Australian reconstruction options?

Hi Jenn,

I saw your post and googled 'PAP and TUG Australia' and found your recent post on BCNA.  There seems to be a few doctors recommended on there, for DIEP at least.  I wish you luck.

I had a left mastectomy nearly eight years ago at 36.  I was going to have an immediate reconstruction, TRAM, but pulled out the night before due to my plastic surgeon being a jerk and because I couldn't decide then and there not to have any more kids.

I am now wishing in some ways that I had a reconstruction as I think it does affect how I feel about myself with my husband (not his fault). I have other health problems though and I really worry about the recovery from major surgery. What to do?  What to do?

Good luck with your research. By the way the plastic surgeon I was going to use in Perth (I live in Brisbane now) apparently does excellent work, if you can put up with his personality.  If you want his name PM me.  I can't exactly name him on here after I have called him a jerk.

 Edited to add: I think the $18k out of pocket after Medicare and private health is way too high based on what I was quoted. 

Take care,

Sandy

Hi Katopet, it was on a current affair, you can find details on their web site.

I had a consultation with this PS (DR David Chin) who offers this technology in Brisbane at the Wesley Hosp last year when he had recieved TGA approval for the technology, my support group sent information through on it.

I have quite a deformed breast post lunpectomy and he said fat grafting would give me a great result, and stop the effects of the radiation than can continue to cause shrinkage for about 10yrs post. Unfotunately reconstruction for lumpectomy isn't covered by medicare and therefore also not by private health, so it would have been in excess of 10K with him bulk billing his fee, which personally I couildn't justify. He said he would let  me know if and when he got approval from medicare as he was very keen to do the procedure.

When I spoke to him last year he was not offereing breast reconstruction post mastecomy with fat grafting alone, but was usuing it to fill in dents after flap or implants, reconstruction post mastectomy is covered by medicare including fat grafting.

He is a very nice Dr and would recommending ringing jis rooms if anybody is interested.

It's funny my DH didn't think it was necessary for me to even think about having my wonky boob fixed, but when I said no because of cost he said immediately said I should do it if it would make me happy. I can afford it, I just can't justify the cost on principal when I pay a fortune in private health and they won't cover any of the cost. My deformity is only visible when I'm undressed, so happy to live with it for now, but reserve my choice to change my mind.

I aslo have my concerns that if I did have fat grafting it may be harder to read mammos and ultrasounds and end up with false positives. I have read that there are concerns that stem cells may also casue cancer cells to grow and can can't be 100% sure that there aren't any stray cells left behind laying dormant in my boob.

 Jenn I will PM you with a PS recommendation for Syd.

Hi Melp27.  I was 36 when diagnosed and I was told by my plastic surgeon that I must have finished my family if I wanted a TRAM flap.  This was one of the reasons I didn't have a reconstruction.  This was eight years ago. However I have subsequently read that this is not necessarily the case.  It is possible to have a pregnancy after a TRAM flap.

Sandy

my surgeon is Dr James kollias he's really good. he suggested either lat dorsi or some version of tram flap but personally i dont think i have enough tummy fat for the tram. im praying its not two years but i dont know how many days a week he does public patients versus private ones. I guess when i get some work i will need to start saving so when i need time off i will have some money saved up. Seeing him on the 16th to talk about reconstruction and have my first mammogram since diagnosis on my other side. a bit nervous about that part of it but thats natural right?

thanks sandy. its good to know if i have that one done i should be able to bear children should i have any. after recon ive heard most people take 2-3 months off work is that just an average?

I really need to revive this thread .I will be having UMX at Royal Brisbane Hospital .It seems the PS here do not do DIEP . The PS did not even mention DIEP .He said I can be a candidate for Tram .Any one from Brisbane here who has any idea about DIEP .I think PS in Brisbane do not specialize in DIEP .Any suggestion ?