Reconstruction - at last!

Yippeeee

Where are you having the op?

I had delayed recon too but lat flap. Op and recovery not too different from mastectomy with drains etc but I guess yours will be more complex cos of tummy tuck bonus

If you have time maybe do some cooking and freeze it in advance as you may not be up to doing much when you get out.

I took some arnica tabs into hospital and took them after the op. For me I know they help take swelling down and aid recovery (tho check with medical team that it is ok to take).

The psychological lift you will get from this will be great (once swelling goes down!). I know some ladies never have recon but for me it was part of healing process.

Take care,

Lindylu

thanks Lindy Lu. I'm in Cork, so it's being done at CUH. The plastic surgeon is lovely, I have total faith in him. I will ask about the arnica, I have some of those in the cupboard

wonderful news so pleased for you.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on. I finally got my appointment with plastics in Beaumont for 4th March to discuss my options. I am hoping to have double diep recon as soon as possible as I feel I'm in limbo at the moment - not really sick any more, but not recovered either!

Karen

Hi K,

delighted for you, absolutely thrilled. Had delayed diep last Oct & it's the best thing I ever did. Didn't feel that I got over my cancer till I had this done. I now have a lovely flat tummy & a beautiful new boob!!

It's physically tough but so worth it. I bought a handheld battery operated fan on eBay, was the best thing as you are in heated room afterwards with hot air blanket so very warm, also bought the spray water in chemists to spray my face to keep it cool.

Took arnica the day before & staphasagria for 1 week after for bruising & pain, both are homeopathic remedies. Didn't take the morphine pump, asked them not to put it in as wanted to have my wits about me & also recovery is faster without it.

Best of luck, if you think of any questions feel free to PM. Am dying to hear how you get on.

Karen, one piece of advice re you apt on the 4th - insist they put your name on the waiting list that day. They may tell you to go away and consider your options but if you are sure you know what younwant then insist.

While not wanting to dampen your spirits, I waited 9mths for my recon and that was me insisting they put my name on list a few weeks after rads finished (they won't do surgery until at least 4months post rads). I told them I would never be called within that window and they agreed! To be fair to Beaumont I got a call in about 7 months on wait list a few days before we were due to go on hols but declined.

Domlet us know how younger on and please post any questions between now and then.

Lindylu

Thank you for the advice, LindyLu. I will definately insist on getting on the waiting list. I am sure about what I want as I have already discussed options with my GP, Locum consultant in Limerick and registrar in Limerick as well as doing research myself, my brother is a GP in the UK and he got me advice from the breast consultant in Bristol before I even had my mastectomy.

Hi kazoo
that's great news.I had diep last may its a tough op but well worth it.9 months on I've had no problems and am very happy with results.great ideas for the fan and face spray,I wasn't told about the heated blanket so wasn't prepared I found that the hardest part.button up PJs too.feel free to pm too if you want to know anything.let us know how you get on.

Xx

Hi I remembered about your delay lindylu and I asked my plastic surgeon to book me in for my final recon surgery, to make sure I got on his list. But he said that we would have to meet after the radiation and then wait at least 6 months before the surgery could be planned. I hope the plan doesn't change!!!

HI Kazoo best of luck with op - how exciting for you! Thanks for all the tips re reconstruction, spray and especially the waiting list. I think at this stage I am having masct end of April and am going to go for the expander recon - if that doesnt work or if I am in anyway unhappy then after rads will go for the tummy/diep thingamaging. Have apt with Plastiscs on Thursday to discuss options - I want to have the best new boob possible so if she says I shoudl wait I will

Questions for you ladies re the tummy tuck - does it like take away all the fat from your tummy, like up to your boob? Wow I have plenty of that after three kids - would be so great to get rid of it!!!!

Keep us posted

HI Kazoo best of luck with op - how exciting for you! Thanks for all the tips re reconstruction, spray and especially the waiting list. I think at this stage I am having masct end of April and am going to go for the expander recon - if that doesnt work or if I am in anyway unhappy then after rads will go for the tummy/diep thingamaging. Have apt with Plastiscs on Thursday to discuss options - I want to have the best new boob possible so if she says I shoudl wait I will

Questions for you ladies re the tummy tuck - does it like take away all the fat from your tummy, like up to your boob? Wow I have plenty of that after three kids - would be so great to get rid of it!!!!

Keep us posted

Yes Deefed, flat, flat tummy & 4mths on still flat, new belly button & all!! Will also be getting liposuction on sides to re-fill when new boob drops a bit so another bonus!!! & they will also lift the other side to match, unbelievable isn't it!! PM if you want any more details, tis a tough op but well worth it in the long term as no further maintenance after the tweaks.

Well, time for update on my recon.
All went well, went in to hospital week before last and had my op (tram flap from tummy, not diep as I'd said before, the terms bamboozle me ). Long op and painful recovery but surgeon delighted with how it went and 10 days on, so am I.
Still feel like I've done a few rounds with Katie Taylor but loving my new boob and don't need to get any additional work to reduce the other one (as surgeon feared). Will need to pop back to get a nipple at some point but that's just a day surgery. Flat tummy a nice bonus
I am home now and taking it easy, but feeling stronger every day. Just wanted to share as I've had such great advice from so many on this site. Xxx

Congratulations Kazoo,

we should have a "new boob" club here!! Glad all went well, is tough but so worth it. Good luck with recovery, keep us posted.

Well done Kazoo great that you are over the worst of it now and have a nice new boob and flat tummy!!! Best of luck with it