Hi,
I had a mastectomy in June 2010 with immediate reconstruction. I had an implant put under the chest muscle. The surgeons recommended this procedure as I was due to have radiotherapy so if that affected my recon I still had the option of the back muscle operation. In November, just before my last chemo, the implant had to be removed in emergency surgery as there was a problem with circulation and the breast got infected. I am now living breast free on that side.
I’m due to start radiotherapy this week and have been told I’ll have to wait six months for recon. After the trouble with the implant I’m keen not to get an implant next time but don’t have enough fat on my back or stomach for that type of recon.
These are my questions…
If I opt for an IGAP recon will I still have to wait the six months after radio?
Does anyone know any surgeons in London that do the IGAP procedure?
I would like to get my healthy breast removed during the reconstruction, is it possible to get both breasts done at the same time with the IGAP procedure?
Sorry this is such a long post, I’ve kind of lost faith in my current surgeons/breast care nurse after my first recon went wrong and despit me telling them on several occasions it wasn’t right being sent away everytime. I would like to be armed with as much info as possible when I have my next appointment!
Many thanks in advance xx
I had an IGAP reconstruction back in April 2010 - that was preventative surgery to the side that was unaffected. I am still due to have reconstruction on the side that was affected. The surgeon was fantastic and has done an amazing job and I also really like him as a person he is based at the Royal Free in Hampstead but is also private.
Oh yes and it’s a long operation and only one side could be done at a time - I was in surgery for around 9 1/2 hours and felt pretty rough after but I’m still going to go through it again for the other side.
Thanks Ruby. I guess you must be pleased with the results if you’re going through it again! I’m at Barts so maybe I could ask to have a consultation with your surgeon. I know it’s a major operation and one of my worries is that I won’t be able to go back to running/doing exercise classes etc. Has your movement in your bum/leg area been compromised at all? I’m only 28 and would like to be able to keep as fit as possible.
Also, with IGAP do you need to use expanders to stretch the skin on the mastectomy side? Or is skin somehow used from your bottom? I’m really keen to avoid implants if I can.
Thanks so much for getting back to me xxx
I had an IGAP done in January 2007 and am very pleased with the result - I showed it to Ruby before she had her op so it obviously didn’t put her off!
Re your questions, I had absolutely no problem with the wound once it had healed but I had to keep my leg straight until it was healed. I had a bit of trouble with stairs for the first week or so - had to go up and down them one stair at a time, keeping my affected leg straight. I can’t see why you wouldn’t be able to go back to running etc. once you’re recovered.
And no, I didn’t have to use an expander - my surgeon used the bottom skin. Also, I didn’t have an implant.
Sally really good to hear from you and it seems that there aren’t that many of us who’ve had the IGAP and really I think you’re the only other person I know and you helped me out when I needed help and yes I was happy with it and you didn’t put me off. Just a quick question though I remember you saying you had to keep your leg straight after - why was that? I wasn’t told that but also i had a problem with my leg after in that the nerve was affected. It was temporary but the back of my leg is still numb - not sure that will recover. Do you have any numbness or anything like that still?
Rosie - honestly not wanting to put you off or anything as I really am pleased I had a few complications (nothing serious though) just in terms of a traumatised nerve in my leg after the operation but it’s more or less sorted now. Also the side I’ve had done was not the affected side so no need for any extra skin from anywhere else however when I have the affected side done, it may be another story as there may not be enough skin and the quality of it may not be good enough so I may need a skin graft or maybe they’ll use my butt skin - who knows - I guess I’ll find out more when I know when the next operation is. By the way I’m back at the gym, no problems with mobility or strength etc.