SGAP breast reconstruction

[SimoneDeBooboir]

Has anyone had this? I am currently flat and have been for over 4 years, but have decided i'd prefer to be reconstructed. Currently on the waiting list for a double reconstruction which will be done using SGAP flaps.

I can find quite a lot of experience of DIEP flap reconstructions online but much less on SGAP. There's a Facebook group but that is very US centric so lots of focus on surgeon recommendations and insurance issues.

It's going to be a big surgery (8-12 hours) and while this will be my 5th cancer related op, it's the first time I feel there's real choice (ie where the alternative doesn't lead to death or high risk of illness!).

I'm currently well, very active, enjoying feeling healthy, letrozole side effects aside - although i find exercise helps so much with those and now starting to worry about a big op and recovery.

Would love to hear experience from anyone who's done this or anything similar.

This isn’t a reply with advice, more an acknowledgment of where your coming from.

I’m in exactly the same position although mine is LAP flap rather than SGAP. I have an appointment with Plastics this week to confirm it all and then it’ll be the wait.

I have had exactly the same thoughts about “chosing” to have such a big op and then the subsequent time off work and rehab back to my normal active levels. There are days when I question if being flat is so bad and if it’s worth it. but ultimately I feel like this is finally something within my control and a bit of closure on the cancer crap.

Have you heard of Keeping Abreast? It’s a reconstruction charity and if they have a meeting close to you they are good at finding someone whose had the exact op to talk to.

I hope your wait time isn’t too horrendous

Thank you so much for replying. Yes, closure on the cancer crap is a great way of putting it and will be a big plus! I'm sure it's what i want, it's just that worry that something goes wrong.
I hadn't heard of Keeping Abreast, thank you - I don't think they have a group near me but I will have a thorough read of their website.
I should have said, I went to a brilliant event at my hospital organised by Restore Breast Cancer and the breast nurses there. Women who had had reconstructions shared their stories and outcomes, including one woman who had had SGAP. That was so helpful (and so kind of those taking part!). I just wish I could find more positive stories, it'd help while I wait.
Thanks again for your message, it's incredibly helpful to have someone in a similar boat acknowledge how i am feeling. I hope your appointment goes really well this week.