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Or Consider a Padded Bra
The Latissimus Dorsi flap technique for breast reconstruction takes its name from the back muscle that lies below the shoulder and behind the armpit (labeled "A" in the illustrations above). An oval section of skin, fat, and muscle is detached and slid around through a tunnel under the skin to the breast area to re-create the new breast. -- Graphic by Mary K. Bryson
By Cory SerVaas, M.D.
Published: September/October 2000
Dear Dr. SerVaas: I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in June 1990. I am writing this letter to share my experience and encourage women to carefully consider their treatment options. In hindsight, I would have elected to have no reconstruction done. The surgery took almost 15 hours, and I needed five pints of blood. Over 900 stitches were needed to detach, split, and wrap my back muscles around to the front of my chest. I nearly fainted when the sutures were removed. Today, ten years later, I have no sensation of touch in my chest. The incisions remain sore, and I am unable to sleep on my stomach. I have a wonderful, compassionate, and competent physician and surgeon. But I was not prepared for the long, painful recovery, nor the unnatural look and feel of my "breasts." Also, my doctors didn't ask me about my tennis and golf games before I opted for the aesthetics of breast reconstruction. Now my tennis serve hurts, and my golf swing suffers. I strongly urge women to thoroughly investigate all their options after mastectomy. Talk with other women who have had various surgeries and look at photos to compare results. Weigh the pros and cons. A new padded bra versus cutting up the back muscles? In my opinion, it's a no-brainer. This is something you will live with for the rest of your lie.Janine Black Chicago, IllinoisDear Reader: Thank you for sharing your very personal story with us. A comprehensive new Web site gives women instant access to medical and psychological information about breast cancer, including reconstructive surgery options. Developed by Dr. Marisa Weiss, a Philadelphia radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer, ibreast.com features nine major sections, including Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
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