Just joined!

Hi Elaine, I have a similar decision to make.Its very tough knowing which is best. I have to decide diep or implant and have no idea which is best. I was hoping to get some answers on here but so far no-one has responded. Please message me if you want a chat. 

Hi I had breast conserving surgery on the 26th feb as my tumour was only quite small I was diagnosed stage 1 ER+ and HER2+  sorry I can't help you make that decision maybe you could have a chat to the breast clinic nurses for opitions decisions etc wishing you all the love xxx

• Hi Tracey. Thanks for getting in touch. I have just read your post and you have had to deal with so much more than me. I hope you coped with the chemo and are feeling ok. When I was waiting for the biopsy results, I was a bit confused about why I would still need a mastectomy if it turned out to be a higher grade cancer and I had to get chemo to shrink it. I would have thought a lumpectomy would be considered. 

  I was told that if the lump/ tissue area was bigger than 5cm then mastectomy would be the only option. I am having an online chat with the plastic surgeon over the next couple of days so I can pass on any info that I get. My gut feeling is that an implant would be like having a cold balloon for a breast as there is no tissue to make it feel natural. But I’m scared of the scale of the reconstruction operation. What is your gut feeling? Not sure about how your radiotherapy will have to influence your decision - have you been told the risks for both options?  I expected more people to be in the same position as us but I guess it’s hard to keep track of any posts on here as it’s such a big forum.... Please keep in touch and let me know how you are. x

Hi Elaine

I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction December I had latissimus dorsi muscle reconstruction suffered very little pain and the breast itself feels ok. The breast itself is much smaller than my own boob but have been offered a reduction at sometime in the future. Hope this helps 

Anne x

Hi Anne. Thanks so much for letting getting in touch. Can I ask why you chose that option over the implant or DIEP? Had a chat with the plastic surgeon today and chatted over all 3 options but it’s left me more unsure what to do For me, I can’t get DIEP immediately as I would need to travel to London for that, and have been advised that won’t be possible just now because of the COVID situation...... could get implant or latissimus dorsi reconstruction done immediately though.

I hope your recovery is going well. 

Elaine. x

Hi Elaine 

when given the options I didn’t fancy an implant with all the things you read about them leaking ect also the risks that my PS spoke about. The same with the DIEP I would have had to go to  Cannisburn hospital in Glasgow stay in for 5 days also  didn’t like the sound of the risks with that one (I no the risks are rare but didn’t want to risk it) so I took what I thought was the less risky one and it’s worked for me. Everyone is different once you sum up the pros and cons you’ll make the right decision for you.

take care AnneX

Hi Elaine, Many thanks for getting back to me. Chemo was long and very tiring towards the end but I think I had it easier than some people. I totally agree with you about the implant but all of these things have pros and cons. I think I am leaning towards the diep simply because I am told it will be more natural and only one operation. With the implant they have a maximum 15 year guarantee. The radiotherapy can cause problems with both diep and implant but the risk of skin tightening and possible mishape is increased with the implant. They have told me its 40% chance of it going hard with implant and only 5% chance with the diep. Please let me know what you decide to have done. Wishing you all the best. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are. x

Hi Anne. Thanks for getting back to me. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but did you get treated on the NHS or privately? I live in Aberdeen and have gone private but the PS told me that no NHS reconstruction has been carried out here in Aberdeen since last March. Just wondering if that’s the case in Glasgow too..... ? I’m so glad you are happy with the procedure you chose. Keep in touch. x

Hi Tracey. Chemo must have been so tough. Not sure I would have had the strength for it. I am thinking DIEP would be best for me too but a bit deflated that I can’t get that done immediately. So non not sure what to do. Maybe get a temporary spacer put in and then when I can get to London do it then.....  Do you stay close to London if you are able to get that done now? And have you gone privately too? Keep in touch. It’s so nice to speak to someone who is going through a similar thing. Friends and family are great but they don’t really understand. Virtual hugs to you! xx

Hi Elaine

I got treated on the NHS. My PS told me at the start of Covid they stopped doing reconstructions but by the time I was Diagnosed they had started doing them again although I did have to wait 6 weeks as they had allocated theatre time when the theatres would be available.

take care 

Anne Xx