Reconstruction for 'young' women with implant discomfort

Chicago1018

Hi Ladies,

I am interested in the various avenues all of you chose for reconstruction.  I was 29 when i found my lump and 30 when I got my dx.  I am 32 now and about a year out from swapping my TE for a permanant implant.  I had rads + chemo.  I am active (run, yoga, weights, etc.) and the implant causes me pain and discomfort.  My scapula has even started clicking and popping on that side. 

I've read lots of places that 'younger' women are more inclined to have post mastectomy pain syndrome.  I've had a PS suggest a lat flap procedure to relieve the discomfort but I am very reluctant to give up my lat muscle (see aforementioned activities).  I've discussed the pain/discomfort with my other docs but I get the impression that they feel anything that isn't a recurrance isn't worth discussing.

So my question to you is this - what reconstruction method did you choose?  If you had the lat flap procedure, have you been able to get back to 'normal' activities?  Does anyone else feel like it is a 'sophie's choice' when deciding what kind of recon to have?

Thanks in advance for your input!

JustLaura

I had DIEP reconstruction which is similar to a Lat flap procedure but doesn't take any muscle. The tissue is taken from your tummy.  If you are very thin and don't have any tummy to spare then you can also do an SGAP which takes the tissue from your butt/hips. If you are in Chicago you have a WONDERFUL doctor that specializes in this type of reconstruction. Dr. Marga Massey. I went to New Orleans to have mine done at the St Charles Surgical Center by Dr Dellacroce and Dr Sullivan. Dr Massey works out of several hospitals around the country a few months at a time at each one. I think her homebase is Chicago.  She may be worth looking up. She would never take any muscle. period.

Good luck - I'm sure you will find the right one for you!

MiniMacsMom

I am not there yet, I am only half way through chemo, but the hubby and I have been talking about brava surgery or Fat injection. 

THough if you want flap surgery, why not a tug flap.  I know that it will limit your running for a while, but I dont' think they take as much muscle from the thigh area as they do from some of he other ones. 

 Good luck.

puce

Hi,

I am 39 years old and have 3 little kids.  I do Yoga and am active as a mom, playing on the floor, etc. I am 9 weeks out of DIEP and I feel great.  I like my foobs, besides a little fat necrosis.  I don't like my belly incision but I guess it will get better when the PS goes in and makes me nipples (stage 2).  If you do not have any belly fat, you can't get a DIEP but I had a BMX and had enough for a B/C cup.  A little smaller than my previous size.  My foobs are soft except for the small area of necrosis and they feel ALL mine.  I like that. Really just feels like they took my nipples.

Good luck!