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mlk489's avatar
mlk489
Member
14 years ago

Bilateral masectomy & reconstruction (Tram Flap)

Hi everyone,

I've had two lumpectomies done last year, chemo & radiation completed. Now, I'm going to have bilateral masectomy and reconstruction at the same time in three months time as a precautionary, because of a very rare type of cancer called "Adenosquamous" that has a high recurrance.  

I've got mixed feelings - is it worth it to have the big operation? The plastic surgeons advised me that it takes between 8 to 14 hours of operation - that kind of freak me out (never had operation that long).  

  • Have anyone had this surgery?  
  • What did it feel like after the surgery?  
  • How did you cope?
  • Was there any complications?
  • How long is the recovery time?  

I appreciate your respond, thanks.

26 Replies

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  • Shazinoz's avatar
    Shazinoz
    Member
    14 years ago

    GOOD LUCK (not that you will need it).

    and talk to you out the other side. Ireaslise you are already at the hospital and that your surgery may have already begun,. but better late than never :-)

     

  • Shazinoz's avatar
    Shazinoz
    Member
    14 years ago

    GOOD LUCK (not that you will need it).

    and talk to you out the other side. Ireaslise you are already at the hospital and that your surgery may have already begun,. but better late than never :-)

     

  • tigress1's avatar
    tigress1
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi hilandglen, Thank you for your wishes.  I tried Target again and found 2 types of post op bras.  I am off to the hospital in about an hour, so fingers crossed.

  • tigress1's avatar
    tigress1
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Shazinoz,

    Yes, I received that bra but it didn't fit me and it only opens at the back.  As Louise suggested I will try Target again as I only really looked in the sports bra area.

  • Shazinoz's avatar
    Shazinoz
    Member
    14 years ago

    Do you have the one from the BCNA My Care Kit, the Berlie post opone. It is a soft cup front (and back) opening one, with pockets for prosthetics if you have/need one,otherwise they are just a comfortable cotton bra, with both a front and back opening.

    You can get the BCNA my care kit through your breast care nurse, who orderes from BCNA for free.

  • louiseg's avatar
    louiseg
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi again, I think Target is now selling post-surgery bras so might be worth having a look there. The main problem with the Ah Bra will be getting it over your head! You're not meant to lift your arms over your head for a few weeks and this is why they tell you to get a front fastening bra. They're not pretty but they are comfortable. I wouldn't call it a sports bra either....more a crop top. On the bottom I only wore bike pants. I'm pretty sure that my surgery was about 6 hours too but I only had the one side done then. It's probably good that you've got two surgeons! Good luck for Saturday! I hope it all goes really well for you. Be kind to yourself and keep a positive attitude and you'll be fine. Louise x
  • tigress1's avatar
    tigress1
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Louise,

    I was so pleased to read a positive comment on the Tram Flap.  I think that's just what I needed to see. I am having a Bilateral Free Tram on 5/5/12 which is this Saturday.  Yikes!  I don't quite know what the Free part means.  I am fairly certain it does not mean "Free from pain"! I am having 2 plastic surgeons working in unison on me. I feel special, but I could be just to cut down on the operating time which is definitely OK by me.  They said it would be about 6 hours. My time on the waiting list was 21 months. Ironically, the day I am being operated on is 3 years to the day that I was diagonised!  I was told to buy those very flattering shaper undies.  Well, I am hoping I look a little better wearing them after my op than I do now!  I was told to get a soft cup sports bra with a front opening to wear afterwards but I am not having much luck finding any.  May have to use an Ah bra.  The "Ah" part is when I have to drag it up over my legs and tummy to wear it. Ouch!  As you know we can't do too much with our arms.  Anyway, thanks again for being positive.

  • louiseg's avatar
    louiseg
    Member
    14 years ago

    From memory it was just learning to stand as straight as possible!  The main exercises were for my arm/shoulder.

  • suew's avatar
    suew
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Louise,

    That is good to hear, I think mine is just taking longer than I expected. What exercises were you given? I haven't been given any for the stomach.

    Sue