Inner thigh tissue op for Brest reconstruction

Hi Fungir05

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and that you need  a mastectomy. While I didn’t have a mastectomy I noticed that you haven’t had any replies yet so I thought that I’d reply to you to welcome you to the community. This reply should put you to the top of the discussion. Hopefully someone will be along shortly with an answer for you.

Wishing you the best of luck with the mastectomy.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thanks so much Daisy53. ! I’m obviously very concerned about this 7-hour operation and really want to speak to someone who has had the mastectomy with an  inner thigh tissue breast reconstruction. I will have four wounds as not enough tissue in thighs so will reduce my good breast. Consultant told me I won’t be able to sit for up to three months! Huge amount to take in. 

Hi. I had a skin saving mastectomy, TUG flap reconstruction and a reduction on my other breast at the end of November. The op took 9 hours and I was in hospital for the following 5 days. It was difficult at first because my legs were swollen and tight but recovery was not as bad as I expected and it was definitely the right decision for me.  You can’t sit at first and going to the loo is awful but that soon improves and the first time sitting upright in a chair feels like a big victory.

Thanks so much for your reply RiseandShine.  Was that from the two inner thighs ? How long was your recovery (to sit) and did the wounds heal ok? So worried. Wasn’t sure if implant more simple but gut feeling says no. 

Yes tissue was taken from both my thighs.Sorry to be unhelpful but I can’t remember how long it took before I could sit up properly - probably a couple of weeks but  I could sit reclined on the sofa so it’s not as though I was stuck on my back all that time plus of course you are encouraged to get up and move around. My leg wounds healed quickly and have been no bother and my scars are smooth and neat. My legs felt very tight though and obviously movement is limited at first. It is a big op and I had a bit of a wobble beforehand and wondered if I should go for the implant, but I am so pleased that I stuck to my original plan.

Thank you - very helpful. I’ve been wondering about the implant also. Are your legs ok now?  I mean will that leg tightness eventually go ? Sorry to pepper you with questions but such a horrible decision. 

No problem! My legs are absolutely fine now, the surgeon did a really good job. I’m not as flexible as I was (for things like yoga) but this doesn’t cause any problems day today day and I just keep stretching and getting better bit by bit.  

Will I be able to jog again? Thanks so much for your experience. You’re really helping me. 

Yes I’m sure you will. I don’t run myself but I am back on my spin bike.

Thank you so much. You have helped me greatly (with my decision). I will find out if I need chemotherapy or radiography after surgery. Very scary.