HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Tram Flap

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/19/2011 4:01 AM (GMT 0)

 Hi I am new to the forum... I am 44 and a 14 month Breast Cancer Survior... Yeah!!!

I had Her2+ breast cancer stage II-III in my right breast. I chose to do a

double mastectomy since I was advanced and my tumor was missed in my

mammogram. My tumor was 10 x 13 cm when I found it and my local doctors

still told me nothing was wrong. I had to fight for a biopsy. I did and it saved my life.

My Plastic surgeon said my only option would be tram flap, since

my right chest went through radiation and will not expand normally to do implants.

He said I need to lose 45 pounds before he will do it. I also have an underactive

thyroid, so losing weight is hard. Anyone have any ideas... been in my shoes...

For me Chemo was easier than trying to lose weight... I need encouragement...

I was a DD prior so curious on how big they can make them from a tram flap?

I am on the plus side and losing weight I know is best for my recovery. It is really

easy to sit here and type what I need to do... I know but I just can't seem to

get motivated. I would think getting a tummy tuck and new boobs would be my

motivation but sad to say mmmmm NO... confused

Posted 6/19/2011 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats on the 14months... and for fighting for that biopsy! I had the opposite problem... I was very thin, and they had to take a lot of belly and both muscles to make one breast mound. Recovery was long! Haven't had any trouble gaining weight since hitting menopause during chemo, though! LOL Really, I don't know "how big" they can make them. After carrying around double D's, I would think you would want a smaller pair now, but to each his own. I know I've seen some pretty large TRAMs. I know my friend, MK, who is a co-moderator here, had a fairly large breast constructed through TRAM. I don't know if she would want to share cup size!

You are right, though. Losing some weight prior to the surgery would be a good thing. It is not an easy surgery to go through or to recover from.

I don't know what motivation I can give you if you are not motivated to do this for yourself. Do they have you on thyroid replacement? And is it an adequate dose? I try to be a low-carb eater these days, and when I stick to it, it works. I don't think I could eat that way if I didn't have Splenda! I knocked 40 pounds off my hubby in 3 months for a necessary surgery by putting him on the low-carb plan. We had Splenda sweets every day... cheesecake, sundaes, crepes, lots of whipped cream, etc... so it isn't a starvation diet by any means. I always recommend people try it, if the haven't yet. Much easier than counting calories and cutting fat out of your diet. Some people think it is not so good for you, but I eat lots more "good stuff" on low-carb than I did before I ate that way.

Don't know if that helps, but hope so!

Hugs....
BEV
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply