Forum Discussion

gail08's avatar
gail08
Member
10 years ago

Reconstruction

Hi, I had a bilateral mastectomy in October 2014 with expanders inserted, due to complications the expanders have been removed.  I now have the options of replacing the expanders, using muscle and tissue from my back or using tissue and maybe muscle from my stomach.  I would appreciate hearing from ladies that have gone through these procedures.  With the flap option using skin from your stomach I have read that if you gain weight then your breasts will gain weight also, is this correct?  I am under 5 ft and have a weight problem and really don't  want to go back to having large breasts. I really don't want to go down the track of using muscle and skin from my  back as the recovery time seems to be too long and I really need to keep working for my mental well being, the other option is to try expanders again and hope that complications do not arise again.  With the expanders I at least know what I am in for,  with the stomach tissue being used can you give me some idea of the recovery time? I have been really lucky with my treatment and have been blessed with an excellent surgeon and breastcare team, the problems I have had are just anomolies and I have learnt to deal with them, I live by the prayer of serenity. 

I would really appreciate feedback from ladies that have been through all the options, it's either recontruct or just stay flat. Would really appreciate you sharing your experiences with me.

Gail 

 

 

 

 

Reconstruction

2 Replies

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Gail,

     

    I'm one of the Facilitators with the Breast Reconstruction group on this site and we would be happy for you to join the group and hopefully get some information, view photo-stories and get feedback from others who have had these various procedures so that you might feel better informed about all your options. If you'd like to join us just click on Groups and send us a brief message.

    You might also like to check out the Reclaim Your Curves website (www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/). This website has a lot of information on the various procedures available in Australia, including the Lat Dorsi (back muscle), TRAM and DIEP (stomach flaps) reconstruction options as well as some other choices. 

    I had a DIEP reconstruction (right breast only) in April 2012 following previous treatment which included chemotherapy, Herceptin and radiotherapy. Due to radiation scarring and the potential for more complications it was recommended that I go down the tissue flap reconstruction route and DIEP was considered the best choice as unlike TRAM it does not use any muscle, so there are fewer problems with abdominal strength being potentially compromised.

    DIEP is a big operation (around 5-6 hrs in surgery for one breast), requires a specialist plastic surgeon trained in microsurgical techniques (so not always available at all hospitals), usually means you are in hospital for about a week, with the first few days being intensively monitored to ensure the new flap (breast) gets sufficient blood flow and then about a 6 week recovery period at home (mainly for the abdominal wound). You may also need a revision surgery or two to get things symmetrical and to have a nipple reconstruction (if you choose).

    There is a lot to get your head around with the various options and it might be worthwhile getting a few different opinions as part of your research into what might suit you and your lifestyle best.

    By the way, I am very happy with my reconstruction choice - the new breast is soft and well-matched to the other side and has helped to restore a lot of my self-confidence. Jane xx

  • ScorpionQueen's avatar
    ScorpionQueen
    Member
    10 years ago

    Gail, I can;t advise on the procedures, as I am still in waiting of my own surgery tomorrow, but i can offer this...

    Have you gone through all the options with your surgeon? I mean word for word, really in depth? It seems there is a lot of confusion in regards to your options. You and only you can make such decisions, so get well informed, look deep inside yourself and your decision will come...

    Wishing you the best of luck!

    Sending love and light for recovery and beautiful days <3

    -Tracy