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Breast Cancer  (Expert Forum)
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options for type of breast reconstruction following masectomy
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
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MedHelp Member's Question

options for type of breast reconstruction following masectomy

by elfmom, Apr 10, 2003 12:00AM
I will be having a double masectomy with breast reconstruction done at the same time.  My plastic surgeon and breast surgeon agree that I am an excellent candidate for either breast implants or for using my own abdominal fat cells for the reconstruction.  I need more information about the pros and cons of the options before deciding which type of reconstruction to go with.
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Apr 10, 2003 12:00AM
Dear elfmom, An excellent resource for you to read about the different options for reconstruction or prosthesis is Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book (you can get a copy of this book at a library, if they don't have a copy they can order it for you).  There is a chapter which is dedicated to description of various options with diagrams of the procedures, and is written in language for the lay person.
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Member Comments (3)

by goldenlover, Apr 10, 2003 12:00AM
I would ask your plastic surgeon for photos of his/her work on patients who have had the procedures you are considering.  I had bilateral mastectomies with tissue expanders and am very pleased with the result.  The negative is that the process is a fairly long one, with "fills" of saline to expand the skin and a second surgery (which was fairly short) to replace the expanders.  The TRAM flap (using abdominal muscle) is more involved and has a longer recovery period.  There may also be additional minor surgeries involved on this procedures as well.  There is a new procedure (I believe it's called DIEP or something like that) which is supposedly even better than the TRAM with a smaller failure rate.  Do your research and ask your PS if she/he can refer you to patients to speak with that have had these procedures.

good luck

by ritavv, Apr 10, 2003 12:00AM
You might want to hear some personal experiences.  I participate in a on-line support group: Breast Cancer Survivors and Friends.  There are gals who have had the all types of reconstruction.  The message board is at:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/madeit

by Judy4851, Apr 21, 2008 10:30AM
A related discussion, Have you had breast reconstruction? was started.
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