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Thank you
Phyllis Johnson
Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 08:19 PM -
reconstruction thoughts
Jo-Ann
Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 10:28 PMI agree with Phyllis. PJ gives an excellent description of the procedure. There are pros and cons to both kinds of implants. I hope that women really study them and make the best decision for them. I have two silicone implants and I thought I'd just add to the discussion by explaining why I chose silicone. The surgery is not as complicated. It's shorter, and fewer complications happen. Recovery is faster, as well. If I was younger, I would have gone the other way, because of the look and feel of the implants and also because I would have them longer.
re: reconstruction thoughts
PJ Hamel
Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 10:44 PMThanks for your input, JoAnn. I have posts on implants, and choosing a prosthesis, and how to make the decision about what kind of reconstruction to have - as well as how to make the decision about whether to have reconstruction at all - coming up soon. As you say, pros and cons to all of them - it's a very hard decision, all in all! PJH
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Reconstruction
Jan
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 08:23 PMThanks, P.J. This was an excellent description. I wanted to add another potential complication: infection. I know someone who opted for the TRAM flap and developed an infection. Since she was resistant to the oral antibiotics she was given to counter the infection, she had to spend a week in the hospital on IV antibiotics to eradicate it completely. Again, this doesn't mean it will happen to everyone; it's just something to be aware of.
re: Reconstruction
PJ Hamel
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 08:34 PMGood point, Jan - I like how it "takes a village" to write this post. We have such a great community here... Thanks for adding your wisdom. PJH
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another reconstruction method?
Andrea
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 08:36 PMHi PJ,
I've recently read about a different autologous reconstruction method, or maybe it's a refinement of an existing one - I've forgotten what it's called. The main difference is that it doesn't involving cutting muscle tissue. Do you know anything about this? Thanks, Andrea
re: another reconstruction method?
PJ Hamel
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 09:02 PMHi Andrea - I think you're talking about the DIEP flap. Here's a description of it from a plastic surgeon's Web site:
"A slim incision along the bikini line is made much like that used for a tummy tuck. The necessary skin, soft tissue, and tiny feeding blood vessels are removed. These tiny blood vessels are matched to supplying vessels at the mastectomy site and reattached under a microscope.
"Unlike conventional TRAM flap reconstructions, use of our refined perforator flap techniques allow for collection of this tissue without sacrifice of underlying abdominal muscles. This tissue is then surgically transformed into a new breast mound. The abdomen is the most common donor site, since excess fat and skin are usually found in this area. In addition to reconstructing the breast the contour of the abdomen is often improved much like a tummy tuck."
Sound like what you're asking about? Let me know if I can help with further info. - PJH
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PJ, this is the clearest explanation of the different types of reconstruction that I have ever read. Thank you.
Another reason someone might not be able to have reconstruction is radiation damage to her skin. I had about twice as much radiation as the average breast cancer patient, so radiation is not going to be a problem for most women. However, it was for me, and I've known other people with advanced cancers who had extensive radiation damage whose reconstruction choices were affected.