After T.R.A.M. Surgery

Shobutta: I had a tram flap (autologous breast reconstruction) using my abdomen ("tummy tuck") for the breast reconstruction material. I had a double mastectomy so I had to have two breasts built. You will have a drain in your breast and one from your donor site (I had two drains--one in each breast and one on each side of my groin area). Going home you will need to have a mastectomy type bra with a place to put the drain. The lower drain can be attached to a loose fitting pull-on pair of pants with elastic in the waist. As far as a compression device for the lower ab area (if this is your donor site), the hospital should send you home with one; at least that is what I had but I could only use it once my groin drains were removed. Keep in mind that you will have drains for a 10 days to a couple of weeks so you won't be able to put on spanx or a girdle until your drains are removed. Hope this helps you plan.

Be patient with healing. I had my reconstruction done November 14, 2016 and had to have a revision on March 17, 2017. I am still healing. I get swelling and tightness (in the abdominal area) but overall the doctor did a good job with the breasts. I just am not so sure the pain and suffering were worth it (at least for me). I realize that this is very personal and some people have no regrets.

My mastectomies were in 2012 and 2013. I lived without reconstruction until 2016, when I decided to go ahead. Looking back, I wouldn't do it again. But now that I am where I am, I am moving forward with it. I wore prostheses and hated them so I went braless once both breasts were gone. The 9 months when I had one breast, I wore a prosthetic breast (for obvious reasons).

All the best to you and if you really want this, go for it. Just be prepared for a potentially long haul, especially if you have to have a revision.