Forum Discussion
Bilateral Mastectomies with immediate PAP flap reconstructions
Hello Lovely Ladies
I have just joined the network and wished I had come across this earlier but anyway, I thought I would post details of my journey so far. I have read with interest some of the posts/stories regarding the various types of reconstructions. The DIEP flap is the closest type of surgery to mine and I would be very interested to hear from anyone else who may have had a PAP flap or is considering having this procedure as their choice of reconstruction.
I am somewhat through treatment having completed four months of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (on the TAC regime) and I am now seven weeks post op (bilateral skin sparing mastectomies and immediate PAP flap reconstructions). A sentinel node biopsy was done during the original operation and initially came back clear but unfortunately when I had my surgeon follow up a couple of weeks later I was told that there was cancer in the sentinel node so I am now due for further surgery (Level 1 and 2 Axillary Node Clearance) in a couple of weeks followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.
I will post photos very shortly of my reconstruction which I am very pleased with and also the flap scars which are on the back of my thighs.
Bye for now
Anne
xx
12 Replies
Hi Sherril.
Yes I am happy and recovering well. PAP flaps are taken from the back of the thigh area instead of the abdomen. I am sure you will do well with the DIEP. It is considered the gold standard of surgery here. I was considering the DIEP too but was offered the newer procedure for a better outcome for my circumstances. Apparently I am only the second patient to have had the procedure in the hospital!
I do hope your surgery goes well and I am more than happy to answer any queries as our surgeries are similar I think - i.e. micro surgery
Hi Anne,
I am very curious about the PAP flap surgery you had as I haven't yet heard of it. I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction end of July so I am researching as much as I can right now. Sounds like you are very happy with it so far.
x-Sherril
