Tram Flap, Latissimus Flap or Implant - Help!!!

helen e
helen e Member Posts: 223
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have read up on all three and to be truthful all 3 have drawbacks but I can't see myself without a breast. Please if you've had one of these tell me the good and bad. I see the plastic surgeon on Wednesday so I'd like to have more info going in. I have already had 2 c-sections can they use those scars or do they have to go higher? I'm so confused and for the first time - scared. I've had a lumpectomy and now need a mastectomy. They will do reconstruction at the same time. Any info would be much appreciated.

Comments

  • Momof_4
    Momof_4 Member Posts: 11
    #2
    keep checking your options
    I was recently diagnosed and have not yet have any surgery. Like you, after researching those 3 options I was discouraged and kept looking. I read about a surgery called a DIEP flap. It is a free flap that does not damage any muscle. It is a highly technical surgery and the plastic surgeon must use a microscope to reattach the graft - from abdomen or gluteus - and reestablish blood supply. I cannot give you any personal testimony because I haven't done it yet. I have read that it has a greater risk of failure - but I do not know yet how much greater the risk. Try looking it up: DIEP flap. It is the procedure I have chosen and am hoping and praying a good outcome and I pray that for you too.
    Blessings, Momof_4
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #3
    Momof_4 said:

    keep checking your options
    I was recently diagnosed and have not yet have any surgery. Like you, after researching those 3 options I was discouraged and kept looking. I read about a surgery called a DIEP flap. It is a free flap that does not damage any muscle. It is a highly technical surgery and the plastic surgeon must use a microscope to reattach the graft - from abdomen or gluteus - and reestablish blood supply. I cannot give you any personal testimony because I haven't done it yet. I have read that it has a greater risk of failure - but I do not know yet how much greater the risk. Try looking it up: DIEP flap. It is the procedure I have chosen and am hoping and praying a good outcome and I pray that for you too.
    Blessings, Momof_4

    DIEP or Free Flap
    I'm not sure whether my post will be accepted or not, but I'll try. I had the DIEP or free flap surgery immediately after having a bilateral mastectomy six months ago. I would encourage anyone who is a candidate for the TRAM flap to look into this procedure. The results were good, I have my own tissue, it should be good for life, and you avoid some of the problems of the TRAM. The biggest problems are that there are only a few doctors who are qualified to perform the surgery and the recovery period is quite long. I was out of work for eight weeks.

    My surgery was done in Syracuse; Helen, I noticed in another post that you are from Ithaca.

    I wish you both well with your upcoming surgeries.

    Joyce
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #4
    free flap
    Hi Helen, I had the free flap, but it was done two years after my bc surgery. Yes it is a highly technical microsurgery since they remove the skin completely from the belly and replace it on the breast, so there were two doctors there to attach it, and you stay in ccu for three days while they keep an eye on the graft to make sure it takes. I am happy with the results, I do have one little spot that did not heal, and they will fix that when they do the implant on my unaffected breast.
    Good luck with your surgery, and let us know what you decide.
    Cat
  • marilyndbk
    marilyndbk Member Posts: 238 Member
    #5
    cats_toy said:

    free flap
    Hi Helen, I had the free flap, but it was done two years after my bc surgery. Yes it is a highly technical microsurgery since they remove the skin completely from the belly and replace it on the breast, so there were two doctors there to attach it, and you stay in ccu for three days while they keep an eye on the graft to make sure it takes. I am happy with the results, I do have one little spot that did not heal, and they will fix that when they do the implant on my unaffected breast.
    Good luck with your surgery, and let us know what you decide.
    Cat

    Hi. I have been trying to
    Hi. I have been trying to post several times since Mon. Hope this goes thru and i apologize if others show up. I am 58 yrs old. I was first dx in 2001 and had lumpectomy and 33 rads and was on Tamox for 4 1/2 yrs. I was having heart problems and it was recommended I stop Tamox. in Aug, 2009 dx in same breast positive calcifications and microscopic invasive tumor. I needed bilateral mastectomy. My left breast was damaged from radiation so I needed to make the decision on reconstruction or not. I had trouble seeing myself without breasts. The breast surgeon said i did not need to rush into surgery but that word invasive scared the heck out of me and I wanted it taken out asap. Learn all you can. Both breast and plastic surgeon and their staff were excellent in explaining and answering questions. Just when I thought I had decided more questions would surface. I had loving support of family and friends but we all have to do what we think is best for us at the time. I decided on bilateral mastectomy with Latissimus reconstruction with expanders. It has been a difficult time. I have had some problems. Mast was 7 wks ago. Some of the tissue they took from my back did not make it and had to have it removed 2 wks later. I have had 2 fillings. each one makes it uncomfortable for a day or two. My recovery seems slow but I am able to do more every day. Lymph nodes also removed on both sides but all clear. Med onc recommeds Femara, but right now I am focusing on healing and getting thru this reconstruction Hopefully 4-5 months I will have final surgery for implants. I have 3 grown children and 4 awesome grandchildren that give me the courage to keep pressing on. I don't regret my decision but will be glad when it is complete. Nothing the drs tell you can prepare you for this journey. bc takes a toll on our bodies and our minds. Take good care of yourself. Marilyn
  • LT
    LT Member Posts: 31
    #6
    marilyndbk said:

