Reconstruction????

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ClaudiaAnn
ClaudiaAnn Member Posts: 51
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have a modified radical mastectomy and my dr. declined to remove my healthy breast. I am now considering having the other side removed. I am not crazy about doing a reconstruction. I don't think I'm uncomfortable with no breasts. I am almost 58 yo and my only self consciencious moments are because I am breast/no breast. How painful is reconstruction? I had radiation so an implant is out of the question. What effects does trans flap have on your stomach. They are selling to me as a tummy tuck - yes or no?

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  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
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    Hi ClaudiaAnn, I was 54 when diagnosed in 2003 and chose not to have reconstruction following a bilateral mastectomy. I didn't want the pain or the extended recovery time or the multiple procedures and I didn't need breasts. I've never regretted my decision. I was lucky to have a surgeon who recognized my high risk for recurrance and who agreed to remove the healthy breast. At home I go au natural and I wear a prosthetic bra when I go out. If you read any of the posts from those who have had reconstruction, they will tell you it's painful. The tram flap procedure weakens your stomach area and puts you at risk for hernia, however rare. There are also cases of women complaining that their navel wasn't centered following surgery, perhaps a small thing but one that may affect body image. There is also no sensation in the reconstructed breast. For some women, having 2 breasts is extremely important. If it had been for me, I wouldn't have hesitated in having the surgery. Don't let yourself be "sold" on a tummy tuck or anything else. Reconstruction doesn't have to be done immediately. It should only be done when you've decided it's really what you want. Best of luck.
    terri
  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398
    #3
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    Haven't heard of doctor declining to remove a healthy breast if that is what you really needed to do for yourself.
    I was 36 at time of dx and had both breasts removed within a year of each other. It was advised to me to deal with cancer side then if I really wanted to have other side removed then he would do it. I had more lumps, they were benign in healthy breast but still had it removed. They had said the first lump I had found was benign and had less than 10% CHANCE of it being cancer, WRONG.
    I too decided not to have reconstruction since I has so many problems along the way. I had suffered enough pain through all the treatments that I too couldn't stand the thought of more.
    I have found that I am comfortable with my body, more so than I have ever been it seems. I think for the first time I am finally looked in the eye by most men, lol.
    You have to do what will make you comfortable and better able to cope in the rest of your life. I think Terri is right you do it when you are ready to do it.
    Be good to yourself always,
    Tara
  • chhristin
    chhristin Member Posts: 7
    #4
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    I did have the Trans Flap on just one side. Yes it is a tummy tuck depending on how much tummy there is. I did not have much. So it was very painful and my limitations are high. I have to be very careful when lifting my kids and other activities. But I'm sure each experience is different. I've talked to several women who had a much easier time. You must do what makes you feel most comfortable and happy. Good Luck and much happieness.
  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #5
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    When I started looking at reconstruction it was because tired of a prothesis and was lopsided. During prep for the surgery my other breast was questionable so ended up having simple mastectomy and latism. dorsi flap. Doctor recommended lat flap because I had gained weight after chem and had c-section years ago, so he didn't feel comfortable doing TRAM. Post-op I had infection problems on the radical (post radiaction) side and had expander removed but bottom line- he did a good job creating a mound from the flap. My left side is smaller than planned since right couldn't handle expander but I was looking for symetry more than size. I had PT after the flap and working on building up my upper body strength but no significant limitations. Talking to folks who had TRAM - with my age and what I do I'm glad I went with the dorsi flap.
  • ClaudiaAnn
    ClaudiaAnn Member Posts: 51
    #6
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    tlmac said:

    Hi ClaudiaAnn, I was 54 when diagnosed in 2003 and chose not to have reconstruction following a bilateral mastectomy. I didn't want the pain or the extended recovery time or the multiple procedures and I didn't need breasts. I've never regretted my decision. I was lucky to have a surgeon who recognized my high risk for recurrance and who agreed to remove the healthy breast. At home I go au natural and I wear a prosthetic bra when I go out. If you read any of the posts from those who have had reconstruction, they will tell you it's painful. The tram flap procedure weakens your stomach area and puts you at risk for hernia, however rare. There are also cases of women complaining that their navel wasn't centered following surgery, perhaps a small thing but one that may affect body image. There is also no sensation in the reconstructed breast. For some women, having 2 breasts is extremely important. If it had been for me, I wouldn't have hesitated in having the surgery. Don't let yourself be "sold" on a tummy tuck or anything else. Reconstruction doesn't have to be done immediately. It should only be done when you've decided it's really what you want. Best of luck.
    terri

    Thanks for your insight. I am leaning more and more to no reconstruction. I can't justify the pain if I'm not uncomfortable in my own skin. I may have the other side "mastectomied" just to be even.
  • AmyBH
    AmyBH Member Posts: 9
    #7
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    I am 51 and in 2003 had lumpectomy and radiation on left breast. In 2004 modified radical, chemotheraphy, radiation for right breast cancer. Like you, my doctors agreed to not take the left breast becuase it had been treated in 2003 and was clear. They did not want me to go through so much at once. I do, at times, feel lopsided, but with my prosthesis - I simply don't even notice it until bedtime. I have heard too many bad stories to consider any type of reconstruction. I also don't want to put myself through anything else "unnecessary" at this time. So I live with one on/one off and with a good prosthesis - people don't know unless I tell them. I'm happy to be here! Good luck.

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