Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 5 replies
  • Views 365 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Back Flap reconstruction vs going flat

Liz_MacK
Offline

Hi

I am llooking for advice please I feel like I am losing my mind with the decision I am facing.  I have Her2 cancer in my right breast and have been through four months of chemo and now facing surgery in 9 days time.  I have lost so much weight that a tummy flap reconstruction is not an option and the only thing I can for for is back flap without implants as I need radiotherapy after surgery.  The other alternative is to remove both breasts and go flat.  I am absolutely distraught with the thoguht of either option it seems an impossible choice and strugggling to cope mentally.  The back flap will leave me unable to enjoy a full range of movement and with a partial disability but create some sort of small breast and involve many surgeries.  Or I have been looking at the flat friends movement and I wish I felt strong like the women on there and could be flat and proud but I dont know if I can live with that option for the rest of my life.  I have just tuned 50 and was so fit and well before this, I am also now single and cant imagine ever feeling attractive again to myself of anyone else after this is over.  I dont know where to turn or how to make this impossible decision.  

  • Offline

    Hi there, I'm sorry to read of your dilemma, such a difficult decision. I can't advise on the back flap I'm afraid, hope other(s) can, but I was wondering whether they were unable to use the top of your thighs also? I understand your fears about restricted movement, this worried me with that option also. I also wondered if you had tried the 'someone like me' service (you can Google it - I haven't worked to add links from my phone when on this site, sorry). I also know some plastic surgeons are able to put you in touch with others who may have had that type of reconstruction.  It might be worth ringing your plastics BCN to see. 
     

    Sending you virtual hugs and I hope you get the information you need to be happy to make your decision - Mickey xx ️

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I had a lumpectomy with back flap reconstruction 7 weeks ago and have had no issues since surgery. I still have a full range of movement In my arm and my reconstructed breast looks good. I'm small busted so this was a good option for me. I'm sure others have had different experiences and will pop on to give you their advice. It's a difficult decision to make and i appreciate you'll want to look at all options. I'm now one chemo down since surgery with 5 more to go. Unfortunately my cancer spread to lymph nodes so I'm having an axillary clearance after chemo which i have concerns about but want to ensure i have the very best outcome after treatment is finished. Hope this has helped somewhat, any questions fire away.

    Kaye xx

  • Offline in reply to MickeyM

    Hi Mickey 

    Thanks so much for comiing back to me.  I have gone back to the hospital today and the senior breast surgeon has agreed to give me an implant and to reduce the other breast at the same time as they saw how distraught I have been over this and how mentally it was breaking me down.  It just shows that if you ask for a second option and you are in a desperate state mentally that they will help come up with a sollution you think you can live with.  I feel so relieved as I was absolutely going out of my mind and didnt want to go on anymore as could not see myself living with either of the options they had given me.  I know this wont be a one stop operation and I will likely need one more but feel its something I will be able to cope with.

    Thanks again x

  • Offline in reply to Kaye75

    Hi Kaye

    I had wished I had only needed a lumpectomy but needed the whole breast off.  I am so glad that your back flap surgery has gone well.  I guess a lot of times on the forum perhaps you dont hear all the good stories off when the reconstructions go well and more often than not when things go wrong.  

    Good luck in your recovery and hope you get back to your normal self soon x

  • Offline in reply to Liz_MacK

    Hi again, 

    Thanks for the update. I'm really pleased for you that you went back to the hospital and got a much better solution for you. This rollercoaster is so hard and I think sometimes medical staff forget that there's a person there, not just fighting cancer, but going through an emotional rollercoaster. Facing masectomy is so difficult, but I genuinely feel if you are happy with the reconstruction option chosen (or not, if that's your choice) then it makes it much easier to cope with the aftermath of the op. I'm so relieved for you that you feel you can now cope and are not going out of your mind anymore. 
    Best wishes for your upcoming op and recovery. I hope you are recovering from your chemo also. 
    Take care and virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.