Jacqueline's TRAM Flap

Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2001 18:37:54 -0400

Date: 2000/01/10

Dear Readers,

Have just started to read this site. I am 37 years old. I was diagnosed with BC 2 years ago after finding a lump( really my husband found the lump) and having an initial Lumpectomy.

My Oncologist sent me for a Mastectomy saying that I could have a reconstruction after. Of course they took my Lymph Nodes at the same time! After suffering thru chemo and Radiation treatment I decided to follow up with the reconstruction.

Having done some research decided to find out about a Tram flap reco. The first Surgeon I saw didn't do this type of surgery so I met Surgeon No2 - he had performed this surgery before. Living in a small state in Australia I wasn't given any choice of surgeon.

I decided to go ahead with the surgery. The biggest mistake I have ever made in MY LIFE! The first date for the surgery was cancelled as I was getting into my car ready to go to the hospital(2 hr trip from home).

The second date came around. This was 2 months later! The operation was a failure- the flap didn't have a good blood supply but they decided to use it anyway. I reacted to the pain killer after the operation so they gave me less which threw my body into shock.

My lungs collapsed. I spent 7 days in I.C.U. I have just recently found out about other complications (officially). I knew about complications for months but I am an unusual case.

Remember that this operation is a long involved operation which puts you at a higher risk of complications so anyone looking to have this operation be aware of what can happen in the worst case scenario.

My answer to the question about pain- I am 9 months down the track and I have tremendous amount of Pain in what is left of my new breast.

By the way I am Married with three sons who have supported me throughout the whole trek.

Jacqueline