DIEP Breast Reconstruction

If you read my profile you will see i was in a similar situation to you.

I was diagnosed with TNBC and had chemotherapy first. I was told after my chemo that there was no cancer showing on my MRI but i would still have a lumpectomy to remove the tissue where the tumor had been and it would be checked under a microscope. After my first lumpectomy i didn't get clear margins, the was 1 mm on the edge of the tissue removed and a couple of DCIS, i was told i could go for another lumpectomy or a mastectomy. After talking it through with my breast care nurse i decided to have another lumpectomy. 

Results for my second lumpectomy came back and they had found another tumor and some more DCIS, i had no choice then i had to have a mastectomy. In April last year i had a left side mastectomy with immediate Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction (The muscle in my back) the reason i chose this reconstruction was because they don't actually disconnect the blood vessels that connect the muscle to the body, they just bring it round to the front.

I have a large scar across my back but it is fading with time and underneath my bra strap, so not that noticeable. 

What you need to do is tell yourself what ever decision you make is the right one at the time, no matter what the results. I could easily say why didn't i just go straight for a mastectomy, but at least this way i know i tried all i could to save my breast.

If you want to know anything else give me a shout xx

Hi

If you read my profile you will see my journey - I had 3 failed lumpectomies and ended up having a mastectomy. I was due to have the diep but couldn’t face the long surgery and recovery at that time so had an implant. That was April 2017 and last December 2019 I had that removed and the diep done as delayed surgery. I am so pleased with the result, but I have had 2 1/2  years to get used to the whole idea - and no matter what , nothing is a replacement for your own breast. If you decide you may want to have the diep you do have to fit the criteria and have a ct scan to check your blood flow on your stomach , and if things go wrong you can end up losing the whole breast, so I would definitely find out your surgeons failure rate. I was under for 9 hours and in hospital for 5 days which I think is pretty standard , after you have it you wonder what you have done-drains catheters etc all add to the joy! But these are all short lived. The one piece of advice is that I’d give if you want his surgery , if you can have it as an immediate reconstruction- it will still be part of your treatment plan and you will not have to wait long. There appears to be nowhere doing the surgery at the moment due to needing high dependency/intensive care in the 24 hours after surgery, if you have delayed you will be waiting a long time due to the cancelled operations - before this the waiting time was about a year in most places. If you are on social media , I can’t mention specifics or will be told off , there is a fab group , if you are a member of the site search for diep and you will find lots of information on there.

Send me a private message if you need anymore info.

best wishes

jo x

Hi Focus3

Sorry to meet you here but good you are on the forum! I had mastectomy and immediate DIEP in March 2018. It was fine.

4 nights in hospital and a good recovery. The surgery is long mine was 8 hours but I was out of bed the next day and walking to the loo etc. I was quite limited for the next few weeks but not in too much pain, I would say it was more discomfort and only needed paracetamol and ibuprofen.

I work in a local authority so was OK to have 3 months off on full pay and start back on phased return. No kids to look after and managed without driving for a month, I live with my partner so it was all manageable.

I was quite fit and healthy before the op which definitely helped my good recovery. I am really pleased with the result. The surgeon explained the op was to get rid of the cancer and make me look ‘normal’ in clothing and swimwear. Spot on! I have since had nipple recon and tattooing.

The scarring is something, mine have healed well and I almost don’t notice them now. I took photos every month initially and would be happy to share these with you privately if that would be helpful.

It is a big op, a lot of anaesthetic and a considerable recovery.

Good luck with your decision

Hi Jo

I don't know how to contact you privately?  I've clicked on adding you as a friend and it now says friendship pending

Jx

Hi J  /

The 'friendship pending' term just means a Friend Request email notification has been sent and as soon as they click the Accept button you will be able to send PM's to each other

G n' J

Hi I’m not sure if you’ve had your surgery yet but I’ve literally 3 weeks ago had my delayed Diep flap op. I had breast cancer 7 years ago had a lumpectomy then mastectomy on one side, chemo and radiotherapy. I initially had an expander put in as I didn’t want to wake up flat, that was later replaced with an implant. Fast forward to this year and the implant had twisted so I was put on the waiting list for a Diep flap. Luckily the wonderful Becky at the Marsden in Chelsea got me an I appointment really quickly but that was because I opted for a different consultant and to have it at Chelsea rather then Sutton Marsden. My surgeon was amazing the flap turned out to be a small patch as he managed to preserve most of my skin. I love my new boob finally I can fill a whole cup in a bra rather then half. It has helped rebuild my confidence which is the biggest thing cancer stole from me. However I won’t sugar coat It I stayed in hospital 3 nights, it took 3 attempts to sit up and get out of bed after the catheter was removed. If you haven’t had one of those don’t panic. You will also have drains, Naturally you will worry but best advice just relax. After coming out of hospital I didn’t need any painkillers but had to inject myself with blood thinners for 5 days. My tummy feels weird the skin above scar and below feels numb which feels sore but it’s not unbearable. And my tummy is not as flat as I would’ve hoped, but I expect I’m still swollen. I think the hospital could have been better at preparing me to how my tummy would feel after and how long to expect swelling etc. I know I have a long way to go, I still have the next procedure to go, lipo and nipple reconstruction and tattooing but although it’s a long road to recovery I would definitely say if you get this opportunity take it. My new boob feels like my own and that is worth the Temporary discomfort. I’m not sure if this exists but I wish there was a group set up where you could actually talk to others that have gone through it, I’m just grateful this forum is here because I just wanted to confirm how I was feeling was normal 

Regardless of your discussion I wish you the very best oh and ask to see photos x

Hi 

I've attempted (!!) to send a friendship request on this challenging to use site but am not 100% sure it worked...anyway if it hasn't friend me and I'll give you some info that may help!

I'm due to get DIEP in December and am quite excited!

Sam

Hi Yorkshire_defector

I'm Steph from the Community Team, I hope you don't mind me posting here today. 

I noticed you'd mentioned that you're finding the site challenging to use, so I'm so sorry about that. I hope you've managed to send your friend request, but if not, here's how you do that:

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