breast reconstruction ?? about lat dorsi

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
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   I wanted to know if anyone that has had the lat dorsi (is that the correct abbreviation?)  My concern for this surgery is the loss of strength in my arms.  I do alot of lifting and yard work. I will see the surgeon soon, but I would love to hear personal stories because they are so much more informative!   Thanks.... Karen 
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Karen,

I had the lat. flap procedure in Dec. of 2001 and have lost no muscle in my arms. I started back to tennis within 2 months and it hasn't bothered me. I'm glad it's the route I went.

Good luck.

Julie

Do not go gentle into that goodnight,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
~Dylan Thomas

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thanks for the reply!!!!
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Karen,

I, too had a lat flap (back in 2004). I am very happy with the results. I do have some strength loss but that is only due to my not using that arm as much as the other. I developed lymphedema in that arm (from having nodes out, not from the lat flap), so I cannot lift anything too heavy with that arm or it makes it worse.

The only thing I occasionally don't like is that I can sometimes feel the muscle/tissue that is still connecting it to my back (for blood flow) and it can be a bit uncomfortable when you wear something that hits right across that area. I have shifted to a more sports bra style and that seems to help.

Overall: I would recomend it.

Hugs,

Erin