Bilateral masectomy & reconstruction (Tram Flap)

Hi Girls..

Am so grateful for your information and stories. In April 2011 I  had a Bilateral Mastectomy as Cancer in both breasts. Recovered then did the Chemo "Merry go round" which finished in November. January this year we moved overseas and return to Australia in May to see Surgeon prior to reconstruction in August.

So much goes around in the head and much to consider. Shall keep reading your posts to prepare for my turn. 

Hi,

I had my op in Feb and am only just now feeling somewhat normal, I found the stomach the main obsticle and wonder if it is an issue with the mesh.  I had a lady come to the home and fit me with a bra, it was great but very difficult to put on at first.  I then tried the wonder bra and found them to be easier to put on and off and you can order them online. My tip is do your exercises and consider having some massage when you are up to it, I was a bit slack with the exercises and was slow to get movement back in my arm with the lymph surgery. The breast is fine although a size bigger than my other one.

Sue

Hi Jennt28,

Like you I didn't always have the best of luck when it came to bras. I didn't know where to get the soft cup bra until the ladies on this site helped me out. It has been over 5 months since my op and I am going along ok.  I have an appointment next week on the 16th October for a review.  I am keen to see my plastic surgeon as I am having an issue with the mesh that they put onto my stomach muscle - or at least I think that's what has been bothering me.  Other than that,  I have not had any real problems.  Good luck with your progress. 

Hi louiseg,  I am finding the standing straight a challenge.  It seemed easier in the hospital.  The exercises are another matter.  I hardly did any today.  I fully understand that exercises play a major part in recovery.  I just wanted to rest.  Ah... tomorrow.

Hi mik489,

I had a bilateral reconstruction.  I had cancer in my right breast.  I chose to have my left breast removed.  As for the "banana pillow".  The banana shape is what the hospital bed is put into for you after your op.  Your knees have to be bent upwards with pillows helping.  You are also in a semi sitting position so that your butt is in lowest part of the banana shape.  Imagine a V-shape, knees and head up and butt down.  Not a comfortable way to sleep but it is what it is.

I'm so glad it went well for you!  I was thinking about you last weekend wondering how things were going.  Did you have bilaterial reconstruction or just one?  I think the "banana" shape pillow sounds like a good idea, maybe I should buy one for myself.  Is there a shop that sells them?

Thanks

Michelle

Hi Louise,

Thank you for the reply, I'm so sorry for taking a long time to reply because I've been very busy with Graphic Design work.  Anyway, its so good to know that the TRAM operation went very well for you!  It's assuring to know that the breasts will look and feel natural.  I cannot have the silicone implant because it doesn't work with the radiated breast,  the TRAM method is the only option for me. My hubby and I saw the two plastic surgeons two weeks ago and I'm scheduled for bilateral masectomy and TRAM done this August or September.  The surgeon said that I'm not ready to have it done now because I need a minimum of six months of recovery from chemo and radiation.  They also mentioned that the operation will reduce the cancer from coming back by 95% which is actually very good!

I've made the decision to have it done because of my age, 37 nearly 38, a hubby with three children and I want to grow old with my family.  I'm actually very nervous about the operation because of the TRAM method that involves the blood supply disconnection from the tummy and reconnect the new blood supply in the breast/chest area.  Whilst in chemo, I had a wound break down on the right one due to abscess and had three aspirations done - it wouldn't stop leaking for 6 month and it was a traumatic experience!  The plastic surgeon said that the radiated breast could take longer to heal from the surgery and I'm actually worried about it.  The surgeon also advised me that I might have a permanent mesh in my tummy to hold everything in place, I did a lot of research and read lots of bad stories about the mesh - it freaks me out!!  Have you got a mesh? If so, did it hurt? Any complications or infection?

I better get back to work on the Graphic Design brief.

Thank you and take care

Michelle

Well done!  I'm glad it all went well :)  I only had panadol after my op too but I wasn't sure if it's just because I have a fairly high pain threshold.....good to know that you only needed it too.  As you say, us girls are tough!!

Best of luck with the rest of your recovery,

Louise x

Hi Shazinoz,

Thanks for your wishes.  My op lasted about 6 hours.  In hospital on Saturday and out 11am on Thursday.  They told me I was the "star" of the show.  Very happy with my progress and no reason to keep me in hospital any longer.  First night home was a bit of a challenge but my hubby and I managed.  Lucky we had a few extra pillows for the very uncomfortable "banana" shape position I have to use whilst trying to sleep in bed. Interestingly, I didn't receive any form of pain relief to bring home with me.  I am just using Panadol.  Us girls are tough!  Every day will be easier I'm sure.