Bilateral Mastectomies with immediate PAP flap reconstructions

Hi Kathyjane

Sorry for the delay in replying - I have been recovering from my second op to remove the lymph nodes. The drain only came out today so it was starting to feel like I had a ball and chain attached to me!!

Sooooooooooooo pleased for you and to get everything done at once and with new boingy boobs of your own as well - Awesome news!!

Best of luck on Thursday and for your recovery..

Love and hugs

Anne

xxoo

I have had the second appointment and opinion... OMG awesome news 

I am now having a Bilateral Reduction and Lift and Sentinel Node removal with Radiotherapy.  I am more than happy with this decision. I get the have the Ca. out and new boobs too.. and they will be my own and not plastic ones like i thought I might have eventually. 

I am going into Hospital on Thursday 28th July and everything is ready to go. 

Ah so sorry to hear that and very sad to lose a close friend at such a difficult time...

I know it is so hard waiting for news or to find out about treatments, Hope you have a better weekend and even better news on Monday....

A

xo

Ah thanks Paula, I really appreciate your kind comments and it is really lovely to connect with ladies all going through similar situations. I have just posted some photos which I hope shows how my surgery differs slightly to the types already posted in the photo stories here in the group.

PAP flaps are similar to the DIEP surgery except the donor sight is the back of the thighs rather than the abdomen. 

Anne xo

Thanks so much Anne,, 

I think im doing ok at the moment ... this week has been a bit of a right off... I had a funeral today for a close friend so it has been every day of tears... 

Bring on Monday . I hate this waiting 

Hi Anne,

I have not known any one who has had your type of reconstruction so would love to hear more about it.  You will be an invaluable member of our breast reconstruction online group which I see you have joined.  It's great that you wish to share your photos and I hope that you consider posting them to that group.  It is so helpful when ladies come behind you with queries that we can point them to your pics and story.  In case you are unsure how to post there I will share a blog hint on how to post in the breast reconstruction online group.  Sorry to hear about your sentinel node and that you require more surgery, but better to be sure.  I wish you luck with that and also your upcoming radiation.

Paula xxx

Hi Kathy Jane 

Thank you for welcome and reply. 

Have read some of your blogs and I can see you are going through so much. Wishing you the best of luck with your appointment on Monday.

Anne

Xo

Hi Kathy,

I noticed your comment regarding only one Dr offering DIEP method. There are many plastic surgeons around offering various methods, including DIEP.  It's always worth getting a few opinions regarding your options for breast reconstruction. The BCNA member group Reclaim Your Curves is a fantastic place to get resources and support, and they also have a group here specifically for breast reconstruction.

All the best as you explore your options.

Alison xx

Hi Kathy, where are you based? I'm in Melbourne and so is my surgeon. It doesn't sound right to say the only surgeon who does the procedure is in Sydney...?

Sherril

hi and welcome.. 

I am about to have a uni lateral mastectomy in a few weeks but when i asked about the DIEP flap recon.. i was told the only Dr was in Sydney CBD and i would not get in to see him for a while... so I am now seeing another surgeon on Monday just for a second consult as she does a Recon Augmentation straight away.. and this is what I am hoping for but i will have to wait and see what she says .. other wise im back to square one with a straight mastectomy and then recon later down the track .