Reconstruction? Back to work?

I am a hairdresser and was going to go for Tram Flap right after mastectomy.  I made the appointment on a Wed... by Thurs I cancelled the Flap.  I decided the tram left the station without me on board... I've since talked with some that had it and so far none would opt to do again because of the recovery and pain time.  Also, I found that I have an apple shape and while the flap would flatten my lower tummy, the upper tummy would be hard to get rid of... even losing weight does not affect it easily... and you can no longer try sit ups to flatten upper tummy either.  So far I've decided not to have any reconstruction.  I may eventually have reduction on the other side, as I am large breasted.  My sis-in-laws aunt had expander and mastectomy last week.  I think she is happy with that.  By not having reconstruction, I am returning to work 20 days after my mastectomy.

Good luck...

There are pros and cons to each procedure.  The tram flap or other flap procedures are a more extensive surgery which would require more time for healing - but expanders, after the initial surgery that will leave you sore for days - you can most likely return to work after a week or two.  Keep in mind that you will have to get weekly injections for a couple months which are uncomfortable - then you go back into surgery to swap out the expanders for the implants....then more heal time.  Basically you stick to "light" duty work.  No lifting anything heavier than 5 lbs or so for the first few weeks.

I don't actually work, I'm a stay at home mom - but after just a few days from surgery I was up and about doing laundry, dishes, cooking, shopping.  I waited a bit longer to drive - had to make sure I could turn to look over my shoulder without pain - and beware of the seatbelt.

Also keep in mind that with a flap procedure, it can fail - the tissue can die, and you have to have the right kind of tissue to be used.  But your doctor can tell you all about that.  One good thing about using your own tissue is that it will grow or shrink as you gain or lose weight - so it's most like your own breasts.  But even if you go with implants, keep in mind that they can be wonderful and soft - they're not all like plastic floaties.  A good doctor is key to a good surgery.

Good luck!

Angi

I had a bilateral mastectomy on June 20 with immediate reconstruction.  I had expanders placed and I go every 2-3 weeks for expansion.  I have done remarkably well. No pain to really speak of, no issues.  I returned to work 4 weeks after my mastectomy.  I am a personal trainer by trade so if you work in an office it should not be as long.