I’m laying in a hospital bed trying to figure out what to do

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Chenye_Tripp
Chenye_Tripp Member Posts: 15
edited September 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction on my left breast on 4/11/19. I had a pediculed tram flap because my blood supply would not allow for DIEP.

Since the initial surgery it has been one thing after another: infection, wounds reopening, blood clots. Yesterday I was in the OR again, this time for surgical debridement. When I woke, my left breast was flat. All the fat had died and was removed . To say I'm depressed is an understatement. My right breast is large and a huge contrast to the left.

I'm trying to figure out the next step. I'm not comfortable with the idea of a prosthesis or an implant. I don't know what to do.

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  • Trishyla
    Trishyla Member Posts: 1,005
    edited August 2019

    Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry you're going through this. The whole process is hard enough even without all the setbacks. Unfortunately, I have no advice. Just hugs.

    Good luck. I hope everything works our in the best possible way for you.

    Trish

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  • Chenye_Tripp
    Chenye_Tripp Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2019

    Thank you. I’m still here, I’m alive. I feel like I am in shock. I will get past this.

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  • cwins1218
    cwins1218 Member Posts: 37
    edited September 2019

    I hope all is better for you? Can your Plastics team take from another donor site? Your back, buttocks or inner thighs?

    Sending you thoughts and hugs!

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  • Spoonie77
    Spoonie77 Member Posts: 925
    edited September 2019

    Just sending you lots of compassion and hugs and hopes for another option to become available for you that will leave you feeling that you've made the best choice for you. Remember you're not alone, we're all with you. Sending gentle hugs. Post as much as you need. We're here to listen. May sleep be kind to you tonight and tomorrow bring you renewed hope and at the very least some small precious slices of joy. <3

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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited September 2019

    I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. Sometimes the body needs to heal. Does a decision need to be made right away? Can you just let the skin heal and take some time for yourself?

    I know right now a prosthetic sounds so not doable. It could be a temporary thing to get you to a bit of a better place of healing. Its a tough thing for sure. Take your time and be kind to yourself.

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited September 2019

    I was not a candidate for DIEP so I was considering SGAP.

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  • Chenye_Tripp
    Chenye_Tripp Member Posts: 15
    edited September 2019

    Thank you for your responses cwins1218, Spoonie77, exercise guru and WC3.

    I ended up getting a temporary expander. I'm feeling better about it. I was really depressed when I wrote the initial post because after four months of dehiscence, blood clots, infection and wound vacs, I was back to square one.

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  • Mogil411
    Mogil411 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2019

    Cheyne. I also had some difficulties after my DIEP. Ended up losing a flap. So had one flap breast and oneflat side. Before I made my decision on how to rebuild I ordered a knitted breastform from “Keeping a Breast with Awesome Breastforms”. Join their fb group! Knitted Knockers is another group. You won’t be sorry 💗

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  • Chenye_Tripp
    Chenye_Tripp Member Posts: 15
    edited September 2019

    Thank you, mogill411. I just changed the dressing on my drain site and my skin is not looking good. Very gray looking. I’m not sure what’s up, my doctor is out of town. Damn it

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