Can I ask for some advise please? I was diagnosed two years ago and after a number of surgeries had mx, followed by chemo/rads. I’m due to see my consultant next week and he has always said that it would be two years before he would look at doing reconstruction.
So I am expecting to start going over the options next week. So my question for any ladies who have already gone through this, is what should I be asking? What do you if anything regret not asking?
Any advice would be appreciated after all I want this to be the best job they can do
I had a TRAM on my right side 5 weeks ago following mastectomy in Oct 09 and it was the best decision!!
Im pleased with the results and was so very lucky to have a fabby surgeon.
Id say you need to consider the surgeon as Ive heard some ladies say they havnt has a plastic specialist and they are the ones I feel have the best results.
I would ask to see/meet some of their prev patients and see some pics too.
I had my prefered option in my mind but I was pleased when he suggested the same as I hoped for. I had plenty tummy fat so it worked well for me, but you need to consider your home circumstances, such as young children to care for, or transport as you cant drive for a few weeks.
The tram isnt generally offered if you have had prev tummy surgery, are quite overweight(although Im 5.6 and 14.7 stones and was taken no probs) and a non smoker, tho that may apply for other kinds of surgery too.
I also had the one to one chats with someone BCC put me in touch with. She was matched very well to my circumstances and was so helpful with info and questions to ask. The helpline would set this up for you. There are also leaflets and some BCC events about recon surgery you can attend. I went to one and it was great.
Im sure there will be others along with great help too so best of luck with your decision.
I am hoping that it will be the tram option and havent had previous surgery to tummy, bit overweight (chuffing tamoxifen)and gave up few years back. Will look at talking to helpline and see whats on offer. Nice to know after only 5 weeks your so pleased with results.
To try to help you with your thoughts around reconstruction I have put for you below links to some of BCC’s publications which you may find helpful. The staff on the helpline here will also be only too happy to talk you though the different methods of breast reconstruction and help you with anything you may be unsure of.
You will probably find that your PS rules out some of the options - you may find you are only suitable for one or two types. I had a delayed LD flap, and this was the only one I was suitable for.
If you are given more than one option, ask for the pros and cons of each one. You will want to consider the cosmetic appearance, the recovery time, any further surgery needed, and where else will be affected (eg tummy/back)
Find out as much info about each type of recon which is available to you. You may find that you are only suitable for one or two types in the end, but you need to look at the cosmetic outcome,recovery time and any further surgery which may be required later on.
There are pros and cons with each type of recon,so i guess you need to have a good think about which route you want to go down.
For example,i am now on the waiting list for LD flap, after already having a tissue expander implant.
My ps has explained all the pros and cons for this procedure, and has shown me some photos too.
Good luck with your decision making…i am sure you will make the right decision.
Naz x
I had Tram Flap reconstruction in Dec 2010, after mx in Dec 2006.
I had same surgeon as Cathie, I am very pleased with results and have healed very well. I had 2 C Sections years ago kids are 32 and 27. I was told that it was ok to have op. Hope these posts help you make up your mind.