Before reconstruction?

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jdubious
jdubious Member Posts: 113
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi,
I'm having delayed reconstruction. I need to wait 6 months after radiation (Nov/Dec) plus get back down to my target weight. I'm getting either TRAM or the other(no muscle cutting) procedure. What should I expect before surgery? Is there any expansion done with the skin before? There's lots of information about after surgery, but not much for before.
thanks,
jill

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  • docholly
    docholly Member Posts: 16
    #2
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    I had bilateral TRAMs in February, but it was done at the time of mastectomy (not delayed), so I can't answer the part about expanders, etc. But I will say that I spent some time investingating anaesthesia options before surgery (I had a history of prior bad reactions to anasthesia) and convinced my surgery team to use spinal anaesthesia for the surgery and post-op pain management. It went very smoothly, and they said that I had an incredibly fast recovery. I think it was because I was able to get up and walk on post-op day #2 because the spinal provided better pain control than usual. I would urge you to discuss this option with your surgeon.
  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    #3
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    Hi Jill,

    I also had delayed recontruction (TRAM). My tumor was so large and they could already tell it had spread to one node so they new going in that I was at least stage III. All the docs felt I shouldn't have the reconstruction at the time of mastectomy so I didn't consult with a plastic surgeon beforehand. My mistake. I later found out that they could have done a skin sparing mastectomy with an expander placed to hold the shape of your skin during tx and radiation and afterward have the TRAM with a much better asthetic outcome. Oh well.

    So at this point there will be no expander. The skin from your tummy will be the skin for your new breast. Therefore your scar will be kinda in the shape of an eye going across your new breast. Is this a bilateral or are you matching a remaining breast? Will you be having any surgery on the other breast such as a lift? When I made the decision to keep my other breast I told my plastic surgeon he wasn't touching it and he had to do his best to match it. From those who know I've had reconstruction, I've gotten many compliments, so I know he's done a good job.

    Feel free to email me any additional questions you may have.

    Susan
  • Sandis
    Sandis Member Posts: 85
    #4
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    I had a TRAM flap reconstruction at the time of the bilateral mastectomy. There was no preparation. I just went in and had it done. One thing a friend recommended was to rent a hospital bed for a month. I really appreciated it. It was a lot easier so sleep since you can't lay flat and easier to get in and out of bed. They look good and I'm glad I did it. Sandi
  • jdubious
    jdubious Member Posts: 113
    #5
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    Sandis said:

    I had a TRAM flap reconstruction at the time of the bilateral mastectomy. There was no preparation. I just went in and had it done. One thing a friend recommended was to rent a hospital bed for a month. I really appreciated it. It was a lot easier so sleep since you can't lay flat and easier to get in and out of bed. They look good and I'm glad I did it. Sandi

    Thanks for your replies! I just want to look good in my clothes and not worry about a prosthetic popping out of my top! I never realized how low cut most tops are till I had a mastectomy (left).Especially summer tops and bathing suits. That's ok, summer doesn't last that long in Seattle!

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