Just letting off a little steam
I have been trying to look on the bright side ever since I was told my diagnosis. Some days I am better at it than others. Today I am not doing so well, so here comes a vent. I got a t-shirt from eb...
Forum Discussion
Hi Viv
I have had two different types of reconstruction (because of two different diagnosis of BC and two mastectomies, 7 yrs apart!!). You could say I've pretty much had it all (everything except Radiation therapy which I managed to avoid).
In 2003 I had a mastectomy but due to an allergic reaction I didn't have the reconstruction straight away - in fact, it was 5 months later. I had a TRAM flap reconstruction where they used my baby belly to reconstruct the breast - bonus! It was basically like having a tummy tuck and then instead of throwing the tissue from that away, they use it to make a new boob, complete with its own blood supply which involves microsurgery. It's not an easy op and takes a while to get over (I was in hospital for a week). The most difficult thing after a tummy tuck is standing up straight!! I am REALLY happy with the result though and feel that the pain was worth it :) My new boob is nice and soft and because it is made from my tummy, if I lose or gain weight, the size of my boob also changes.
Last year I had another mastectomy and this time had an immediate reconstruction. I had a latissimus dorsi reconstruction this time where they use a muscle in your back (the lat dorsi muscle) and swing it around under your arm to create a new "pocket" for your new boob. A tissue expander was inserted behind this muscle and this is inflated over time to get to the correct size for you (I actually didn't need any expanding which was good). In February this year I had the expander removed and a permanent prosthesis (silicon - but like an ipod case, not liquid) inserted in its place. I found this type of reconstruction a lot easier than the TRAM flap one with a lot less pain and a lot easier movement BUT I am not really as happy with the result as it is a really hard breast! It doesn't really feel normal to me and if I try to lie on my stomach it feels like I am lying on a rock. The look of it is fine, just the feel isn't quite right.
With both reconstructions I also had my nipples reconstructed and then later tatooed. The surgeon made new nipples from the skin on the new breasts. They look great and really natural :)
If you've got any more questions, please ask but hopefully this helps a bit !
Louise x