Tram flap reconstruction advice

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Michelle28
Michelle28 Member Posts: 1
edited July 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

I had a mastectomy 9 weeks ago and thinking about a tram flap reconstruction , I would be very grateful for any information from anyone who has undergone this treatment .

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2014

    Hi Michelle, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry that you have to be here, but glad you found us!

    If it helps, and until other members come along to post with their own experiences, you can check the Breastcancer.org article on TRAM Flap. There you'll learn more on what to expect, types of TRAM flaps, risks, etc.

    Best,

    The Mods

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  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited July 2014

    Hi Michele  -  You mention thinking about a tram  - are you referring to a free tram or a pedicled tram.  If the former, I think the surgery and recovery are pretty similar to diep flap surgery and there is a 2014 diep thread that is very active.  If you read it, you will learn a lot about the experiences of others and can ask questions there.  If you are thinking of a pedicled tram, I don't know if there is a board, but would also encourage you to check out a free tram or diep if possible to preserve your abdominal muscles.

    I am 7 months out from bilat mastectomies and flap recon.  While the surgery was long and the recovery was trying (more fatigue than pain for me), I would do the same thing again in a heartbeat.

    Good luck with your decision,

    Ridley

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  • AlexaP
    AlexaP Member Posts: 194
    edited July 2014

    Has anyone had a free tram with success?  I had a tram 18 years ago and just found out that I'm brca2+ ... which means I need to get the other girl replaced... I didn't realize free tram was an option, I was thinking I'd have to get implant on the new one. (There's plenty of stomach for dr to work with...)

    I would love to hear from anyone who has had a free tram done. Would you do it again?

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited July 2014

    AlexaP.....I'm not sure if you can have additional tummy flap recon, if you've previously had a pedicled Tram. But....in answer to your question. I had a Tram free....would do it again in a heartbeat. No complications during or post surgery, and have been able to return to a very active lifetstyle, that includes many things that require good core strength and stability. So sorry to read you are travelling down the recon road again, but, just wanted to take fears of how successful a Tram free recon can be off your list of things to worry about.

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  • AlexaP
    AlexaP Member Posts: 194
    edited July 2014

    thanks nihahi.  I'll have to ask my ps about it...  A lot has changed since my last go around with all of this...

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