post TRAM flap reconstruction

Thanks for responding to me so quickly and double thanks for the reassurance. I loved reading your email and you were a huge help. Today is a better day. I do feel a bit better, probably also due to me getting a bit more sleep last night.

I am only 3 weeks post op - I need to keep that in mind.. Patience aint one of my strong suits..!! I'll try to take things week by week and concentrate on the improvements rather than focusing on what I can't do.....

I am with you all the way in what an amazing job the surgeons are able to do. Cancer has been a part of my life sine I was first diagnosed at 29.... I'm now 43 and so hopeful that this may be the final phase in what has been a long journey.

Anyway - thanks again.

Nadene

Hi Nadene

Yes, the TRAM flap surgery is FULL ON - and I don't think I was prepared either - I was qutie uncomfortable for  a number of weeks, and I never thought I would stand up straight again. The strain on my back was quite hard to take, and i was terrified of getting a bulging disc because of the way I had to walk (had those before).

Try not to be discouraged - think of it this way: YOU have done most of the hard work already - you are now a few weeks down the track and  have had a magic operation (it still amazes me at the skill of the surgeons and what they have done for me) that gives a really realistic result. Your boobs are probably still quite swollen and tender - but be reassured that by 3 months post-op, they will be soft and really fine - and you will be able to wear normal bras. You also WILL be able to walk without feeling so tight in the belly too - although probably at the moment you are wondering how you are ever going to feel normal again... I think the belly loosening up was one of the things I was really looking forward to. Be assured that TIME will heal things for you - and you just have to be patient and kind to yourself - and KNOW that all will be well.

I guess it doesn't help having had the gall bladder episodes, you poor thing - as if you aren't in enough discomfort.

At night - I used to place pillows under my lower legs, but eventually weaned myself off them. I took lots of regular panadol, and 'restavit' (a sleeping antihistamine) to help me sleep at nights too.

By 5-6 weeks post-op I recovered my energy again - and I'm now over 4 months post op and I feel great! I escaped the chemo as the size of the tumour was small and there was no lymph node involvement - so I elected not to do it (little benefit). So I'm just taking Tamoxifen, which so far hasn't caused me any trouble.

Let me know how you are going.

I hope I've been a little help

Cheers

Christine

Hi Christine... Just wondering how you're doing now that some more time has passed - hopefully no chemo?. I am 3 weeks (tomorrow) post double mastectomies & immediate tram flap reconstructions. It has knocked me for 6 without doubt and not sure I was mentally prepared. Mind you, it didn't help that I've had two trips to the hospital with suspected gall bladder attacks (I have this confirmed on Monday) since returning home. The most frustrating part is getting comfortable, particularly at night - any tips?

I'm hoping you are doing well. I'm a bit down in  the dumps at the moment so words of encouragement would be appreciated. I love to hear positive stories.

Cheers

Nadene

 

Fingers crossed you don't need chemo, I too didn't need it and I am so grateful. I didn't want to contemplate losing my hair - vain I know. :)

I know what you mean about nipple reconstruction - I was hoping everything could be done in one op, mastectomies, implants, nipples etc obviously after a little research I realised this was not to be the case. I really don't like general anaesthetics either.

All the best for good results

Lara

Thanks Lara

Yes, I think the recovery for this op has taken me by surprise too! So happy to hear your sister is happy with the result though - I need to be more patient!

I had to have this complicated op because I had already had radiotherapy to the chest wall (Lymphoma treatment 8 yrs ago), and couldn't have implants because of this. I'm glad I've had the op, but the forced 'slowdown' is hard - I'm usually such a busy person. 

Hope you are doing OK. A friend of mine had a similar op to you and has just had her nipples reconstructed this week - and seems pretty happy. I'm really unsure about the nipple thing - just can't bear the thought of another operation really - although I'm sure I'll feel differently in a few months.

I find out the next lot of treatment that I need from an oncologist in the next couple of days. Wish me luck (tiny chance of not having chemo I think)

many thanks

Christine

Hi Christine,

I had bilateral mastectomies with expanders on 30 May. I have opted for silicone implants. However my sister had a tummy tuck about 3 years ago and I know she couldn't stand up straight for a month or even longer. It was a real shock to her but she was told it was because her surgeon had sewn her mucles really tight. She is now really happy with the end result although it was a much longer recovery than she had expected.

I am interested in taking Silica supplements also so will do some research...

Healing hugs to you

Lara xx

Hi Christine,

I had bilateral mastectomies with expanders on 30 May. I have opted for silicone implants. However my sister had a tummy tuck about 3 years ago and I know she couldn't stand up straight for a month or even longer. It was a real shock to her but she was told it was because her surgeon had sewn her mucles really tight. She is now really happy with the end result although it was a much longer recovery than she had expected.

I am interested in taking Silica supplements also so will do some research...

Healing hugs to you

Lara xx