Tram vs Diep Vs latiss Dorsi vs implants????

ajmifaust

Trying to decide between these three procedures.  Any input would be great.  My breasts currently 36 C (not too big, not too small)  - and some stomach fat I would love to get rid of but so scared of surgery.  Plus, I have a kidney diease and have to protect my kidneys.  Anyone who had Tram Vs Diep:  1) how did you decide between the two; 2) how was the added recovery on the stomach; 3) how long before you could do anything and 4) any regrets?    and one had: latissionus Dorsi Flap (fat etc taken from the back not stomach) - how was that?   and IMPLANTS:  seems to be the easier surgery -- (if anything can be easier).  Thoughts?  Thank you so much!  God Bless

Anonymous

I was torn also but in my heart I knew I didn't want implants.  I was very afraid of the surgery and was leaning more towards DIEP.  In the end, my PS recommeded the "Free Tram Flap" .  I was happy with the decision because I wanted my new breast to be part of "me".  I awoke from my mastectomy with a flat tummy and a breast  mound the same size as the one I had lost and it felt warm to the touch which told me all the circualtion was working properly.  My PS said I was not a candidate for DIEP because I had a large brain hemmorhage 6 years ago and she didn;t want me to risk problems with bleeding.  But the "Free Tram also has micro sugery and does not compriimise muscle strength, and I was able to lift myself up from my tummy after the first week.  So far I am happy and I had the tram surgery in March 2009.

ajmifaust

Hi - you said Free Tram -- how is that different then the tram?  I just had not heard of it with the word Free in front of it.  also -- would it be unrealistic to think 2 weeks after this surgery I could go to a play and sit for several hours?  My daughter is in Beauty and the Beast and it means a lot for me to go.    thank you

frosty1

I'm so glad you started this post ... I'm thinking of the same procedure.  What I've read is that the Free is completey disconnected from you -- so it is still a TRAM, but in one procedure they leave the blood supply connected to your abdomen and in the free they disconnect it completely and reconnect it in your breast.  I meet with the plastic surgeon on Thursday to find out my options.  I'm just glad to know what I need and to move forward.

Anonymous

ajmifaust ~  The "Free Tram" involves some micro surgeryDifferences between reconstruction flaps? If you click on this link, it's described here at breastcancer.org.  The surgery is a good 7 hour surgery when done in immediate reconstruction during the mastectomy. My PS worked alongside the BS.  Two weeks after surgery you may be able to go to Beauty and the Beast as long as you are used to walking and moving around you should be ok sitting durng the performance and not overdoing it.  The surgery is generally a 6 week recovery.  But Beauty and the Beast is kind of important