Profilatic mascetomy

Hi Little Red, You shouldn't need to have lymph nodes removed from the prophylactic side if there is no cancer. I didn't require this. They will take the breast, and of course they will send it to be checked, but if it is all clear, then you keep your nodes. I had 10 removed from my right side, and I won't allow anyone to take blood from that side, or even my blood pressure. Good luck. Love Chris xx

Hi Paula,

What your plastic surgeon said about TRAM and DIEP sounds correct. I went to my plastic surgeon cos he's great at doing the DIEP and I wanted to keep all my muscle intact (including back). He tried for a DIEP but when I was under General, and he looked at the blood vessels, the best vessels to use involved him removing a small (about stamp sized) piece of rectus abdominus muscle, so I technically ended up with a TRAM. He replaced this with mesh. He was very aware of my desire to keep my muscle but he said his job was to ensure the flap had adequate blood supply, and if this involved muscle then so be it. I must say, I'm glad this was his priority.

I am six weeks post op and feeling great. I ended up having a TRAM for my left and a reduction of my right. They both look excllent and I'm enjoying my flat tummy!

Feel free to ask any other questions

Heather

 

Hi Paula,

What your plastic surgeon said about TRAM and DIEP sounds correct. I went to my plastic surgeon cos he's great at doing the DIEP and I wanted to keep all my muscle intact (including back). He tried for a DIEP but when I was under General, and he looked at the blood vessels, the best vessels to use involved him removing a small (about stamp sized) piece of rectus abdominus muscle, so I technically ended up with a TRAM. He replaced this with mesh. He was very aware of my desire to keep my muscle but he said his job was to ensure the flap had adequate blood supply, and if this involved muscle then so be it. I must say, I'm glad this was his priority.

I am six weeks post op and feeling great. I ended up having a TRAM for my left and a reduction of my right. They both look excllent and I'm enjoying my flat tummy!

Feel free to ask any other questions

Heather

 

Hi Little Red,

I only had the sentinal node taken on my right side where the tumour was, this node is tested while you are under and if it is clear (which mine was) there is no need for them to take any more nodes. I have my blood and blood pressure taken from the left side but my surgeon has told me that it is fine to have it taken from my right side too.

Not sure what you mean by risks in relation to removing the tissue?

Hope this helps.

Chal

Hi All,

Thanks for the posts they are all helpful. I am 33 I have had a breast lump removed in my left arm and 8 nodes removed, with clear margins and nothing found in the nodes, and had 3 FEC treatments and start Docetaxel in a few weeks.  I have not had genetic testing back yet. I am mostly decided on the double mastectomy  and reconstruction regardless of the genetic testing as this is as the doctors say the best option for it not coming back.

 Can anyone please tell me about the risks they were told about the mastectomy in relation to removing the tissue? As I understand this means more nodes taken.. One question that comes to mind now is what does this mean for having blood taken from my arms in the future because I was told I cannot have bloods taken from the surgery side for about 10 years to be safe! Does this include taking Blood pressure too??

so many things to think about!!

thanks

Little Red

 

 

Hi, Sam 

My name is Mariana Petcu and I would love an invite in the group , as I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in my left breast last year . I choose an lumpectomy last year as everything was happening so quick and now I am seriously thincking of getting a double mastectomy , for my peace of mind. The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes but my team suggested chemo radiation and now 5 years of Tamoxifen which is fine but the fear is still there that it might come back . I really need to get in touch with ladies my own age I am turning 39 in a week time. Thanks, Mariana

Hi Kel, I was diagnosed in Dec 2011 with a lump in my right breast. I chose without hesitation to have a double masectomy and immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders. I underwent 6 cycles of TAC and last week I had the tissue expanders removed and replaced with silicon implants as well as a nipple reconstruction. I also had a prophylactic oophorectomy at the same time. I am feeling really good and have had no pain at all since this second surgery. When everything has healed my plastic surgeon will send me off to have the areolas tattooed. I am very happy with my new breasts and know that it was the right decision for me. I have a 6 year old son and needed to give myself the best possible chance. I am still waiting to have the genetic testing but have a strong family history. I hope this helps. :)

WOW ladies,

Just read all your helpful posts.  I too am in the process of considering having my other breast off.  I have had radiation on my R side and a mastectomy.  I worry so much as I actually had a reoccurance on my right side 18mths after my lumpectomy, chemo, radiation.  SO the mastectomy followed.  Both my lumps were nearly 3cm and both were 8mths and then 6mths after clear mammagrams!!! Triple negative aggresive grade 3 tumours.  I really want my other breast off.  I too am a bit sick of high cut tops and wearing a prosthesis.  I am not brave enough to go flat chested.  I just want boobs, only small ones.

My general surgeon has suggested implants but I decided to get a second opinion and saw a plastic surgeon.  He will not do the implants due to my radiation.  I am not a big lady, however he seems to think I have enough skin on my tummy for 2x 12B's.  I will be happy with that.

He wants to do a tram flap.  WHen I asked him about a DIEP he said that he always aims to do one but often he makes his mind up about whether or not to take abdo muscle depending on the blood vessels he finds.

I also have lymphedema and so am not keen for the back muscle op, as there is a lot more arm pit involved and I worry about damage to my remaining lymph nodes...

Oh the worry of it all!! I am nearly 50 and think I will be getting a boob job for my 50th present LOL  I just need to work up the courage to say do it!!

Can't believe how therapeutic just writing all this down has been..

Thanks for anyone who reads this.  It is great to have a site like this to post to.

Cheers

Paula :)

Heather I like your way of thinking" more brain space" :) and Chris omg you sound juuuust like me and my husband is like yours. Opposites attract I guess. Have a great day girls.xxxx

Heather I like your way of thinking" more brain space" :) and Chris omg you sound juuuust like me and my husband is like yours. Opposites attract I guess. Have a great day girls.xxxx