I had R mastectomy in december 2005 for high grade DCIS. Have been on tamoxifen since. Has anyone decided to have reconstructive surgery 2 years after op and had a good result. Which op did you have ie DIEP / TRAM. I have been reading about the different surgeries and I am bemused. I did see my consultant today but I felt that she didn’t feel it would be a good decision to make. I am desperately needing some help as I am at a stage were I feel that I want my complete body back.
Hi Lavinia
Breast Cancer Care have published a booklet about breast reconstruction which you may find helpful to read, it also contains information about our other support services including our helpline which you are welcome to call to talk about the decision you are trying to make.
The booklet is available via the followinbg link:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/breast_reconstruction_dec06_web_0.pdf
Best wishes
Lucy
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hi Lavinia
I had a mastectomy in Nov 05 due to Grade 3 lump and 2/11 affected nodes. After chemo and radio my surgeon also a bit reluctantly agreed to my request for a referral to a plastic surgeon. BEST THING I EVER DID. I had a DIEP (from tummy) reconstruction in July this year and last week had my other boob reduced to get a good match - I was a good 38D and although a match was possible first time the reconstructed boob is usually a bit less ‘floppy’ - anyway had that done too. It all looks FAB - flat tummy, and two boobs that will be equal in size . I had my surgery at Salisbury and live n Southampton.
waiting lists are about 7/8 mths even via the private route as the op is very specialised and they need NHS experience and facilities. My advice is to see a good plastic surgeon and have a chat.
Good luck
Jan xx
Hi Lavinia. I had mastectomy in April 2004 and on 31lst August just gone I had a reconstruction using an expander implant. I am so pleased that i got my courage up to do this its like being whole again. I’ve not finished with the operations yet Ihave to have the expander removed and a permanent anatomical implant put in. My surgeon is also going to operate on my other breast, its the only chance of a boob job on the NHS. Go for it girl. I only wish I’d done it much sooner.
Good luck
Lou
Hi Lavinia,
I feel that I can only echo what Jan and Lou have said but happy to let you know my experience too. I had a right mastectomy in October 2005 and 2 months ago, I had a DIEP (the same one as Jan has had). Like the other two ladies, it’s been the best thing I could have done. Okay when I don’t have my bra on, the reconstructed breast does sit higher but they have assured me that it will go/move down and with a bra or bikini on (I’ve tried on a bikini in preparation for a sunshine holiday next year!), you can’t tell. Yes I have scarring but for me, this isn’t a problem and I began to hate wearing the prosthesis and one day actually forgot to put it in. It has been a fantastic experience and I am so glad that I’ve had this opportunity. After I’d had the op, I felt like a cloud had been lifted and it’s given me a second chance as far as I’m concerned and I feel so much more confident and happier. One of my friends who’s considering having the op has told me that she doesn’t have that cloud but I would say to you and anyone if you feel that reconstruction will help you to move forward, go for it.
Finally, as Jan and Lou say, get yourself a consultation with a good plastic surgeon, do your research, take your time and after a while, it will all fall into place. Also, there may be counselling available at your hospital so do ask.
All the very best with whatever you decide to do and please keep us posted,
BethXXX
Hi again Lavinia,
I am happy with my result. Yes, it is a lot of surgery but that side of things has never really worried me. i love the fact that I have a cleavage again, I know what you mean about the gap thing, I always hated that.
You must make a decision based on all the facts and what you are prepared to go through. I hope we have all helped and that you will speak to a surgeon.
Good luck janxxx
Hi Lavinia. Just back from hosp. final expansion now wait until after christmas for next appointment to see if its stretched enough for me to have the anatomical implant. Hopefully this will be done end of Jan beginning of Feb. Don’t know yet whether they will do the other one at the same time or at a later date. If so, then thats it just the nipple to reconstruct and it will be all systems go for the summer.
The operations are not really anything to worry about, but of course we do, one night in hosp for the expander implant and probably the same next time. Very sore afterwards but I can cope with that.
I’m really pleased with the results so far. I’ve seen those pictures they are really awful if you want to see some good ones a new book ‘The Boudica Within’ by Elaine Sassoon (leading plastic breast surgeon. These are really impressive and anyone would be envious.
Take care Lou
Hi Lavinia,
The surgeon should show you photos of women that he/she has operated on and like Lou, I feel my result was better than some of the photos I saw when I was doing my research. If it helps, and I appreciate that I am biased having just had a successful operation, but this was my second attempt at reconstruction. I was very indecisive about having a second attempt and the hospital were very patient, caring and considerate towards me and I had several sessions with one of the hospital psychologists who helped me with my decision making. I was extremely pessimistic about the results of the op and my worst fear was getting an infection or the results looking worse than before. Other people might beg to differ about my appearance but to have a cleavage, to be able to wear clothes with confidence and to have a flat stomach for the first time in years (I was a 12-14 before the op as have put on weight over the last 2 years and am now a size 12), has been amazing.
Take your time, try and see if you can meet women who’ve had the same op and hopefully the same surgeon. I am on the other site (bcpals) under Bettyboo if you wanted to private message me. I’ve tried messaging here and it hasn’t worked previously!
BethXX
I had a back flap reconstruction - left breast about 6 weeks ago - in combination with masectomy. The surgeon did a great job as far as appearance, although lost my nipple in the healing process somehow!! My problem is the scar on my back - it is so tight and is making me totally miserable - I’m even regretting having the reconstruction. Will it ever soften up and does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve it. i can’t reverse it now but the prospect of living with an what feels like an iron band round my back and chest it really getting me down - and i haven’t even started chemo and radio yet!!!
I had a mastectomy 2 years ago and am hoping to have a TRAM in July, I was told to expect to be off for 2 months, my job is pretty physical, but hopefully I may get to do a few weeks in the office to ease me in gently. My plastic surgeon and breast care nurse are both really enthusiastic and positive, but have pointed out the possible pitfalls and failure rate. Im going to St Johns in Livingstone
louise
Hi
I had a mastectomy in April 2003 but didn’t have the reconstruction until June 2007, more than 4 years later. I can’t really explain why I waited so long, I just wasn’t ready for it. I had my right breast lifted and the left was reconstructed using the lattimus dorsal muscle. Both breasts have implants in them and I have had nipple reconstruction but no tattooing yet. As far as the results go, I am very pleased. I keep wanting to show people all the time although so far I have resisted the urge. It is definitely the best thing I have ever done and I have no regrets. I feel like I have got my life back again.
I’ve got to agree with JessicaM. I was initially advised by my onc to wait 2 years before I considered reconstruction. In my headstrong way, I ingored her and set up an appt with the surgeon for the earliest possible time after rads (6 mths). I was hoping for the type where they take the tissue from the abdomen…weheey I thought, a tummy tuck in the process!! I had a totally different view after the consultation with the surgeon. Its a very big op…and apparently (although I find it hard to believe) I don’t have enought abdomen tissue for that type of reconstruction. He recommended a LD tram flap (correct term??) …I mean the one from your back. I’ve given myself time to think this through …and I honestly know this isn’t the right time for me, soooo - I’ve chosen to go against my usual headstrong-ness and give myself more time. .
I don’t know why your consultant wouldn’t think it was a good choice for you to make??? I’d be questioning him/her about that. If its the right time for you …then its your time! You’ve waited 2 years (which is what I plan to do also)…why wouldn’t it be the right choice for you now?
Hoping you get what you want altogether - Lisa x