followup

I was 35 the first time and 42 the second time that I had mastectomies for BC and had different reconstructions each time.  The first time was a delayed TRAM flap reconstruction and I absolutely love the result - it is soft and natural looking and is easy to lie on etc.  The TRAM operation took a while to get over but certainly not 2 yrs!! The hardest thing is standing up straight after having what is in essence a tummy tuck. There was very little pain in the breast area.  I suppose it was about 6 weeks before I was really back to normal.

The second reconstruction in 2010 was a latissimus dorsi reconstruction with implant (prosthesis). This involved inserting an expander under the skin and then over a period of a couple of months it was expanded to the correct size.  Once this was achieved I had the expander replaced with a permanent silicone implant.  My surgeon made me a new nipple at the same time.  About a month later I had the nipple tattooed and the result is really good.  My husband likes the shape better than the other side but I find it really hard and not nearly as comfortable for sleeping etc.  I am actually going into hospital again on 14th March to have it replaced for a slightly smaller implant as I feel a bit lop-sided at the moment.  There was very little down time for these ops.

If you want any more info, please contact me :)

Louise

Another step to the othe side, and even though you have even more decisions to make, it's probably good that you have until August to decide what you want to do, and give you time, to do a bit of research and also healing phsycologically. As i am sure others on here who have gone through reconstruction can help with any of their journeys with it. Keep well, and keep comming back. Regards