Long story short: Had mastectomy August 2012, followed by chemotherapy. Just been given date for reconstruction. Originally requested expander and implant but not possible due to lack of skin. Gone from one extreme to the other now and hopfully getting a pedicled TRAM Flap. This will also smooth out my stomach, which is rather lumpy due to surgery for Crohns in the past.
Now I’ve got date I’m feeling both excited and scared. Trying to get organised and prepared as operation due in two weeks and its my way of coping. What I’m hoping for is some hints and tips of what I need to take into hospital and/or experience of procedure. Any advice appreciated Thanks, Shaz
I can’t give any advice but am awaiting the same surgery so would love to know how things go for you.
Hope all goes well and wishing you a speedy recovery.
I’m new on here so I’ll give it my best shot, I’m going into whiston hospital on the 15th June 15, I think I’m having a tram flap, I had 30mm grade3 in my right breast back in 2012 with an lumpectomy due to a few problems I’ve had to wait awhile also I had to loose weight to get my bmi down. I’m excited and also a little scared but I’m positive it will work out. I’ve read that a nighty with buttons is properly best for comfort and the underwear I think the hospital will recommend. Mr Iqbal is fixing both breasts I’m a g on the left side and c-d on the right hope this helps . Janice Wirral
Well, had surgery 1 May, when I went onto the ward one of the nurses said that it was the first time she had seen someone who had had a pedicled tram flap and I looked really well. At the time I felt it, had a few problems since then but dont think they were related to the surgery, more to other ongoing health problems [I also suffer with Crohns disease, was anaemic and test positive for antibodies in my blood].
The boob is fab, no problems with that since operation. I’ve had a few problems with wound healing on my tummy, it is healing but think its going to be a slow process and it is improving every day.
I’ve been wearing a soft and comfy bra from Asda, only £6 each so got a few to swap out. Whilst it is comfy its been giving me the support I need. Magic pants are full briefs with firm control [once the drains are out] to help the tummy wound. Three weeks down the line I’m still uncomfortable but its manageable and improving daily.
I have found that the arm on the side of my reconstruction is a bit restrictive again so started the exercises I did after my mastectomy again. I borrowed a long handled gripper [the helping hand] to help me pick things up off the floor, found them really helpful as I’m struggling to bend down too far.
Onwards and upwards now, hope all goes well with your ops
Shaz
Hi ladies. I am considering a reconstruction now. Had a mx to right breast 2015. How did you surgurys go and can you recommend a surgeon?
Hope you’re now fully recovered 2015 ladies. I’m getting anxious about my DIEP at end of August. All tips and advice very welcome. My surgeon said he’d had 2 out if 500 fail.
Hi, sorry for slow response!
I had mastectomy back in sept 14 with immediate implant reconstruction, chemo, radiotherapy and several complications with implants 5 ops in total.
Not happy with lumpy bumpy implant so now can use my post chemo belly (put on 2 stone!) to improve the loom.
My skin is thin from rads, I have a horizontal scar across the breast, no nipple, the surgeon is hoping to join the new graft using the same scar so that the top of the breast and cleavage is scar free.
I’ve got my scan on 8th so fingers crossed that everything looks ok.
Only three weeks to go for you - how are you feeling?
Hi All
I am due to have a latissimus dorsi bilateral breast reconstruction but have had my operation cancelled twice. I’m getting really stressed now, and my anxiety levels are soaring. A big concern is that I have to stop tamoxifen 3 weeks prior to surgery, but have now had to restart it while I wait for yet another date, which should be within next 2 months. This means I will have to stop it again next month. I wondered if this has happened to anyone else? I rang the breast care nurse who said it should be ok and to add the missed weeks to the end of my 10 years of treatment. Just feel very nervous and worried that they may still cancel again .Any comments would be greatly appreciated, Jane