tram flap reconstruction done

I am surprised how large mine are, I've tried to find a standard bra but I need more than a double D. So I gave up and will wait till revision surgery. Back to arh bras. I have revision in October to correct the shape and projection. I'm thinking they coud have left some tissue back in the tummy area. Lou

Hi Louise, Yes, I am pretty happy with the revision. Took out some of the volume and lifted them both a bit... Now just have the nipple recon to do... Jenn

Hi Jen, I recall you were very happy with your initial results. How did revision go? Still happy? Do they look great? Xxxlouie

I can't believe you can lie flat! Wow, I was so tight I could not stand straight or lie flat for at least 4 weeks. Sounds like you're recovering very well, with a new belly button too. Cherio Louie

Julia, we have the exact same surgeons :-) Harvey was not that specific with me. I just found some wireless soft bras in Target that did just fine. I had the initial surgery last September, and a revision in May. Am on his surgery schedule for early November to have the nipple recon.

He's a good surgeon. Hard to get a word in though ;-) Jenn

I am sleeping flat on back in bed, which is hard for a normal side sleeper but I am managing it ok,  I had not realised in advance that my belly button would need reconstruction too.

I have not looked at my tummy scar yet, seeing surgeon on Monday.

Julia

I am sleeping flat on back in bed, which is hard for a normal side sleeper but I am managing it ok,  I had not realised in advance that my belly button would need reconstruction too.

I have not looked at my tummy scar yet, seeing surgeon on Monday.

Julia

Don't be too worried about how they look just yet, it's early days and you're probably still be quite swollen. That said, it's my understanding is that the plastics concentrate on moving the tissue and making sure it stays viable rather than aesthetics during this surgery. It sounds like your doctors had a pretty difficult time. My plastic said they found my surgery emotional at 14 hrs after two attempts at connecting blood supply. I admire their persistence and stamina to get it right. Then when everything settles they tweak the shape and the untidy bits with a second minor surgery. Maybe not everyone needs this but I have read it's common. Then nipples after that. I completely understand why women stop and even don't do nipples. It s really gruelling. But I figure now, that I have come this far, that I want to go ahead and get the final tweaking and improved shape. I think it will be worth it. How's your tummy scar? Mine is quite a mess and not evenly shaped at all. The surgeon just said he didn't know why, they followed the measurements. It continues to get infected bits, I think it's the stitches. I hope it gets revised, it's quite ugly. But in the end I just want to get it all finalised, I think it will help me move on. Are you sleeping in bed? Or in a recliner? It was so comfortable to be home after hospital don't you think. You sound pretty good considering you are just 2 weeks from the surgery. Louise

Yeah, Doctor said they spent 7 hours looking through a microscope trying to find good arteries to use, he said the radiotherapy had made the walls paper thin.

Might just try an ah bra tonight, this thing I have on now is killing me and am desparate for some sleep.

The other thing is that one breast not only looks better but also sits higher than the other and is not as good a shape. I was not expecting to have another operation after this(apart from maybe nipples etc)as this is my 4th, so a bit sad there...

thanks for the info,

Julia

 

 

Wow, 15 hrs....brutal. I found between the breasts was so sensitive it was painful and it felt better to have a firm arh bra on. The sensitivity went away after about 4 weeks. I was not told to wear anything special, but chose to for comfort and to protect the wound areas. So I found the kindest thing the wear that was a bit supportive was arh bras. I found them fine to get on and off, bit awkward I guess, but ok. Why the 15 hrs? Did they have some difficulties? Did you go home with drains? I have found since the wounds healed over that massaging twice a day with a body butter (pure coconut oil and shea butter) works really well on keeping the skin well hydrated and has softened the scars significantly. Take care, I hope you recover well Xxxlouie