Mastectomy questions

I’m just finishing my pre-adjuvant chemo tomorrow (6 x FEC-T), and am having a mastectomy and full lymph node clearance on 1st May.

 

I discussed my options with my surgeon last Friday and he agreed to remove the other breast to prevent cancer returning there at a later date, and to reconstruct both using flesh from my tummy (or thigh if my previous two caesarian sections are a problem)

 

He told me he won’t remove the other breast until next year, and that i can’t have reconstruction surgery until July 2015, which is a full year after the radiotherapy (I have to have 15 sessions in June).

 

Can anyone tell me if he is likely to remove the other breast then reconstruct both in one operation next year or whether he will probably remove the other breast first, then do another op for reconstruction…if you have had the same thing done, how did they plan it?

 

I was disappointed that he wouldn’t remove both breasts together, as I would have been happy to be flat-chested for a year, but now I’ll have to wear that uncomfortable falsy that I’ve heard so much about or I’ll look lopsided. He said that he was focussing on removing the cancer right now, and the cosmetic work would be done later, so I guess that’s how things are done on the NHS.

 

Also, can someone please tell me the proper term for when they reconstruct using flesh from your tummy - I think it has the word “flap” in it, but I’m very confused right now. I keep referring to it as a natural reconstruction, but I know that isn’t the right terminology. I was dead set against having a silicon implant, especially as I’m quite a large lady and have plenty of spare flesh!

 

Thanks in anticipation. :womanhappy:

 

 

Hi SJB

I have put for you below the link to BCC’s publication regarding reconstruction.  If you would prefer to talk to someone in confidence, then please don’t hesitate to call our helpline and the staff wil lbe only too happy to help. 

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/breast-reconstruction-bcc7

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

Thank you. I’m on my phone now so I’ll download some of that info to my netbook later. I know it’s over a year away but I lkke to understand what’s happening.

honestly don’t know why they wont do as we ask, particularly if you are going to be left with one you don’t want!

I had a unimx last August, and they refused to take both off at the same time. I am having the other one off in June. I think it’s usual practise to have to wait a year for everything to settle down after chemo and rads. I didn’t have chemo or rads.

The tummy flap is called a DIEP flap, or TRAM if it’s muscle too. This could potentially be done at the same time as removal of remaining breast, but you need to ask surgeon.

There’s a whole load of info on this site, with ladies going through all this. I was on here permanently when I was first dx!

Sending you big hugs:)

 

Take care x x x