Reconstruction

Just bumping up my post thanks x

Hi Optimistic

Well, you know I can't really comment on reconstruction, but glad you've managed to see your BCN. Have you seen the plastic surgeon who would be doing it? Only asking because my breast surgeon and BCN made it sound like I had lots of options but when I had the plastics consult, it turned out I didn't really. 

Also - one of the other champs - can't remember who - used to recommend an organisation that would connect you with someone who had had the surgery. I've just had a little look through some old posts and it might have been Keeping Abreast - they seem to do quite a bit of support around reconstruction

Maybe you've looked into that already but thought I'd pop it in.

R

Hiya,

I am quite happy with my implant recon. It looks good in a bra or bikini. However there is quite a difference between my natural boob and the implant. Fortunately I don't plan on many people seeing me without a bra these days! It gives me shape and I don't think that anybody would notice the difference. I have to say though that it does not feel natural at all, it feels quite hard compared to my natural soft boob. 

My personal viewpoint is that a diep or ldflap would look and feel more natural but is it worth the surgery time? I personally would not want more surgery. I vaguely remember being told that my natural boob could be uplifted to look like my barbie boob, but I have not questioned this because I don't feel like more surgery. I do look in the mirror sometimes, and I don't like what I see. I literally have one barbie boob and one boob going south (I blame breast feeding - thought this was to give us some protection!!!) 

Optimistic, if you are coping ok with the prosthesis, then and this is my personal opinion, why would you put yourself through more surgery? 

Cwtches

Gay xxx

Hello Optimistic ,

i was diagnosed DCIS /IDC on March 7th 2019 quickly followed by left side mastectomy and immediate LD flap reconstruction with just my own tissue and no implants.

Even day after surgery when I looked I was absolutely amazed at how it looked .

i was in hospital 10 days as major surgery but some in a bit less! I was discharged two weeks ago on Friday

I have a lot of bruising and post op swelling but my new boob is absolutely amazing and if wasn’t for bruising and swelling you wouldn’t be able to tell other than no nipple currently.

i did a lot of research and decided not to have any for all kinds of reasons and so pleased with result.

Hope that helps a little x 

Hi

i had immediate reconstruction by DIEP. The result is really good and new boob looks very natural with normal droop and soft and warm. It’s a big op and longish recovery due to abdominal surgery. I could never have been happy going flat and wanted to be as normal as poss. This can only really be achieved by using your own tissue - if able of course. I have since had some lipo modelling, nipple recon and now having tattoos. Long process!!! A diep is the Rolls Royce of reconstruction at the moment. It’s a big decision though. Please ask questions I’m happy to let you know my experience. Good luck. Xxxxx

So glad for this  I've been offered the LD flap by a very good surgeon but I am anxious about having my back cut into. It sounds worth while though. I've also read that's it, once done it lasts being my own body tissue. How is your arm/shoulder movement at this present time? 

I was diagnosed late April and had mastectomy of one breast, late May. I was back to full fitness quickly in arm and shoulder but had exercised and danced like mad.  It's probably why I'm so worried about destroying it all again. I dodged the chemo and radiotherapy bullets, just Tamoxifen which is going OK so I count myself very fortunate.

Hiya 

I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on 7th May, mine was a LD flap reconstruction. Last week i took down a 8ft by 6ft shed with a crow bar lol

I would say i am 90% back to how i was before the op. I do find it is uncomfortable (not painful) sometimes if i try to push myself up with my arm, and the fact that my boob tenses up sometimes when i use my arm can sometimes feel weird. 

I have full movement on my arm and shoulder. It was my left boob and i'm right handed so do wonder if it was my right boob if it would be different as i use my right arm more than my left. Anything else you want to know give me a shout xx

Thanks, this is very reassuring. 

My (now flat) right side chest tenses up too and feel tight sometimes, so I'll likely just feel similar with a new boob lol

I think I'll book in with consultant and go for it 

i would recommend a V pillow. Really helped when i came home for sleeping on a night and sitting during the day.

Hi

I had mastectomy and immediate reconstruction by DIEP. It is a long surgery and it’s definitely not a quick recovery, due to the abdominal surgery. I also chose to have extra surgery - nipple recon and some lipo modelling. But, the result is AMAZING. Now in a bra or bikini you wouldn’t know and even unclothed if changing it’s difficult to tell. With s diep it gives a very natural looking boob that’s warm to touch. A diep is a big surgery and I was v scared and you do need some looking after post op. But, it’s most definitely worth the hassle. Please ask if need any more info.xxxxx