Hi
Havent been on this site for some time, had triple neg cancer 4 years ago, mastectomy and then reconstruction (back muscle and inplant). Due to infections had to have the inplant removed as I was so ill. I am now so much better, lost my job as my employers wouldnt allow me to return part time so my confidence reduced. I am now much better (still not working), today saw my consultant to discuss having another go, but she said she felt as I had had rediotherapy 14 years ago on the same breast my tissue, skin would not allow the implant. Sheis setting up a meeting with a consultant from East Grinstead to speak about using the skin, fat etc from my tummy. Has anyone had similar issues and have had this procedure with good results, I have read that east Grinstead is a very good hospital.
Hi Tinfish, I’m due to see a PS on 15/7 about this recon so will be interested in how you get on. I also know of someone who’s just had it done, having had problems with her implant after rads. She says the op was harder than she’d thought it would be but is pleased with the results so far [early days - 3 weeks] and is glad she went ahead. Hope someone will be along soon with some more detailed first hand advice. BB
Hi Busy bee
Thanks for your reply, I did see a couple of ladies before my reconstruction and the lady who had the tummy op was very pleased. Although she did go privately (not sure if that makes any difference) I chose the other way as I felt it would be easier and quicker to recover (how wrong I was!!), but as I wanted to return to work (but in the end had to get solicitors involved and had a mutual seperation so not working!!. I think I would love to hear from ladies who have had radiotherapy (which my consultants thinks was the problem) and have had a succesful outcome. Of course I will let you know the outcome
Hi Tinfish
Bumping for you - I’m interested in responses too.
Had MX to left breast and immediate LD flap +implant recon on the 26th Jan. I’m 5/6 way through chemo and that does make the recon feel worse at times, but I’m assured that this is temporary. I’ve found out that they are also now recommending rads. This was a calculated risk I took - my plastic surgeon said that even if get capsulation round the implant and, worse case, down the line I need the capsulation removed and a new implant, the final cosmetic result will still be better than a delayed recon.
Dx
hi all
I am seeing my plastic surgeon tomorrow . I had mx 29th march followed by rads [finished 2/5 weeks ago]
I feel desperate to have the surgery done as I am struggling ith the absence of my breast.I am cup size e/f and so struggle without prosthesis as very lopsided.
went to a support group at hospital where fantastic volunteers showed us their recons. I have already decided on tram/diepp flap [abdominal] and know it is major surgery-special care 48 hours inpatient stay 7 days etc but I think for me it will be the right decision
my biggest concern is how long before he will do it as the majority of ladies were 1 year plus from their surgery and rads.also possibly not able to have expander due to rads.
does any one have any thoughts how long he may make me wait .I hate all the delays and did ask for immediate recon from mx but had very large multifocal tumours so they wouldnt do it
just want to get back to work and not mess them around etc-need my pay !
Hi Enaid
Good luck tomorrow with your appt. I’m sure your PS will be able to explain everything to you, however, my understanding is that it’s normally 12-18 months before they do surgery post rads.
With the abdominal op, depending on how much fat you have and what size boob you need, I don’t think they normally use implants and expanders - also they can take more skin from that area so don’t need to stretch what you have left.
My PS gave me a really useful leaflet that the local NHS trust produced that detailed all the diff ops.
Hope all goes well.
Dx
Hi
I had Tram Flap op in Dec 2010. I had a mx in Dec 2006. My op was long (10 hours) but worth every minute. My op was done in Livingstone, Scotland. I was very pleased with my surgeon(I cant mention his name) and very pleased with the results.
Feel free to ask any questions.
Carolyn x
Hi Carolyn
Thanks so much for your reply, its so good to hear good news, especially when you are trying to make such an important decision. If I go ahead (still to see the concultant) my op will be at East Grinstead.
My decision wil be either to have it done on not this way as I dont think there are any alternatives now
Hi Enaid
Hope you got on well at the hospital, how did it go and has it made your decision easier. I am waiting for my appointment so will know more then.
