Forum Discussion

mum2jj's avatar
mum2jj
Member
13 years ago

Reconstruction and prophylactic mastectomy

Would love some stories of people who have had this done.

Hi,

I am considering a prophylactic mastectomy and double reconstruction.  After a reoccurance of my triple negative breast cancer in March 2011. I had a mastectiomy.(I had previoulsy had a lumpectiomy and radiation/chemo 18mth before.

As both my diagnosis came only a short while after clear mammograms (8mth and 6 mths) and were quite aggresive I have decided to have the prophylactic mastectomy.  I would really like reconstructive surgery.  My general surgeon also does reconstuction with expanders/implants and is happy to perform the surgery.  He has recommeded hyperbaric oxygen thereapy before and after the surgery.. He has apparently had success with this type of surgery.

From everything I have read implants are not the way to go after radiation.

Today I saw a reconstructive surgeon and he does not like to implants post radiation.  He has recommended DIEP/TRAM flap surgery.  This however is huge surgery and also quite expensive.  I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has had radiation and gone on to have implants.

Also anyone who has had a double mastectomy and TRAM flap surgery.

Oh yeah also, I am not that big and don't have lots of stomach and the reconstructive surgeon said he would only have enough skin for a "B" cup.  I would be happy with that.

Just would like to hear anyone elses experiences espescially post radiation.

Thanks

mastectomy
Reconstruction
triple-negative-breast-cancer
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thank you so much for your reply. It sounds like your surgery was a great success. I have been busy researching this for over a year now. I have my prophylactic mastectomy and double diep/tram reconstruction booked for Dec 4th. So looking forward to finally getting it done. There is a breast reconstruction page that has been started by one of the members on this site. Many women are commenting on their surgery and some have posted photos. It is a private group. I am sure you could offer your experience to this page if you like. Sounds like you are recovering really well. Thanks again. Paula :)
  • Jenchelmaier's avatar
    Jenchelmaier
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Mum2jj I was diagnosed with r sided invasive lobular cancer in 2009 also . Had a right mastectomy 6 rounds of chemo (taxotere) which I was also allergic to but they persevered giving me antihistamines etc also followed by 6 weeks radiotherapy . 6 weeks ago I had an elective mastectomy of the left breast and bilateral TRAM flap reconstruction . I am really happy with the result the recovery has been difficult at times but no where near as bad as I thought it was going to be . The breasts look really natural and feel natural as well an added bonus is that I can get away without wearing a bra now and after 2 pregnancies one of which was twins I have a flat stomach ! In the new year I go back for revision surgery which is just an overnight stay where they fix anything you are not happy with and create my new nipples . I am happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have all I can say is that while initially the recovery was difficult I am so glad I went ahead with it
  • Jenchelmaier's avatar
    Jenchelmaier
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Mum2jj I was diagnosed with r sided invasive lobular cancer in 2009 also . Had a right mastectomy 6 rounds of chemo (taxotere) which I was also allergic to but they persevered giving me antihistamines etc also followed by 6 weeks radiotherapy . 6 weeks ago I had an elective mastectomy of the left breast and bilateral TRAM flap reconstruction . I am really happy with the result the recovery has been difficult at times but no where near as bad as I thought it was going to be . The breasts look really natural and feel natural as well an added bonus is that I can get away without wearing a bra now and after 2 pregnancies one of which was twins I have a flat stomach ! In the new year I go back for revision surgery which is just an overnight stay where they fix anything you are not happy with and create my new nipples . I am happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have all I can say is that while initially the recovery was difficult I am so glad I went ahead with it
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    13 years ago

    WOW Chris, sound s amazing, thanks and will google!!

    Ceers

    Paula

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Paula, there is a new form of reconstruction that uses fat stem cells. It is very new, and may replace TRAM and DIEP. I have only just recently heard about it, and if you google it you might find out some more. I think it works by isolating the stem cells from fat, and then placing it in the breast area, and it grows, forming a breast. There is a Dr in Queensland who is now doing this procedure. There was an article on TV a few weeks ago about this new procedure. Love Chris xx
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Chris, thanks for your reply.  Yes you are right my plastic surgeon has said he stopped doing implant reconstruction on women who have had radiation about three years ago as he was not happy with the amount of complications and the look of them... part of this might be his ego ;)  However I have read and heard that complications are higher after radiation.  It looks like I will probably go the other way once I get the nerve up, and a boost to my bank balance!!!  I was just interested to hear of other peoples experience.  After a recurrance only 6 months after completion of all treatment and a big one at that (3cm) and very aggressive, the other one is coming off one way or the other!!

    Paula ;)