I have started to do some research on the topic of reconstruction. I have talked to many women who have successfully had procedures done by a variety of means and people in Calgary. This is where you go doctor shopping if you need to!
My oncologists have made an appointment for me at the plastics (ie. plastic surgeons) breast clinic in August. Dr. Lui says I should wait at least two years before taking any action. It will probably take that long to get scheduled in. If my cancer is to return, the first two years is the most likely time it will show up again. He is the first person to actually give me that timeline.
With the extensive treatment I've had (i.e. taking half my armpit, a breast and tissue away, plus all the radiation and chemo, he thinks it unlikely I'll be a candidate for a free flap (i.e. removing tissue and blood vessels from my stomach, and successfully re-attaching them as a breast.) For the same reason, implants are out.
However, he recommends a doctor here in Calgary who is very adept at TRAM flap surgery and will refer me to him in due course. I have talked to a patient of this doctor already and she is in awe at his ability and manner and has nothing but good to say about her whole experience.
Our friends in Fernie put me in touch with a doctor who does free flap (DIEP) surgery in Los Angeles, and he has found me the names of doctors here in Calgary who are very skilled at performing this surgery, so I have some good ideas of who to talk to now.
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