lot,like ironing, also I do wear "Flexys" stretch, medium hold, undies when I am at work or do a lot of walking. When I stand my stomach is flat. When I lay down and move a certain way the left side looks like a bump which is normal because the muscle has been moved out of that area. As far as the lump on the mastectomy site, have your mom get it checked. Could be just fat but I would think a further check is in order . Hope this helps, if you want more info, you can contact me here. Take care, Emmi
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #5
    banker said:

    Hi Jayne, I had a flap reconstruction 3 years ago. I have occasional pain on my left side, I do wear a Binder when I stand a lot,like ironing, also I do wear "Flexys" stretch, medium hold, undies when I am at work or do a lot of walking. When I stand my stomach is flat. When I lay down and move a certain way the left side looks like a bump which is normal because the muscle has been moved out of that area. As far as the lump on the mastectomy site, have your mom get it checked. Could be just fat but I would think a further check is in order . Hope this helps, if you want more info, you can contact me here. Take care, Emmi

    Thank you so very much. I really appreciate the info and I'll pass it along to mom.
    Love, Jayne

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