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Breast Cancer Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to breast cancer, biopsy, genetics, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, lumps, lumpectomy, lymph node dissection, lymphedema, mammograms, mastectomy, radiation therapy, reconstruction, and self exams.
site for reconstruction
by jagcat, May 02, 2008 08:40PM
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec. I had a total mastectomy on the right side and just finished 4 rounds of chemotherapy. (Yea) No cancer in lymph nodes. I will have a mastectomy on my left side in August. The doctor prefers to take skin from the back rather than tummy. When the left breast is removed they will begin reconstruction on both sides. How long is the average hospital stay? Has anyone had skin from their back used and how did it feel having 4 surgical sites. I am anxious to get started, but afraid at the same time.
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I admire you going through all the treatments and I say that you did a very good job. Each style of breast construction has its advantages and disadvantages and the best person to tell you this would be your surgeon. From what I know this type of flap taken from the back gives a good aesthetic outcome and may also be associated with less complications and side effects. This is compared to the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis flap) flap which can cause weakness of the stomach muscles and can cause abdominal hernias. The hospital stay may differ from how fast your body can recover but it should not take as long as a week.
I hope your operation would be uneventful as possible. Regards and God bless.