Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
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Questions to ask to ensure you are in good hands Questions on what to ask to make sure your in good hands. |
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| 3/24/2012 | I had lumpectomy & radiation to R breast in 2009. Due to fam. history and variant BRCA 1, I had a bi-lat mast. 26/10/12 with tissue expanders. My R breast has been extremely full & hard since the mast. and I just recently recovered from cellulitis on that side. Ever since the cellulitis began a hole has reopened & is continually draining a yellow fluid. The skin around the hole is very thin and my Dr. wants to do a lat or tram flap. I am reluctant to have the lat flap as I paddle and am also worried about capsular contracture. The Dr. doesn't think that I have enough abdominal fat to do both breasts. What do you suggest? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 3/24/2012 | It's veryimportant that your quality of life be considered, which includes the activities that give you joy, so a lat dorsiflap would rob you of your paddling activities. this simply isn't necessary. TRAM flap would also impair your physical activities due to muscle loss from he abdomen. What you need is a DIEP flap. please consider coming to us and let us help you. DIEP flap takes NO muscle, is a faster recovery, involves no implants (lat dorsi flap also involves the use of an implant under the lat dorsi muscle.)These are important decisions to make that directly impact your physical activities and enjoyment in the future. call 443-287-2778. let's get one of our expert breast reconstruction plastic surgeons to help you.(I've had bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction done and love it.) | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.