post- mastectomy surgeries

[skj]

I'm just now starting to get interested in women's health issues. In order to graduate, I need to do a big research project. After having a PT specialist in this area come lecture in one of our classes, I learned of surgeries that would make women's breasts look like "normal" breasts after breast cancer surgery. I was thinking of seeing if I could watch a couple surgeries (one with an implant and another one where they use the rectus abdominis or the lat's I believe) and then tracking the patient over time to see what implications or complications they experience as a result of their surgery and learn more about PT intervention that is done. Does anyone have any guidance or suggestions for me regarding this? Also, I'm curious as to how popular Women's Health is in Australia-is there a need for physios in this area? Thanks, Sandra

[sibbles53]

I am a physio who has had a Lat Dorsi flap and saline implant reconstruction following a mastectomy in 1999.At the time I was given no specific physio focussed at specific problems associated with relocation of Lat dorsi,only routine Mastectomy exercises.Eventually I found physio at Peter Mac (Melbourne)who gave me some help but no-one warned me re associated back problems due to resulting muscle imbalance in the spine.So I'm sure there is a need for more PTs specialising in this area of women's health.Cheers sibbles53

[lv76]

I have a motif of rendering direct Physiotherapeutic measure {for prevention and supplementary}for breast cancers. But it should be researched under great support!!

I will give insight to anybody who wishes to assist and /or join to summate their effort.