Making a decision

Hi Jenny, Glad you've healed and getting back to life. I haven't been told it can't be done, I was just told I probably didn't have enough tissue to do both using my tummy. I go to see the PS next Thursday so I'll know more then. Hopefully I can if I need to have a bilateral mastectomy. Still so many questions to ask. Anne

Hi, I'm just over 4 weeks out from my skin sparin, nipple sacrificing bilateral mastectomy with immediate free TRAM flap reconstruction. It was a 12 hour surgery and I spent 9 days in hospital (private patient in RPA). I started back at my full-time job this Monday. I am still pretty sore in the abdominal area but not enough to take painkillers. I find that by mid afternoon my stomach is swollen and uncomfortable. My breasts are great Nd have healed well. Because most of my skin was saved I have full feeling everywhere on my breasts except of course where my nipples have been replaced with skin from my abdomen. I will be back to my plastic surgeon in early February to schedule a nipple reconstruction and a couple of shape/scar "tweaks". I went into the surgery a 38D and came out the same size but much firmer and higher (I'm 47yrs and breast fed 3 kids so my breasts had lost some body over the years). I am very happy so far. Not sure why you were told that bilateral wasn't possible... Jenn

Hi, I'm just over 4 weeks out from my skin sparin, nipple sacrificing bilateral mastectomy with immediate free TRAM flap reconstruction. It was a 12 hour surgery and I spent 9 days in hospital (private patient in RPA). I started back at my full-time job this Monday. I am still pretty sore in the abdominal area but not enough to take painkillers. I find that by mid afternoon my stomach is swollen and uncomfortable. My breasts are great Nd have healed well. Because most of my skin was saved I have full feeling everywhere on my breasts except of course where my nipples have been replaced with skin from my abdomen. I will be back to my plastic surgeon in early February to schedule a nipple reconstruction and a couple of shape/scar "tweaks". I went into the surgery a 38D and came out the same size but much firmer and higher (I'm 47yrs and breast fed 3 kids so my breasts had lost some body over the years). I am very happy so far. Not sure why you were told that bilateral wasn't possible... Jenn

Hi Leonie, I guess I am very lucky as my DCIS was caught very early and at this stage completely contained so unless the surgery uncovers some invasive cells I should be able to go without any treatment after the surgery possibly just tamoxifen. Fingers crossed this is how it plays out. I will definitely keep you informed this site has been a but of a saviour for me. Cheers Anne

Hi anne

St Vincent's Private is absolutely wonderful, I have had all my treatment there including chemotherapy which is a shared service with the Public Hospital.  My Oncologist is Professor Richard Epstein - absolutely brilliant!  Also using your own tissue you should possibly avoid radiotherapy as I did!

Please keep in touch and let me know how you go.  I am still a semi-permanent resident at St Vincents as you will also become with ongoing check ups etc, all the medical staff including administration are absolutely wonderful you could not be in better hands!!!

take care and it will be alright, surround yourself with positive energy and people!

Wow that's sounds like it was a perfect scenario!! I will see the plastic surgeon next Thursday he has been highly recommended, but if I'm not happy will keep yours as a second opinion. Thank you so much, I feel a lot better going into this now. Anne xx

Hi Anne

I had my surgery in November 2011, and no my surgeon did not use my stomach muscle which was great.  They can find fat anyway, believe me!!!  I have no weakness in my back whatsoever, just initially slight weakness with my stomach but all is well now.  After about 2 months I was back at the gym, running and swimming.  I strongly recommend this type of procedure as by using your own tissue from your stomach your breasts have a far more natural look.  My surgeon also saved my nipples!

Hi Leonie Thank you. I am going through Hamish Farrow he also works out of st Vincent's private. I have an appointment with him next week so I guess he'll go through what's available. It was my breast surgeon who said I couldn't, well not so much that I couldn't but that I may not have enough fat to do both (I think she was just being nice) did he use your stomach muscle too or just fat tissue? There is just so much to think about. How long ago was your surgery? And do you have any problems with weakness in your back from the surgery? Anne xx

Hi Anne I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction, it was brilliant!!!  also the information you have been given that it can only be done using breast implants is incorrect.  My wonderful surgeon used my stomach tissue (fat) and now I have a wonderful flat tummy along with great breasts!  My surgeon is Dr James Southwell-Keely at St Vincents Private, he is definately someone you would like to meet for a second opinion or do your surgery.

regards

Leonie

Hi Anne,

I just wanted to jump in a say welcome to the online network. If you need a hand finding your way around just shout - you may find the Help section of the site will give you some tips on how to use the network - http://www.bcna.org.au/node/476

Also, I completed a site wide search using the key work 'Tram' and the following results displayed - see link: http://www.bcna.org.au/search/node/Tram

You might be able to find and connect with other members who are going through/been through double mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Daina