Reconstruction ?

Hi girls

I'm so sorry to hear of all the challenges you have faced and wish you well for positive outcomes in future. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate muscle sparing TRAM reconstruction just over a month ago at St Vincent's in Sydney. I had planned to have a DIEP reconstruction but once I was in surgery, they needed to take some muscle too in order to improve the blood supply or something. Anyway, it's not an easy surgery (12+ hours) and i have been really exhausted in my recovery (5+ weeks now) but I have a feeling that my body really does not respond well to anaesthetic or the trauma of surgery of something, because I think I am more tired than most. But the good news is that I think my final outcome is going to be really good - nice sized breasts (I was a B-C cup before and I think now a full C) which are symetrical and well shaped. The scar across my stomach is long (as expected) but nice and clean too. My healing is progressing well. The wonderful breast care nurse at St Vincents (Debbie Maguire) said it is one of the best jobs she has seen - and she would know!

I just wanted to recommend my surgeons here in Sydney - Dr Warren Hargreaves was the breast surgeon (breast removal) and Dr James Southwell Keely is my plastic surgeon (reconstruction). He trained in London and is very well experienced in TRAM and DIEP reconstruction. AND he is the nicest, kindest, most gentle lovely doctor you can imagine. Such a nice man. Really patient and so compassionate. And a very talented surgeon as well. I think he only operates in the private system.

So just thought I'd post that in case it helps, (I'm not sure where you live) I couldn't recommend James more highly. Warren was lovely too, but I have spent more time with James in the follow up etc. I do recommend them both.

I also am writing a blog about my experience: http://watermelonheartsblog.com/ if that is of interest.

Wishing you all the best with your ongoing treatment and final outcomes

Sarah