Hi Tinfish,
sorry it all went wrong the first time. I haven’t had recon but had a bilateral mx so am not lop-sided, which is easier. I did research the recon extensively, and found somewhere some discussion about the abdo fat option being more likely to fail because the blood supply is completely severed then reattached, rather than the muscle options where one end remains attached. I think with the rads your chances of success are further reduced because of scarring and damage to your skin and other soft tissues.
I really feel for you, but are you prepared for this to fail again?
There’s a fantastic website that’s worth looking at as it does give you some alternatives to recon, and can help you to think about how you can live without your breast.
breastfree.org
There are lots of women’s stories on there too, which I found very useful when trying to make the decision.
I hope you’ll let us know how you get on, and lots of luck with your decision it’s not an easy one.
Hugs
xx
hi tinfish
see you are an early riser…I am about to leave for the hpospital -waiting for OH to come home from work. I think the idea of recon makes me feel that I am being put back together again and so can forget my bc.Feel I will probably fall to pieces if delayed alot as this is keeping me going
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
will let you know what he says !!
good luck and hugs to you
Diane x
Hi Dianne
No not normally that early but I have a virus and I think my mind is working over time wondering what to do!!!
I feel the same as you, I hate wearing a phohesis and find it very limiting with under wear and clothes!!
Hope you get on well
thought Id let you know that I am back from seeing my PS-all I can say is he is great and very kind !
I am now booked for a breast reduction/lift 22nd of aug [after my hols]and he says that I can have the tram /diepp from Nov -will see how my skin is.
I have an encapsulated seroma -which gives me a small cleavage which we will leave until the recon.
I will be in overnight only and can home with the drain in. I feel the most positive I have been since March .
we discussed in depth the recon ans I will not be having expander due to the scarring from the rads -luckily I have a flap that will do the job
I have to have a ct angio to see my abdominal vacular supply which will happen before my op.
I seriously cant wait …hope this excitement and positivity lasts
tinfish -hope your virus settles and you are able to decide what is est for you xx
sounds good and you do sound happy, in a way I cant wait for my appointment but also have to have a CT which I asked for there’s always a little niggle.
Thank you everyone for your comments I really appreciate them. Am waiting for the PS appointment and will know what lies ahead
Hi Tinfish
I remember you from the past, and also remember being one of the people who recommended you had an LD reconstruction.
I have to say four years on I wish I had gone for the TRAM.
I will be very interested to hear how you get on at East Grinstead.
Good Luck
Love Merlyn
Hi
No worries I made the decision with my consultant in the end.
I saw here and she wrote a letter 27th June and I am waiting to get an appointment, I will let you know more when I know more.
Are you now thinking about a free flpa the?
L
Hi
Today I have my appointment for Friday 16th September, not really sure how I feel but at least I can see and chat to the PS.
So bring it on!!
L
I also had an ld flap that got infected and ended up losing my implant…3 times!!! I think i should get an A* for perseverence! I now still have the flap but with no implant making me a cup size smaller on my “bad” side and i absolutely hate it!! This all happened last year and after 6 surgeries we decided to leave it a year to settle down and to reasses in september this year. I sooo desperately want my implant put back in and for it to actually stay put(not migrate to under my chin!) and to not get infected!! I couldnt have the tram flap because I have had 2 c sections so looks like i will have to persevere with my ld recon!!!
deed
x
Dear All
I too had an immediate LD with all the twitching, dragging and pulling plus the joy of failed implants, infection going un-noticed as deep inside the recon, redoing the flap and new implants and subsequent encapsulation nightmare. Had another implant which is not perfect( big size difference), still feels like muscle and I can flex it like a muscle man, full of dents and odd thick skin plus indentations but at least this one has not migrated under arm because it was sewn into place - can’t imagine how - don’t want to know!
Nearly three years on I’m still not finished so totally empathise with you all. The whole recon issue has become so exhausting that although I am desperate for a more breast like recon I have actually given up on getting a reasonable result - however my best friend had an immediate DIEP and it is just fab, feels like a breast to the touch and looks amazing. Yes, she had a longer recovery but she looks great.
Maybe discuss DIEP?
Love
Jane x