Forum Discussion
KimH
13 years agoMember
TUG and GAP reconstructions
Reconstruction options?I'm 32, no children, no fat, and had a left mastectomy with axillary clearance, and had chemo and radio.I have seen one PS who I personally did not like. With no stomach, he cou...
LouiseTurner
13 years agoIn Memoriam
You're so young to be going through this. But you sound strong and doing the right thing I think by taking control and doing your research.
I found reconstruction very difficult and slow to find what was possible, what i was suited to, who could do it and how the system works.
I saw 4 plastic surgeons before settling on the 5th on to do my free tram. Unlike you I have 2 kids and had tummy fat/tissue to spare. I found the surgeons specialised in just a couple of procedures, rather than offering all types. I suppose it makes sense so they get really good at their technique.
I didn't look into those procedures, TUG and GAP, but read a bit about them on mostly US bc websites. I guess you'll always get a range of experiences.
I found searching this site from the search box at the top helpful. I found members posts about methods and hospitals and doctors. I also learned that doctors work public and private so followed leads that way too. I talked to the breast care nurses and the cancer council, I phoned plastic surgeons rooms and asked questions (cheaper than having an appointment to be told they don't so what I was looking for). I read read read and finally found my team.
Good luck, I wish I could be more helpful,
Xxxlouie