Tram Flap Question

plv1973
plv1973 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi! This is my first time to this site. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. I had a mastectomy and abdominal tram flap reconstruction in Oct, 2002. I am doing well and very pleased with my breast. The right side of my stomach however, is very distended. At first the doctors all agreed that I probably had a hernia, but a cat scan showed I did not. My plastic surgeon nor any other of my doctors are not able to offer any advice. My left side is just fine--nice and flat. Is there anyone out there who has had this problem, or who can offer a suggestion of what I can do. I am thrilled to have beat this terrible disease, but still anxious to start looking like myself again. Thanks! Patti

Comments

  • vac
    vac Member Posts: 97
    #2
    i had mine nov. 2002. my stomach looks like a butt. i have a hole in the middle of my stomach, and swollen on both sides my wound open after surgery it was about 10cm it was gross i had to have nurses every day to make sure it was clean. it shrank to about 5 cm before chemo. now it is about a size of a dime, it is heal inside. i really don't want any surgery, but like you said i want to start looking like myself again. good luck vicki
  • martyzl
    martyzl Member Posts: 196
    #3
    Hello Patti!
    Welcome to the site. Glad you found it- better late than never, eh?
    My Tram was done in July, '02. I am also very pleased with my reconstructed breast (particularly after the revision in Oct. '03)
    but had some "lumpiness" which didn't go away. In part, my bulge was caused by the ab muscle used in the Tram- it didn't atrophy as it should have. My Plastic man said that we can try to fix that later. He's never had anything like this. *smiles* Another problem I had was a buildup of fat in the "tunnel" area. I gained over 35lbs during chemo, so had quite a lot of extra fat put on here and there. Not sure if either of these possibilities might suit your case, but thought I would let you know.
    Another thought- if you have had children, the tone of the muscle is often affected. Perhaps that has something to do with it?
    Lastly, my Plastic man told me that 2 of 6 abdominal layers were used to make the Tram. That way I have plenty of abdominal strength for everyday living... and now for carrying our "magic" baby which I wasn't supposed to be able to have after the chemo, menopause, etc... *grin*

    Perhaps a second opinion or more might be in order? If you were in Michigan, US, I would have just the man for you!

    Lastly, Patti... as you said, "I am thrilled to have beat this terrible disease, but still anxious to start looking like myself again." Remember, you are not the old, pre-cancer Patti. You are new and improved. You have been through the flames and come out of this stronger!
    Enjoy, thrive! May you find the answers and peace you desire..

    All my best and keep us "abreast". *grin*
    Marty

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