Hi Kate.
If you are back down Sale way feel free to give me a call. Im happy to "share" my reco results with you. As Louise said, it is a tough operation but I dont regret any of it!
Talk soon, xo Christie
I went in for a DIEP but they needed to use some muscle so technically i had a free tram.
I had skin sparing, but i understand they can use this method and transfer skin also, depends on your circunstances.
I am very happy with my choice.
XXL:)
When I saw your blog firstly I thought "Oh I wonder where Kate has been" and then I was puzzled. There must be a good reason why you waited and why you now want the info. I can't offer anything personally as I have not had to consider this option (lumpectomies both times). I can only offer this: I am very proud of you for waiting and giving yourself time for a) your body to heal and b) to reflect. These of course are only my thoughts - everyone is different and has their own reasons for whatever they do. I have seen many different circumstances with women "getting everything done immediately" and others contemplating for ever more. I feel you are doing what is right for you and that is how it should be. Good luck with "all of research" Experience from "those who have gone before you" is priceless. XLeonie
Hi Kate,
Congratulations on your 5 years . I agree that you must be in a good space and ready to think about the next step.
I had one breast off at the end of 2010 and wasnt going to have a reconstruction, but 9 months later I changed my mind. I chose to have the other off for a few reasons and had a double reconstruction with implants.
Time has gone on and I got new nipples for christmas, I only have to have the tattooing done now. Im quite pleased with them, They are not perfect but life is better with them, for me.
I live in country SA. The main cost to me was travel and accomodation to the city 4 1/2 hours away. I went private. In the end I think it cost me around $10,000. I was able to claim a bit on my tax, and worked one lot of operations to fit in the financial year.
Reconstruction is a long process I have found. I am a very impatient person but have had to change and go with the flow.At the start I was making a lot of trips to Adelaide but had to slow it down when other family issues came up.
I was very happy with my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.At the time I didnt ask a lot of questions, I was a bit overwhelmed by it. I should have been more patient and asked more, especially about size and projection.
Overall Im happy. Life is good and recently in Hawaii I wore my bathers for the first time in ages and I felt happy with myself.
Good luck with your decision, be patient and ask lots of questions.
Im happy to ask any questions you have,
Annie
Hi Kate,
Congratulations on your 5 years . I agree that you must be in a good space and ready to think about the next step.
I had one breast off at the end of 2010 and wasnt going to have a reconstruction, but 9 months later I changed my mind. I chose to have the other off for a few reasons and had a double reconstruction with implants.
Time has gone on and I got new nipples for christmas, I only have to have the tattooing done now. Im quite pleased with them, They are not perfect but life is better with them, for me.
I live in country SA. The main cost to me was travel and accomodation to the city 4 1/2 hours away. I went private. In the end I think it cost me around $10,000. I was able to claim a bit on my tax, and worked one lot of operations to fit in the financial year.
Reconstruction is a long process I have found. I am a very impatient person but have had to change and go with the flow.At the start I was making a lot of trips to Adelaide but had to slow it down when other family issues came up.
I was very happy with my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.At the time I didnt ask a lot of questions, I was a bit overwhelmed by it. I should have been more patient and asked more, especially about size and projection.
Overall Im happy. Life is good and recently in Hawaii I wore my bathers for the first time in ages and I felt happy with myself.
Good luck with your decision, be patient and ask lots of questions.
Im happy to ask any questions you have,
Annie
You must ne in agood place to be considering this step now, and congrats on your 5yrs.
I am 12 weeks post bilateral skin saving free tram flap surgery. I feel great and, though my final surgery is not till October, I have lovely warm and natural looking breasts. I am very happy with my choice of tissue transfer method. I also have a lovely flat tummy which is a bonus.
This surgery isnt for everyone and the recovery is hard going, but I dont regret it for a minute.
If you are interested, I have completed a little photo story of my reconstruction. I did it as a brief memory for myself, but also to help others making their decisions about reconstruction. I recall that reconstruction was very difficult to plan and I sought out every photo and story i could find, which was not that many.
I went public all the way, but i believe the waiting lists are quite long unless you have cancer present (which i did). But it could be worth the wait as the costs can be crazy for tissue transfer operations. I guess it may depend on your health cover.
Private message me your email address if you want to see the photo story.
xxxLouie
