Bilateral masectomy & reconstruction (Tram Flap)

I had a TRAM in 2003 and a silicone implant in the other side in 2010.  I am SOOOOOO happy with the result from the TRAM!!  My stomach is nice and flat (yes, I have a scar but that's a small price to pay and is easily hidden) and the breast on that side is lovely and soft and natural looking and feeling.  The second one that I had done with the silicone feels like there is a rock in my chest!

I was supposed to have the TRAM done at the same time as my mastectomy but I ended up in ICU after an allergic reaction and therefore had to have it done later.  The operation was not a problem.  I couldn't stand up straight for a little while very easily as it hurt when I pulled myself upright across my stitches, but that soon passed and I was back to doing normal things within about a month.

Make sure that you do all of the exercises that you are given as this really makes a difference!  I probably pushed myself a bit too hard at first but I certainly never looked back and never regretted getting this type of reconstruction done.

If you want to ask any more questions or if I haven't answered your queries well enough, please feel free to ask :)

Louise x

I had the right breast removed and reconstructed DIEP flap on the 21/2/12 and am still recovering.  At this point I wish I hadn't had it the stomach is taking a long time to recover and the Diep method doesn't remove muscle, but am told down the track I will be happy with it.  It is very major surgery and not to be taken lightly.

I had the right breast removed and reconstructed DIEP flap on the 21/2/12 and am still recovering.  At this point I wish I hadn't had it the stomach is taking a long time to recover and the Diep method doesn't remove muscle, but am told down the track I will be happy with it.  It is very major surgery and not to be taken lightly.

I had the right breast removed and reconstructed DIEP flap on the 21/2/12 and am still recovering.  At this point I wish I hadn't had it the stomach is taking a long time to recover and the Diep method doesn't remove muscle, but am told down the track I will be happy with it.  It is very major surgery and not to be taken lightly.

I didn;t have this surgery but I have had a Left mastectomy and immediate silicone implant reconstruction and am having the other one done after I finish chemo becasue I am High risk due to family history etc.

I know the surgery sounds long, but as long as you are fit, well and healthy the length shouldn't be an issue. They wouldn't do it is they didn't think it would be all OK.

I had the option of the TRAM flap surgery but I would have had to go to Sydney to have it done (and I can still choose that option later if I wish).

I didn;t have this surgery but I have had a Left mastectomy and immediate silicone implant reconstruction and am having the other one done after I finish chemo becasue I am High risk due to family history etc.

I know the surgery sounds long, but as long as you are fit, well and healthy the length shouldn't be an issue. They wouldn't do it is they didn't think it would be all OK.

I had the option of the TRAM flap surgery but I would have had to go to Sydney to have it done (and I can still choose that option later if I wish).