Breast Reconstruction

bosco1966

Any suggestions between the TRAM FLAP and DIEP? I am scheduled for the TRAM procedure and now am considering the DIEP. Lost in all of this. I am not a candidate for implant on one side due to mastectomy and radiation. Seattle area docs???? My PS wants to cut one of the abdominal muscles 2 weeks prior to TRAM surgery to increase blood flow to my upper abdomen Not sure if this is for me. HELP!

SummerAngel

I've been exploring my reconstruction options, too. Did you have a severe reaction to the radiation? If not I don't see why you can't get an implant, from what I've read it's quite common.

I originally thought of a TRAM but I'm relatively young and I'm active and realized that I couldn't accept a permanently weaker core. If you're active it might be a good idea to look further into a DIEP. Of course, not everyone is able to do a DIEP, either, due to not enough tissue, vein issues, etc.

I definitely recommend seeing more than one plastic surgeon to get a variety of opinions before you decide either way, though. (I'm undecided right now, too. I have one more consultation set for Monday and then I'll make my decision. )

bosco1966

It is such a tough decision. I want to have this all in the past...but yet do not want to do anything without proper knowledge. Im 48 years old. I too want to live an active lifestyle. So many questions????

caligirl3

Hi bosco,

You may want to post on the DIEP thread. There are ladies there that have had DIEP and TRAM. I had DIEP in December and would be happy to share my experience with you. Make sure you see a very experienced PS who will give you all reconstruction options. Most PS who preform DIEP rarely do TRAM any more. Not to say TRAM is a bad option if for some reason you are not a candidate for DIEP, but DIEP does not use muscle. It's important to seek a PS who is experienced in micro surgery when considering DIEP. As summer angle said get more than one opinion from more than one PS. A great resource that helped me weigh my options was The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook by Kathy Steligo. It walks you through the entire reconstruction process. I know what a difficult decision this is. It took me a while to finally decide on DIEP. Just remember that no decision is wrong. Whatever you decide will be the right choice for you.