Breast Cancer Now Forum

HI I had a mastectomy in Dec 2006, followed 8 Epi/CMF Chemo in 2007. I had delayed Tram Flap reconstruction in Dec 2010. It was a long 10hr op. Took a good few weeks to get over it. I had an uplift on good side and nipple reconstruction in 2012, followed by tatooing in 2013. (hopefully its all complete now). I dont regret it for one minute. It all worked out really well. I feel better than I did with a prosthesis, but thats just my opinion,every one differs. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Good Luck with your appt. Its perfectly normal to feel anxious. Take Care Carolyn ... View more

Hi I had a Tram Flap reconstruction in 2010. Its a very big op to get over, but in my opinion, its worth it. I am very pleased with mine, its better than wearing a hot heavy prosthesis. I have aso had nipple reconstruction and tattooing. It looks very good. Feel free to ask any questions. Carolyn159 ... View more

Hi I had Epi/cmf chemo and I didnt lose any toe nails, then about 3 years after starting Tamoxifen I satarted losing my toenails, they kept growing and falling off for a good 6 months. It seems to have settled down. Wondered at the time if it was the Tamoxifen. Carolyn x ... View more

Hi Bobbs I have just read your post. Same thing happened to me. I had a mastectomy on 21 December 2006, and they removed 3 nodes for testing. Surgeon was sure the results would be that it hadnt travelled to any of the lymph nodes. When I went back for the results cancer was in 2. I had to go back to theatre to get all the lymph nodes removed. The results of that was no further spread. I underwent chemo and 5 years Tamoxifen. This year is my sixth year and all seems well. Good luck and take care Carolyn x ... View more

Hi Thats a perfectly normal feeling. One day I would be thinking I could manage with a prostheses. Next day I would be hating it, deep down I knew I wouldnt be happy using a prosethesis for the rest of my life. Tram Flap was right for me, though I understand its not for everybody. Its the best thing I have done since my diagnosis. My family did say why was I wanting to put my self through more surgery that I might not feel happy about. I researched on the internet and read all the stories good and bad, but the final decision was my own and one I have never regretted, two years on I can honestly say I have no ill effects, I get out of bed ok, push my little grandson in his buggy, go swimming etc. Take care Carolyn x ... View more

Hi My nipple reconstruction wasnt done at the same time as the reconstruction. The cut into the skin and sort of twist it round, when healed it makes a really good nipple shape, didnt feel any pain as that boob doesnt have a lot of feeling after the reconstruction. Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I dont work, but care for my little grandson, who was then 1 year old and required a lot of lifting. He went into nursery for a few month to give me some time off. I would say after 6 weeks I was well able to look after him. I had my op in Dec and enjoyed a holiday in March. I would think you should be off 4 to 6 weeks depending on how you are. Maybe a bit quicker if you have no lifting etc. Better taking etra time off than hampering your recovery. Like the others I have a D cup and had plenty of spare flesh on my tummy. Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had a mx in Dec 2006, with 8 Epi/CMF. I had delayed Tram Flap reconstruction in 2010. It was a very long op of 10 hours and I had a 7 day stay in hospital. The first few days were rough, not so much with pain, but the heated room I was in to help with blood flow and after effects of long aneasthetic. After the first few days I was up on my feet and moving about. My husband took 3 weeks off, and by the 3rd week I was out and about again. The results are great, I never had any problem with healing either breast or tummy. I still have a nice flat tummy 2 years on and reconstructed breast still looks good. I have had an uplift on natural breast and nipple reconstruction 8 weeks ago. It looks good. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Take care Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had nipple reconstruction and an uplift on good side 2 weeks ago. Swelling is going down and it looks quite good. I have an appt with plastic surgeon in 4 weeks and will ask him about tattooing. If you have any questions just ask. Good Luck Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had a mx in Dec 2006 and breast reconstruction in Dec 2010. I have just had a reduction and uplift on my good side, and nipple reconstruction. It was done as a day case, I have been ok, no real pain just discomfort. Due to get my dressings off tomorrow, hopefully wounds will be ok. Any questions feel free to ask. Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had a delayed Tram flap reconstruction in 2010. I had my mx in 2007 and underwent chemo. I thought i could manage with a prosthesis but I didnt like it. Hot and heavy and didnt find it comfy. The op was a long one about 10 hours with a longish recovery. My husband took 3 weeks off to help me. After that i muddled through. It looks very good and I am going in for another small op on my good breast to uplift it and reduce slightly. As said previously you get a nice flat tummy. Wish you luck in whatever you decide. Carolyn x ... View more

