Mastectomy Reconstruction ?

ForMy3
ForMy3 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I've a 5 year breast cancer survivor and I've had scares since. I'm thinking of having a double mastecomy / reconstruction done, but scared...how painful, is the reconstruction worth it, do you still have feelings in your breasts afterwords - any words of advise?

Comments

  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #2
    I just had a double mastectomy with reconstruction (expanders) last Monday, May 2, 2005. I had heard that a double mastectomy without reconstruction was painless. I did not know anyone who had a double with reconstruction but the singles with reduction on the unaffected side said it was painful but manageable.

    Well, the scary truth is that you feel as if you have been hit by a truck. AND, you still feel that way a week later with pain pills (Vicodin) every six hours. But that is if you are me. I also would say, based on my past experience (I had open heart surgery a year ago to fix a birth defect), that heart surgery is less painful.

    BUT, there is hope in this. I don't feel bad 24/7--just for two out of ervy six hours pain pill cycle--basically, six hours a day. After pain pills, I can move somewhat but i am limited with putting my hands over my head and lifting anything, including a purse.

    AND, I do have "phantom breast pain" like any amputee probably would. However, I'd liken it more to feeling like you chest is in a vice grip or that someone is squeezing your breasts like a teenager might pop a zit.

    I hope in being so blunt I have not scared you. I would do this all over gain to eliminate the anxiety of cancer. I also love that, after being a big-breasted woman my whole life, that I now have a little starter set and great posture. My back never felt better.

    If I can answer any other questions for you, please write me at karianka@sbcglobal.net. Good luck! Karen
  • martyzl
    martyzl Member Posts: 196
    #3
    Hello!~

    Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on your **5** years thus far, may you have many, many, many more!
    I think we all have scares at one time (or many times!)
    Hmmm, well, I have heard a couple schools of thought on pre-emptive mastectomies... seems that I remember that it doesn't really change outcome- you may still have breast tissue left behind (as I do- I had a single mast. & Tram reconst. 7.'02)
    Another thing I'd like to point out is a primary cancer is not life threatening... I am sure I have heard that stated here repeatedly. The metastases or spread of cancer is the really worriesome stuff.
    In a nutshell, I'd say, take a deep breath, know that you are strong and you are here. Research the heck out of it and whether or not you do decide to go this route, know that you are doing the best that you can. It is all any of us can do!
    As to the sensation/feeling- with Tram/Diep, etc., there isn't normally much left. They are for show. If the breast tissues are removed from the skin/breast area, the nerves/nipple/ducts are gone. I have some skin sensation around the very outside margins of my Tram but that's pretty much it.
    You might want to check out my web page in here, I touch on my experience with the TramFlap.
    I have heard that Diep flap is less difficult and were I to choose today, I'd tend toward that. It was a tough time. I healed very quickly but still have issues related to the abdominal muscle relocation. Everyone's experiences are as individual as they themselves, of course!)

    Sorry to be so long-winded but I was in your shoes originally- having a mastectomy & considering having both done to "get it over with". Very glad now that I didn't...

    You make the best choice for yourself. Trust in yourself.

    Be well and keep in touch!
    Marty
    ~martyzl
  • melo7
    melo7 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    I had one breast removed almost two years ago. It was honestly the most painful surgery I've had. I have no feeling in my left breast, under my arm, and my arm pit. It's funny....I ran into the door one day....felt nothing on the mastectomy side. You will have to take the time to allow your body to heal. Don't rush it.
  • patnmike
    patnmike Member Posts: 1
    #5
    Hi,
    I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation for Stage 1 breast cancer on my left breast 11 years ago. Last year I discovered a lump in the opposite breast. It was determined to be a new case not a recurrence of my original case. I had a lumpectomy, sentinal node biopsy ( no node involvement) chemo but this time I decided to do a double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction instead of radiation. I had the surgery in January. They did a double skin sparing mastectomy and immediate DIEP reconstruction. The best part was that I went into surgery with 2 breast and came out with 2 better ones. The recovery was about 1 month, with the abdominal incision being more uncomfortable than the breast area. I would highly recommend this type of reconstruction and would do it all over again. I consider myself a fairly active 56 year old and I don't think I've been impaired in my mobility at all. I plan on having nipple reconstruction this fall. The DIEP is considered superior to the TRAM flap because it doesn't impair your stomach muscles. The only problem I found is that not many doctors do this type of surgery yet so you may have to travel.
  • pleasantlake
    pleasantlake Member Posts: 1
    #6
    patnmike said:

    Hi,
    I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation for Stage 1 breast cancer on my left breast 11 years ago. Last year I discovered a lump in the opposite breast. It was determined to be a new case not a recurrence of my original case. I had a lumpectomy, sentinal node biopsy ( no node involvement) chemo but this time I decided to do a double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction instead of radiation. I had the surgery in January. They did a double skin sparing mastectomy and immediate DIEP reconstruction. The best part was that I went into surgery with 2 breast and came out with 2 better ones. The recovery was about 1 month, with the abdominal incision being more uncomfortable than the breast area. I would highly recommend this type of reconstruction and would do it all over again. I consider myself a fairly active 56 year old and I don't think I've been impaired in my mobility at all. I plan on having nipple reconstruction this fall. The DIEP is considered superior to the TRAM flap because it doesn't impair your stomach muscles. The only problem I found is that not many doctors do this type of surgery yet so you may have to travel.

    I have recently had a biopsy then a lumpectomy and now the doctors are telling me I need a double mastectomy. I want reconstruction surgery at the same time. I am very scared. What is the difference between a DIEP and a TRAM? I am going to an American Breast Cancer Center for treatments.
    Thanks

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