Latissimus Dorsi Flap any one had?

JENNA32

I am going to have Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction in a few weeks.I was wondering if anyone has had this procedure and what I should expect.I'm starting to get nervous and of course am wondering am I going to do this just for the cancer to come back. I started immediate reconstruction after my double mastectomy in March 2009.I had expanders placed but my right one broke 1 month before my last chemo.The doctors wanted to start the radiation immediately after Chemo so there was no time for repairs.I am now being told by my surgeon that this is the best option because the radiation will not allow the skin to stretch the same.I was diagnosed at 33 and just want to get some part of my life back.Any experiences out there?

Pure

Just a thought: Lets say it does come back-you still deserve to be whole. I don't care what stage I am-it's only a number I still deserve to have my body back. Plus, even if it does come back what exactly does that mean? It means you will go through tx and fight again-and win. Don't let that come into play.

I have had 2 friends have this procedure-and LOVED the outcome. I am doing mine next January.

I am sure some women will come along with some good advice for you:)

Colette37

Jenna, I just had the procedure done May 27th.

My PS said the exact same thing to me.  The blood supply stays with the tissue that is transplanted from the back and has a better chance at survival to the radiated tissue.  The radiated tissue acts nothing like healthy tissue either..you bleed easier where it is at and have less stretch to it.

This surgery was easy to get back from compared to the TE being put under the muscle an aloderm implanted (had that on my other side).  It was weird to begin with to get used to the movement..I remember that I went to open the door and when I moved the door there was a very weird feeling such as the muscles trying to figure out what to do.  It is not a BAD feeling, just weird.

The LOOK is wonderful compared to what the PS had to work with..I was totally flat and indented from the MX.  The more fluid I have added, the better and better it looks too!

I will warn you that there is a thing called the 'iron bra' where the muscle gets really tight and some people are in pain...I have never had this, and don't know much about it.  I trust my PS to know what she is doing.   I personally also have had to deal with infection 3 1/2 weeks after the surgery. What is really weird about it is that it in only in my radiated tissue that has gotten red and swollen.  It happens, but I am trying to get rid of it with antibiotics, which seem to be working for the time being.

I know there is a risk of the cancer coming back, but I want a life too and not having a breast is not only psycologically hard to deal with, but physically also...your body is off balance and it shows with your posture and everything else.  I will deal with the issue if the cancer does come back if it ever does..for now I am living.

I am 38, so I know what you are feeling about the age issue and wanting a life.  Good luck and if you have any questions, PM me!

lamuso

Hi Jenna.  I had this procedure last year in August so I am ten months out.  I just finished with the nipple tattooing.  I am very happy with the results of my surgery and I would do it again.  That being said, I wasn't prepared for the longer than expected recovery period.  It seemed to take me a good six weeks before I was feeling okay or close to my pre-surgery status.  I was also surprised how weak I was the days following the surgery.  My plastic surgeon automatically puts everyone in intensive care overnight after this procedure.  I would say it was where I needed to be for the first 24 hours.  I certainly don't discourage you in any way.  As I said, I love the results and don't regret any of it.  I wished I had known better what to expect.  I hope this helps!

Shrek4

Try and find a plastic surgeon that does DIEP - it does not involve any muscle being moved, just skin and underlying fat. Did your surgeon mention what problems LD flap can cause? There are a few people who dealt better with this procedure, but for most there is a significantly reduced strength and functionality of the arms. The "iron bra" for some can be life-changing. The "jumping foobs" are even more jumpy with the LD flap than with other procedures.

If my PS would have been honest with me with all the possible problems the LD flap might cause, I would have NEVER chosen it. I'm half disabled right now, 8 months after the surgery. Can't even open a jar by myself, can't carry more than 10 lbs, still have problems getting up from laying down in bed or turning to the side in bed.

Check the "Berast reconstruction" forum. There are a few threads especially with this procedure.