just diagnosed - considering TRAM

Kathy1965

Hi,

I was just diagnoses with invasive ductal carcinoma. it has a clinical stage I. I am considering treatment options and wanted to discuss TRAM with others that have had it. I was wondering about recovery time. pain, pros, cons, would you do it again (knowing what you know), etc. 

Ally2345

Kathy1965- Sorry about your diagnosis but know you are not alone and have great support here.  I did not have TRAM so I can't answer your questions but I know others can and that there are lots of posts about that type of reconstruction.  Good luck with your research...trying to make a decision was hard for me because there is not a wrong choice, just have to find the right choice for you!

Ally

jbdayton

Tram is doable but they use stomach muscles and that can lead to many other complications.

Is there a reason you cannot do a DIEP instead?  It is basically the same as a tram but they do not use muscle just your belly fat and skin and the DIEP artery and vein.

There is also a free Tram that uses just a tiny bit of muscle for blood flow, I would question if either of these are available for you.  

Sometimes you are offered only what your surgeon is able to do. There are newer versions of the Tram flap but the surgeon needs to be able to do a microsurgical process. You may have to shop for a more qualified surgeon if you want to do a flap without sacrificing some stomach muscles.

If you are just beginning your own research and have not met with a PS yet, check out the reconstruction section in this websites main menu.  They explain each procedure, care, and recovery.

Sorry I did not have Tram so no specifics on that type of surgery. I did do two different flap surgeries and would do them again in a heartbeat.  The final product of warm, soft tissue that is mine only is well worth the surgery.  I realize I had complications but they are fairly rare.  I would still do it.

Good luck this was my hardest decision, just research all your options.  

I had my mastectomy with TE's so I could spend the time deciding what type of reconstruction I wanted and not settling for implants.  In fact, I got to a point where I said absolutely no implants for me.  I even would have traveled to New Orleans to NOLA or San Antonio to PRMA if I had to.  

I apologize in advance if this was more info than you wanted. 

HUGS

Moderators

Hi Kathy!

If it helps, you can check the Breastcancer.org article on TRAM Flap, where you'll learn more on what to expect, types of TRAM flaps, risks, etc.

In the main site you'll also find a helpful section on Types of Breast Reconstruction with the different reconstruction techniques available.

We hope this helps you make a decision!

Best, The Mods

Kathy1965

ally - thank you so much for your reply. I've been doing a lot of research and following some of the discussion board treads. They are a great source if information 

Kathy1965

Jeannine - thank you do much for all if the information. As I did my research I saw DIEP and think it might be a better way to go. I am meeting with my first PS tomorrow night. I've got a bunch of questions. I am also reading Dr Loves book and following the discussion board. There is so much information out there. Im trying to learn as much as I can so I can make an informed decision without getting overwhelmed ;-) 

Kathy1965

thank you. I haven't come across this website yet. I'll check it out