Hi Ladies, I am new to this so please forgive errors. I am 68years old and had Mastectomy in 2007. No mention of recon. `till I asked last year. I am due to have Tram Flap recon. on 23rd June in Liverpool(I live in Wales but not done at my hospital)and other breast tightened. What I call a ‘Tummy tuck & boob job’. I am reasonably fit, no car so walk a bit. I am doing Race4Life(8th time) just before op. I would really appreciate any feedback re exercise, mobility, easing discomfort and anything else you can think of. I live alone, sister coming for week after op. but no other relatives locally, friends not far. I am lucky really as I only have myself & cat to worry about. I hope this is not too long. Inky
Hi Inky
Wow, You are doing Race4life for the 8th time! Oh you put me to shame but congratulations to you and I hope you do well.
I had a Tram flap recon 3 months ago, not an easy op to have as recovery is 4/5 months. My op was 9 hours, I was in hospital for 9 days. I was very dependent on the nurses though the couple of days before I left the hospital I could go to the toilet on my own though wasn’t strong enough to shower.
You will need a lot of help in the first few weeks as you will be very weak. My surgeon told me not to lift anything heavy for 12 weeks or I could damage my tummy, my son and sister had to do my shopping. I was on painkillers for a while and it was quite a few weeks before I could sleep comfortably. Last week I had my Nipple recon and I will have the area tattooed in 3 months.
I still get tired but I have a lovely soft breast and of course a nice tummy. Only problem now is I have to hold my trousers up with belts! Though I’m not complaining, my surgeon did a very good job!
If you have further questions, please fire away.
x
I have posted this on behalf of new user Nicki
Dear Inky. I had a masectomy and immediate tram flap reconstruction last September and I also referred to it as a boob job and tummy tuck. The operation is long and you will need to take plenty of time to recover. But you sound healthy as I was too so hopefully your recovery will be easy. You will certainly be imobilised in hospital for a couple of days with probably 3 drains. As the drains are removed over a couple of days you will get more mobile. I was able get up and shower by myself (albeit a bit shaky) on day 3. I was lucky enough to recover well enough to go home on day 5 and took a 10 minute walk the next day. I say this with caution as I have many new friends on my journey and know that they did not recover from the op quite as quickly as me. I took things slowly with a short walk each day. I was off work for 2 months in the end then went back part time until I start chemo.
One tip I’d recommend is to get a good front fastening bra as the reconstructed breast has to be checked hourly for the first day. I was put in a bra immediately and I was grateful that I didn’t have to lean forward every hour to have my bra removed. However other friends didn’t put a bra on for several days, each consultant works differently.
The first few days will be difficult, you will need your sister’s help, but you will be suprised how quickly you will be mobile again. Keep doing the exercises they give you. No lifting, ironing (hurray!) for several weeks.
Good luck - it will be all worth it!
NickiNoo
Dear Nickinoo & Aqua, Many thanks for your info. My Op has now been put back 4 weeks to July 21 as they had a more urgent case, which is fair enough, as technically my op is cosmetic. When I had my mastectomy I was in a side room with en suite cos there were no beds on the ward. This is great for sleeping etc. but I never had the chance to meet other ladies. When I went to clinics others were all exchanging info so perhaps side room was not the best option! I am excited and scared at same time. Not having the tatoo(dont like needles)and no-one to see it anyway. I Have front fastening bras but not sure what size I will be!! I have started to stock-up on things like Cat food, loo rolls, tinned & frozen food and am trying to get various jobs done. Have just decorated the bathroom and have to paint the hall & double gate in garden. I think you are both very brave. I am retired so no rush re work but I am hoping I have the same `trouble’ with my trousers. Sounds like a good excuse not to vaccum or cut the grass. Best wishes & Thanks again, Inky
Good luck Inky, it will be worth it.
Dear Aqua, Don`t feel too bad about Race for Life. It is only 5km(3 miles) It is a long time since I have done a really long walk. As long as I can do it under 50 mins. I will be happy.
Dear Nickinoo, How did the chemo go? Is it finished now? Are you having radiotherapy also?
Dear njbickford , Thanks for good wishes.
Dear All, How long before you can sleep on your side? At least you can sleep on your back which is why I decided against Diep Flap. I hope you are all recovering from various Ops & enjoying weather. Best wishes, Inky
Hi Inky
just wanted to wish you the best of luck - I had a tram flap 11 years ago, and while its a big and complicated op, the emotional lift from it is something I found utterly amazing - waited 2 years post mx til I had recon.
Its not easy - I would say take whatever help is offered and prepare to have a few gentle weeks recuperating, but I hope you find it as positive as I have.
Don’t rule out tattooed nipples etc, they can be done whenever you are ready for them, or not at all, so might be worth leaving that a bit open.
Good luck to you - hope it makes you very happy - you certainly deserve it
xxx monica x
Hi Inky
I think it was about 3/4 weeks before I could sleep on my side. I would also advise you to make sure you have plenty of clothes washed/ironed as even bending over to put washer on was difficult for a few weeks.
Good luck with your op!
x
Hi again aqua, I tend to live in t-shirts and jogging pants when at home & I have lots of undies. I will just let it all pile up! Thanks for the tip. Lucky(?)only me to wash for. I have front fastening bras, not wired, and my Hospital nighties' also front fastening, so hope they will be OK. You are all great taking time to send info. I feel a lot happier about it all now. xxxs inky.
Sorry forgot to say Hi to daisyleaf & thanks for gd wishes. Inky.
Well Inky, I wore the hospital gowns until after my 3 drains were taken out cos easy access for them to empty containers and of course didn’t want the containers leaking onto my pj’s!
My surgeon wouldn’t let me wear a bra for about two months or so, he asked me to wear post op camisoles which I purchased from M & S. All surgeons have their own way of doing things so your surgeon may prefer you to wear a bra or sports bra.
Take care xx
Hi NickyNoo, How are you doing? Have you started chemo yet? I had 6 altogether & 15 doses radiotherapy. After last chemo I felt worse than I had ever felt. Just moved to feed the cat! Soon started to feel better. I was very lucky- NO sickness just very bad constipation. Hated stuff from hospital & eventually tried Senakot Orange flavour. More palatable than the rest.
Thanks again aqua. That is a brilliant idea. Especially as thay have bigger washing machines than I have. Inky, xx
Hi all, Its me again. Countdown to op in final phase, due on 21st July. Went for pr-op last week, very thorough- over 2 hrs. Lovely staff on ward. Feel a lot more relaxed about it all now especially after your advice & good wishes. Just have final BIG CLEAN’ of house & that should keep me going for a few weeks. How are you all doing? NickiNoo, Pixie10, Monica, Sam, Aqua & Daisy. Hope you all keeping well. Inky
Hi Inky
Good luck with your op, not long to go now eh!
I’m five months down the line and my recon breast is lovely and soft and has settled down fine. Will be having the areola tattooed in the next few weeks.
You take it easy after the op Inky
x
Hi aqua, Thanks for good wishes. I will need a bed by the time I get there. I have been ‘blitzing’ my bungalow so that all is set for a few weeks non-activity(i.e. cleaning). Take care all, Inky.