Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...

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breast reconstruction

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello:
I had breast Ca 10 years ago and am now going to have breast reconstruction.

I am a bit scared. Can anyone give me any advice
on the tram flap procedure.

I also am not allowed to smoke or the tissue could die or turn black.
If anyone had this done please contact me.

Thanks Debbie
deleted_user
deleted_user
i am a candidate for this procedure. however i need to quit somking and lose about 25 lbs. i havent done either. i do want it done eventually but now isnt the time. im here if you need to talk. they told me its a very big operation. dr sd i need to wuit smoking for 4 months b4 he will actually do it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I smoke a little too and i told him im quitting. I am quitting for about 6 weeks before surgery. The results look nicer then the implant.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had reconstruction in 2005 had mastectomy in 2004. I kept on smoking and my breasts took longer to heal. I had the implant not tram flap. I think it's better to quit ahead of time and try to let your body heal about 6 weeks before smoking again. I would like to quit. My dr. won't do another reconstruction because I'am having trouble with mine till I have quit for 3 months. I want to quit but haven't done it yet. Good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
that tram flap surgery. think twice. have heard people end up with no stomach muscles and a lot of stomach problems. don't know this for fact. just heard. in fact twin daughters of the woman i'm talking about had cancer gene and both had mastectomy with implants. very beautiful.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Debbie, I have not had this done, but I hope you don't mind me dropping by to wish you the very best.
EllaBlue
deleted_user
deleted_user
im a smoker so the only option was expander .I had 2 other friends who had the tram flap procedure and my god it was so tortuous to heal from that. they said it pure hell.yes their stomach muscles were never the same and its a mess recovering from it.

on the other side--the expander method is better and its getting it filled up over a few months in order to to stretch your chest for the implant .

thats what I chose and though my expander hasnt been filled (as I had a heart attack after it was put in)-actually a freak spasm--so I had to wait till they ruled out heart probs.

Im ok now..

But having an unfilled expander has me motivated and I called a new reconstruction surgeon today and made that appt.
i still want my rt breast back, no matter what it will take.
the body image and self esteem it will bring back to me-- is most important.
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