Forum Discussion

Goldie_to_Raque's avatar
Goldie_to_Raque
Member
13 years ago

Bilateral Reconstruction

Am due to have Bilateral reconstruction later this year. Originally thought I would have Lat Dorsi Procedure but Surgeon reccommended Free Tram Flap, probably due to my "chemo belly".

Not too excited about the recovery period if I choose the Free Tram Flap. Believe Lat Dorsi best option as now just back in shape and fit. Detest the thought of all the hard work being lost through months of inactivity...again!

Would dearly love some advice from those "in the know". Coming back to Australia in May to book procedure...what ever I decide upon.

chemotherapy
Reconstruction

4 Replies

  • Sarah_51's avatar
    Sarah_51
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi

    A really good friend of mine who is in her late 50's had a bilateral TRAM flap done on Dec 1st. She is 5 years cancer free and decided now was the time to do it. She has recovered so well and just 7 weeks later is Dragon Boat paddling with us and looking forward to compete in our upcoming regattas! She was very fit before hand for her age and I believe that had a lot to do with it. She is also a very determined person and so her recovery was always going to be positive. She is so happy with her new breasts and has been showing them off to anyone who wants to look- lol. They do look really good. She has her appendix scar on her left breast now! Having seen her experience has spurred me on to do something about my reconstruction i was always against it but now I am seriously wanting it done.

    So good luck with it all.

    Sarah x

  • louiseg's avatar
    louiseg
    Member
    13 years ago

    I have had both types of reconstruction so know a bit about this!  I had my TRAM in 2003 and a lat dorsi in 2010.  By far I am happier with the result of the TRAM!!  The reconstructed breast is nice and soft, feels natural and feels like a part of me.  The lat dorsi one is firm (due to the silicone implant) and when I lie down, particularly if any part of the breast is touching what I am lying on, it feels horrible - like I have a rock underneath me.  It still looks good but just doesn't feel like part of me.

    I know that there is a longer recovery after a TRAM but I would choose it hands down over the lat dorsi!  You also get the added bonus of a nice flat stomach :)

    Good luck with your decision,

    Louise

  • louiseg's avatar
    louiseg
    Member
    13 years ago

    I have had both types of reconstruction so know a bit about this!  I had my TRAM in 2003 and a lat dorsi in 2010.  By far I am happier with the result of the TRAM!!  The reconstructed breast is nice and soft, feels natural and feels like a part of me.  The lat dorsi one is firm (due to the silicone implant) and when I lie down, particularly if any part of the breast is touching what I am lying on, it feels horrible - like I have a rock underneath me.  It still looks good but just doesn't feel like part of me.

    I know that there is a longer recovery after a TRAM but I would choose it hands down over the lat dorsi!  You also get the added bonus of a nice flat stomach :)

    Good luck with your decision,

    Louise

  • Tracee's avatar
    Tracee
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hello I had a tram flap at the end of September last year and a mastectomy all in one operation. The tram flap was the hardest to get over and for the first few weeks you are out of action but I have been walking 6 Kim every day from about a month post surgery and haven't had any complications. I had a great surgeon and really happy with the results. Tracey