Hello everyone,
I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon at the end of October to discuss reconstruction. I was Dx May 2006, had neo adjuvent, mastectomy then radiotherapy. 2x breast lumps and 3 nodes involved. I was never offered recon as “it was more important to deal with the cancer”. I am quite small in stature, with not much body fat, size 12,34a/aa bra, and have been advised that my options for the type of recon available is likely to be limited. I have loads of questions I’d like answered but one of them is do any of you wish you hadn’t had recon and if so why? I’m not sure whether it’d be worth going back to having pain and risk lymphoedema etc. I also have a manual job including lifting and am concerned about how further surgery will affect me. Management and male colleagues attitude is “if you can’t lift then you shouldn’t be in the job”.
Another question is do they do tumour markers or scans before surgery in case you have recurrence or secondaries?
All opinions gratefully received.
Jackie
Hi Jackie
I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction so cannot comment on going back for more surgery. I am replying to your post because of the attitude of your management and male colleagues. You are now covered by the Disability Discrimination Act and your employers must make reasonable adjustments by law to enable you to continue in your job. I am actually seeing red at the moment at their attitude. Would they think the same if heaven forbid one of them had cancer of any kind? Please have a look at the Macmillan website which gives excellent information on the act.
My thoughts are with you whatever you decide. Please let us know how you get on.
Love and take care
Thistle xx
Hi Jackiede
I developed mild lymphoedema following a TRAM flap recon three years after my MX. I had had not rads that side.
I don’t think it’s a given that reconstructive surgery causes or exacerbates lymphoedema, but I understand that it is associated with an increased risk of developing the condition, either immediately or the future.
Having said that, the TRAM flap recon was a triumph and I was, and still am, thrilled with it. It was a very long and slow recovery time indeed - I couldn’t go to work for a couple of months - and I had a sit-down office job.
Agree with Thistle - it is illegal for your employers to treat you like this; it’s shocking that these attitudes still prevail and that they think they can get away with it!
Good luck with your decision. BTW, I don’t recall being tested for tumour markers, but my recon was in 1996, so quite a while ago. There were all sorts of other tests, tho’ - inc ECG, and photographs, too.
X
S
Hello Jackie! I endorse what has been said regarding your rights.
As for the reconstruction, I do not have much experience since I underwent surgery just a month ago, but I am in a similar situation given that I am also small (smaller than you probably since I am size 6 when found!). You probably won’t be able to have a tram, given your size, so they might propose to do an implant and a latissimus dorsi flap. I have asked a PS I know and trust (I am with the HS here) and he told me it works quite well.
I did not have that done, however, because I had immediate reconstruction and they did not know if I would need radio, so they used a strattice instead of the LDF.
So far, I have not had lymphoedema but I understand that is caused by the removal of your LNs, not the reconstruction. I have an expander and find it quite painful, but again, since I had everything done at the same time, I do not know how much pain is from the MX itself.
I suggest you request an appointment with the plastic team and ask them all these questions and what your options are. I saw two members of the same team and they proposed slightly different approaches, so keep asking and get a clear picture.
A friend of mine told me she would not have bothered with reconstruction and would just wear a special bra. But we are all different. So far I have no regrets even when I know maybe my recover MIGHT have been faster. Having said that, I am doing a good recovery and happy with that particular issue.
Good luck with whatever you decide but discuss all the issues you are worried about with the Plastic team first.
Hi Jackie
Thought I’d add my experience if it can help your decision in any way. I had Mx and immedi recon (Diep) in March 08. The surgeon warned me the procedure was big and whilst not disregarding his warning I was complacent inside as I’m really fit, running half marathons regularly. The surgery was massive and I was shocked how much it took it out of me. I then went on to have terrible complications with wound healing and fat necrosis. The whole situation was worsened by the chemo as I had surgery first. Psychologically the recon seemed huge as I had only just been diagnosed and my head was still a mess in the first place. However with all that said and done I don’t feel I ever really had to come to terms with having an Mx as I really don’t feel like I’ve had one. I went to surgery with 2 boobs and woke up with 2 boobs and have always had something to put in a bra even though I had complications. I have recently had corrective surgery to sort out all the probs and now both boobs look fantastic. If I had my time again I would probably make the same choices even though it’s been a very bumpy road. A friend of a friend had the same surgery as me but it was delayed reconstruction and her experience was much more straight forward and positive than mine. I’m sure that was because she was 18 months down the line and was more adjusted when it happened. Another lady I know same age as me had an mx and has since decided she’s moved on from the whole BC thing and is happy not to proceed with recon. We are all different I think the main thing is to go with what feels right for you. I have no regrets but it wasn’t easy.
As for your work situation… I’m speechless and agree with all the above. I have 3 young kids, feel free to PM me if you want more info on my recovery.
Good luck with whatever you decide
E xx
Diep apparently gives very good results but if you are small you might not have enough “material” to qualify.
I found the following site very good. It explains all the procedures:
optionsforbreastreconstruction.com/intro.html
It might even be published here but I found it researching the subject.
Good luck!
Hi all
As well as the link Nikiya has mentioned BCC also have a booklet on reconstruction. If anyone would like a copy you
can find it by going to the following link:-
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/bcc_reconstruction_final.pdf
I hope you find it helpful
Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)
Thanks to all for your replys. I intend to look up the MacMillan site Thistle, ta for that and have bookmarked that web site Nikiya…will need to read it tomorrow night when i’ve more time. Just as well i’ve got a while 'til my PS appointment so will be able to do a bit more research. Personal choice is one thing but it’s a big decision so might as well get all the info I can. Wayhay I might even end up with a wee bit of cleavage at the end of all this. LOL. That’d be a first!! Will keep you posted. Gratefully Yours.
Jackie