DIEP / implants

I am sorry to hear that you have had to go down this route.  My family history was such that I was tested, but had a double mastectomy with implants before results came back. 

I would have preferred the DIEP flap but it wasn't offered at my hospital and I was persuaded to get implants. I took a while to get used to them but I am now very happy with them. 

I was given the option of tamoxifen and I pursued it for nearly two years but I couldn't bear the stiffness.  Also I only had a 1% uplift in life expectancy so it wasn't worth it for me. Every one is different and not everyone gets the side effects. 

I had diep reconstruction 6 weeks ago. It was my preferred option. They used all my stomach fat to make one new boob, I worry what will happen if it spreads to second now. 

Recovery from diep is longer, I'm still feeling discomfort now. And there are lots of rules about not lifting etc. Getting through the first two weeks was tough, but worth it for me, despite the huge belly scar!

Good luck with your choice 

I had a diep reconstruction done in November I was advised against implants has they may need replaced every 10 years and using your own tissue looks more natural.  Which I must say it does.  The scars aren't pretty but at least your healthy that's the way I look at it.  Recovery is longer and you learn yourself what you can and can't do.  Hopefully this helps you 

Thank you Helen 

Well done on your journey ! X

Thank you, really helpful to hear from you. Good luck with healing and future ! X

Thank you !

Very helpful 

Best wishes to you xx

What did you decide? I am facing the same choice. It's so hard! I feel sure the DIEP would give a more natural effect in the end, but I am so put off by the recovery time and the additional trauma to my body.