Hi Hannah I had Tram Flap surgery in Scotland in Dec 2010. It is a big operation (10 hours) and it took a few weeks to get over the op. I have never regretted it the results are fab. My one regret is I didnt do it sooner. I had my Mastectomy in Dec 2006 and it took me till 2010 to make up my mind then be on a waiting list. I am now waiting on an uplift and slight reduction on the good side. I am wondering whether I should get it done or leave it how it is, rather than put myself through another op. When I look at myself without clothes on I am amazed at the surgeons work, and would really like the other side to match. Will I do it or wont I do it. I will have a good think about things while I am on holiday. My husband encourages me to go for it. Hopefully you will be pleased with the results. I hated wearing a prosthesis especially in summer, the difference the reconstruction has made is huge. Take care Carolyn x ... View more

Hi Was very interested in your post. I had Tram Flap surgery 18 months ago and was very pleased with the results. I have now been offered slight reduction and uplift on the other side. The difference in size isnt very much maybe about a cup size but real breast is much droopier. Any one just left other side alone and not bothered with an op. DOnt know what to do, will have a long think when I am on holiday. I am sure your swelling will all go down and you will be pleased with your results. Take Care Carolyn I ... View more

Hi I had a mastectomy in Dec 2006. I didnt decide I wanted reconstruction till Dec 2009. I was referred to a Plastic Surgeon in Feb 2010. My appointment for Tram Flap surgery came through for Dec 2010. I was told I would get an uplift on the good side, but I am still waiting, as they say it is not an urgent matter. I think evey hospital is different, but phone the secretary as someone else said. It is very frustrating waiting for a date when you have your mind made up. Good Luck Carolyn x ... View more

Hi In the Nicola Jane catalogue the have a soft prosthesis, you can use it for swimmming or just for comfort. I found it to be comfortable during the hot weather. You can send for it and if you find its not right they are very good at exchanging or refunding. Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had a mastectomy in Dec 2006. I had chemo during 2007. I didnt need radiotherapy and I am now only on Tamoxifen. I didnt decide I wanted reconstruction until Feb 2010. I had a Tram Flap op in Dec 2010. It went very well. It is a big op (about 10 hours). Took a few weeks to get over, mainly the long aneasthetic. I am very pleased with the results it looks really good. Please ask any question. Good Luck with your choice. Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had a mastectomy with no reconstruction in Dec 2006. I got through all my chemo, then started to think about reconstruction. It took me till Jan 2010 when I saw the consultant to make up my mind. My reconstruction went ahead in Dec 2010. It was a Tram Flap reconstruction, a big op, 10 hours in all. I am really pleased with my new boob, but I am glad I waited to go ahead. Feel free to ask any questions. Some people have it done right away, everyone is different its what works for you. Take care Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had a mx in Dec 2006, followed by 8 sessions of chemo. I am now on Tamoxifen for 5 years (which is up this year) then I think an AI for a further 3 years. I decided in Feb 2010 to go for Tram Flap reconstruction. My op went ahead in Dec 2010. It was a very big op (10 hours). Took a good few months to get over, but the results are worth it. I have had no bother with healing. I am very glad I had it done. Feel free to ask any questions you have. Take care Carolyn x ... View more

Hi I had a mx in Dec 2006. I had Tram Flap reconstruction in Dec 2010. I have not yet had my good boob lifted. It looks really good but I will probably go ahead with a lift on my other side, not made my mind up if I will have a nipple made on my new breast or if I will just have one tattooed on. Any one any advice. Carolyn x ... View more