HI,
In 1995 I had a mastectomy and in 1997 reconstructive surgery (Tram flap procedure)
Following the reconstructive surgery I did not have a mamogram done on the reconstructed breast-it was tender,very dense fat and I assumed there would be NO breast tissue left.
When I went for my routine mamogram in 1999, fortunately the mamogram technician felt there was enough tissue to do the procedure on. She might just have saved my life!
Sure enough a small lump was detected close to the incision and original site. Stage one Grade 4.
My oncologist wanted to remove the reconstructed breast..I said NO WAY and requested a second opinion.
The decision was made to radiate the breast (took two procedures to get clear margins).
So... something girls should be aware of... even after a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery...check that breast too. If a mamogram isn't an option have an ultrasound.
When the time comes for my yearly mamogram I am scared to death even now 12 years later, but as we know, it's better to find out than not.