    Hi. I have been trying to
    Hi. I have been trying to post several times since Mon. Hope this goes thru and i apologize if others show up. I am 58 yrs old. I was first dx in 2001 and had lumpectomy and 33 rads and was on Tamox for 4 1/2 yrs. I was having heart problems and it was recommended I stop Tamox. in Aug, 2009 dx in same breast positive calcifications and microscopic invasive tumor. I needed bilateral mastectomy. My left breast was damaged from radiation so I needed to make the decision on reconstruction or not. I had trouble seeing myself without breasts. The breast surgeon said i did not need to rush into surgery but that word invasive scared the heck out of me and I wanted it taken out asap. Learn all you can. Both breast and plastic surgeon and their staff were excellent in explaining and answering questions. Just when I thought I had decided more questions would surface. I had loving support of family and friends but we all have to do what we think is best for us at the time. I decided on bilateral mastectomy with Latissimus reconstruction with expanders. It has been a difficult time. I have had some problems. Mast was 7 wks ago. Some of the tissue they took from my back did not make it and had to have it removed 2 wks later. I have had 2 fillings. each one makes it uncomfortable for a day or two. My recovery seems slow but I am able to do more every day. Lymph nodes also removed on both sides but all clear. Med onc recommeds Femara, but right now I am focusing on healing and getting thru this reconstruction Hopefully 4-5 months I will have final surgery for implants. I have 3 grown children and 4 awesome grandchildren that give me the courage to keep pressing on. I don't regret my decision but will be glad when it is complete. Nothing the drs tell you can prepare you for this journey. bc takes a toll on our bodies and our minds. Take good care of yourself. Marilyn

    DIEP
    I am 55 and had bi-lateral mast. with DIEP reconstruction three weeks ago today. I am very happy with the results, actually except for the temporary lack of nipples and areolas they look better than my own ever looked. I still have pain - feels like when your foot falls asleep, that tingling feeling, except magnified. My nurse tells me that's good, it's the transplanted nerves coming alive again.
    My next door neighbor is mid 70's, had a mast. w/o reconstruction in '99. Got tired of her prosthesis and had implant in '05 and is very happy with it.
    I found it very hard to make even simple, everyday decisions in the weeks after my diagnosis much less the life-changing ones we are confronted with in this journey. Here is my plastic surgeon's website, maybe it will help you. www.prma-enhance.com
    I got tired of everyone telling me it was my decision when I was so confused, but here's my tiny bit of advice - do your research and then go with your gut because it truly is your decision and as long as you feel good about it, then it's the right one.
    God bless you, LT
  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #7
    LT said:

    DIEP
    I am 55 and had bi-lateral mast. with DIEP reconstruction three weeks ago today. I am very happy with the results, actually except for the temporary lack of nipples and areolas they look better than my own ever looked. I still have pain - feels like when your foot falls asleep, that tingling feeling, except magnified. My nurse tells me that's good, it's the transplanted nerves coming alive again.
    My next door neighbor is mid 70's, had a mast. w/o reconstruction in '99. Got tired of her prosthesis and had implant in '05 and is very happy with it.
    I found it very hard to make even simple, everyday decisions in the weeks after my diagnosis much less the life-changing ones we are confronted with in this journey. Here is my plastic surgeon's website, maybe it will help you. www.prma-enhance.com
    I got tired of everyone telling me it was my decision when I was so confused, but here's my tiny bit of advice - do your research and then go with your gut because it truly is your decision and as long as you feel good about it, then it's the right one.
    God bless you, LT

    Hi Helen~
    I tried to post earlier in the week, had trouble getting thru. I had originally a lumpectomy with radiation~2 years later a reoccurrence (left breast) and wound up having a latissimus flap done a year ago to this date. I have done well and am pleased with my results. I needed a little extra volume so have a saline implant under the lat muscle. I have a wonderful plastic surgeon who walked me gently thru all the ins n outs of the surgery. I had no complications. let me know if you have more questions.
    Melanie
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #8
    GreeneyedGirl said:

    Hi Helen~
    I tried to post earlier in the week, had trouble getting thru. I had originally a lumpectomy with radiation~2 years later a reoccurrence (left breast) and wound up having a latissimus flap done a year ago to this date. I have done well and am pleased with my results. I needed a little extra volume so have a saline implant under the lat muscle. I have a wonderful plastic surgeon who walked me gently thru all the ins n outs of the surgery. I had no complications. let me know if you have more questions.
    Melanie

    Hi
    I had partial mastectomy 18 months ago. I didn;'t choose any more elective surgery, as I had been through enough.......Now I am wondering what to do.........I have to meet with my surgeon and decide, definitely more surgery is necessary, I just have to suss out what is easiest, best and most productive for me. I am scared to death about any procedure, but I can't go on like this indefinitely. Hugs Jxxxxx

Discussion Boards