reconstruction

Hi Lucy!  Welcome aboard!  I had a bilat mast with TRAM reons.  It wsa the most difficult surgery I ever had but I would do it all over again.  Recovery was tough but doable.  If you have a very supportive family and network of friends then go for that.  I know a lot of others on here went for expanders and silicone or gummies.  I hope this helps.  Wishing you the best!  And CONGRATS on 4 1/2 yr survival!   I am only 1 1/2 yrs out. 

Hi, Lucy. I didn't have a lat (I had an IGAP last June) - but my surgery was delayed like yours. It wasn't planned that way, just the way it worked out after my original implants failed shortly after the exchange in July 06. It took a year to research wat I wanted to do, find a doc who did it and battle with the insurance comoany to get it paid for. I had my bilateral mast. in November of 04...

Considering you had radiation, the delay might be the best thing as your skin will have done major recovering since rads.One of our foremost "authorities" here on lat flaps in Denise. Maybe you can look her up and send her a pm about the lymphadema question (her screen name is Denny123)...

My recovery wasn't bad considering the IGAP was such a long surgery (I was under for over 11 hours). I am very active so the worst part for me was not being able to run, lift and go to karate class. But I was back to class 6 weeks to the day after surgery. My results are excellent (I had a hole in my chest before, so anything would have been better, lol) and I would do it again in a heartbeat. And no lymphedema issues with the lifting, punching and pushups, either...

Have you consulted with a PS yet? There are such great options available, and if your PS doesn't do them, don't give up. Many of us here have gone out of state (heck, some came from out of the country) to get what we wanted...

All the best to you. Please keep us posted! 

Hi Lucy,

I had a lat flap in Aug 2004. I was also four years out. I was so tired of all the medical procedures that I wanted some time away from medical institutions. I, too, had radiation.

I am very happy with the results. Best wishes for continued had happy recovery.

Cherryl

PS. The recovery from surgery was very easy. I was in hospoital for two days, came home with three drains. Completely off pain pills in three days. Two  drains came out one week later, the last one the following week. All total I was out of work for two weeks.

Hi Lucy,

Glad I was able to help. Keep us posted.

 Cherryl

hi Lucy -- hope you're doing well.