options for type of breast reconstruction following masectomy

[elfmom]

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.

[ritavv]

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

[Judy4851]

A related discussion, Have you had breast reconstruction? was started.

[goldenlover]

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

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

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.