Tummy Tuck Reconstruction

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Bev1969
Bev1969 Member Posts: 48
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I just got back from my plastic surgeon. I finished rads on November 17 and the plastic surgeon said I should wait until at least June before I get the reconstruction if I go with the tummy tuck surgery to let the inflamation die down. We have a cruise scheduled the middle of August and he said the minimum recovery time for the tummy tuck is 8 weeks and if I have complications, it could interfere with the cruise. So, he is recommending that we wait until we're back from the cruise to do the surgery. I'd like to hear experiences from those who had the tummy tuck procedure. How long was your recovery?? How long before you felt like getting out and doing something?

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  • lanie940
    lanie940 Member Posts: 490 Member
    #2
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    My best friend i grew up
    My best friend i grew up with had the TRAM FLAP after her mastectomy, she had no problem with her breast part at all, it healed very well, but she did have with her abdominal incision, so, I don't know, you may be fine, but I think I may wait, would want to be hurting on vacation.

    I had a lumpectomy July 30th 2009, with Sentinel node removed. My Dr. gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and I never had to use it.
  • LT
    LT Member Posts: 31
    #3
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    lanie940 said:

    My best friend i grew up
    My best friend i grew up with had the TRAM FLAP after her mastectomy, she had no problem with her breast part at all, it healed very well, but she did have with her abdominal incision, so, I don't know, you may be fine, but I think I may wait, would want to be hurting on vacation.

    I had a lumpectomy July 30th 2009, with Sentinel node removed. My Dr. gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and I never had to use it.

    i had the tummy tuck reconstruction
    We went on an alaskan cruise in june. Didn't know about the cancer yet - that came in August.
    My doctor said 8 - 12 weeks full recovery. I'd wait - enjoy your cruise to the max while you feel good and then tackle reconstruction! You want to be able to dance, take tours, hike without hurting too. Bouncing, whether dancing or bumpy roads hurt longer than 8 weeks for me.
    Good luck whatever you decide! LT
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #4
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    LT said:

    i had the tummy tuck reconstruction
    We went on an alaskan cruise in june. Didn't know about the cancer yet - that came in August.
    My doctor said 8 - 12 weeks full recovery. I'd wait - enjoy your cruise to the max while you feel good and then tackle reconstruction! You want to be able to dance, take tours, hike without hurting too. Bouncing, whether dancing or bumpy roads hurt longer than 8 weeks for me.
    Good luck whatever you decide! LT

    I had the DIEP surgery in
    I had the DIEP surgery in April, and I went to a weekend conference and then spent a week in Florida after 6-1/2 weeks. They were both fun, but I wish I'd felt a little better for them. I was up and spending a few hours a day out of the house within three weeks, but I would go from feeling fine to crashing within a few minutes. I went back to work at 8 weeks, and after a week's adjustment felt great.

    We were on a three-week vacation this summer, leaving 3-1/2 months after my surgery, and I could do pretty much anything that I wanted. I'd either delay the surgery or delay the vacation for a few weeks.

    By the way, I am very happy with the results.

    Joyce
  • TLynn0102
    TLynn0102 Member Posts: 86
    #5
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    jk1952 said:

    I had the DIEP surgery in
    I had the DIEP surgery in April, and I went to a weekend conference and then spent a week in Florida after 6-1/2 weeks. They were both fun, but I wish I'd felt a little better for them. I was up and spending a few hours a day out of the house within three weeks, but I would go from feeling fine to crashing within a few minutes. I went back to work at 8 weeks, and after a week's adjustment felt great.

    We were on a three-week vacation this summer, leaving 3-1/2 months after my surgery, and I could do pretty much anything that I wanted. I'd either delay the surgery or delay the vacation for a few weeks.

    By the way, I am very happy with the results.

    Joyce

    DIEP Flap in January and
    I had the DIEP Flap January 21st last year. My first outing was February 14th. I was able to wear my jeans and participate in the event we went to all day long. I did find that wearing a tank top and tucking it into my pants worked well to avoid the rubbing of the pants. One year later I still opt for the tank top over a bra! I do agree with Joyce, you went from feeling good to 'gotta go to bed' immediately when you crashed. My incisions on my breasts heald nicely, the stomach took longer. If I were you I would either delay the vacation or delay the surgery. I too am thrilled with the results of my surgery!
    Take care,
    Tracey
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691
    #6
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    surgery a week ago

    I had my surgery (mast. with diep flap reconstruction). I was surprised how quickly I was up and about but am now realising you can do 80% of the recovery in 20% of the recovery time and the last 20% can take 80% of the recovery time.

    I have also crashed a couple of times where I have just had to go to bed. I would wait until after your cruise to do the reconstruction. THen you can enjoy your cruise better piece of mind.
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #7
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    TLynn0102 said:

    DIEP Flap in January and
    I had the DIEP Flap January 21st last year. My first outing was February 14th. I was able to wear my jeans and participate in the event we went to all day long. I did find that wearing a tank top and tucking it into my pants worked well to avoid the rubbing of the pants. One year later I still opt for the tank top over a bra! I do agree with Joyce, you went from feeling good to 'gotta go to bed' immediately when you crashed. My incisions on my breasts heald nicely, the stomach took longer. If I were you I would either delay the vacation or delay the surgery. I too am thrilled with the results of my surgery!
    Take care,
    Tracey

    yes
    8 weeks is a standard and minimum. I agree with everyone:delay cruise or surgery. You have a lot of time to reschedule.
    Good luck

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