Reconstruction timing

SAR843

I had tram flap reconstruction at the same that I had my bilateral mastectomy, in Sept. 2012. I just found out that it appears that I have bone mets to my sternum and femur. I just spoke to someone that said that reconstruction with IBC is usually not done right away, and perhaps that could be a factor to why the cancer has returned so quickly. Just looking for all of your thoughts on this. When did you have recon? Should I have waited?

Moderators

SAR, we're sorry to read about your new diagnosis.

You might want to ask your question in the Reconstruction forum, or the Stage IV forum, to reach members who have shared other aspects of your experience.

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SAR843

I was originally going to post there but for some reason I didn't see when I scrolled down the page. I see it now, so I'll go post there. Ugh, can I still blame chemo brain? Thanks!

ibcmets

Sar843,

It most likely depends on when they found your mets.  I had thorough testing, MRI, PET scan, bone scan, brain scan up front where mets were confirmed on all tests.  I was not allowed to do surgery until I was stable, a year after chemo.  I did do reconstruction at same time of mastectomy.  Bon is correct.  Zometa & Femara has kept me stable since I had the surgery.  I'll be 4 years out in June.

Terri