Breast recobstruction

Hi 2nd time round

Sorry you are going through this for the 2nd time.

I haven't got any advice for you as I've had a lumpectomy, but you have slipped several pages as this group is so busy, so I am 'bumping' you back to the top in the hope that there's ladies around now who can offer some advice.

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Hi

i had an implant with my first reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy, followed by an elective Diep 2 1/2years later. Is there something specific you wanted to know ? I love my Diep boob, but if you go for this op you do have your belly button moved and a huge scar across your tummy, so you need to bear that in mind, it is not just about the boob. Although my tummy is flat now, things fall down all the time as you do have an unnatural shape, I have read of several ladies like this so it is not just me! My boob contains tummy skin so I do have stretch marks on my boob, but none on my tummy now, and the skin is different and a different colour. I didn’t trim or remove any hair along my bikini line as I didn’t want pubic hair on my boob, again I have read and heard from ladies who have had this- so lots to think about! I was worried about recovery but was back at work full time after 6 weeks, still a bit still a bit stiff but pretty much okay, it takes longer for you to fully recover in terms of your tummy, but it was all doable. 

I can’t put it or I will be reported, but there are a few social media groups that are excellent , so if you use the most well known one that ends in book, have a search for different,closed, groups on there, I found them really useful and informative.

Good luck with your decision

Jo x

Hi Second time around. I’m about to join you as a second timer, though I had a double mastectomy 8 year ago. I’d initially had and in fact credit them with saving my life. I was a A cup pre. The cancer grew on top of the implants and was spotted quickly. I initially had a skin sparing mastectomy but with removal of nipples as I’m BRCA2. It was all very straight forward and recovering was straight forward.however I believe I had a reaction, breast implants illness as I developed ME.

so 2 years ago I was offered the Diep abdominal reconstruction. I spent a year working on growing my Buddha belly and I am beyond proud of my gorgeous, soft warm bouncy perky boobs with nipples.

the recovery was tricky the first week with 3 wounds to care for, but worth it.

good luck xx

Steph 

Hi this was me a year ago exactly like you no option but a mastectomy and reconstruction.  Best decision ever got a new boob a very flat tummy  yes it's tough first couple of  weeks but I'm now swimming back at the gym and feeling great . In meds long term been a struggle getting the right ones  . I didn't find the breast uncomfortable but my tummy was very tight back ached after surgery and the cough was uncomfortable this was from tubes in throat. hot lemon and honey worked. hot water bottle on back and little walks daily to help with tummy. please if yiu need any other advice ask me as I wish I had used this site before 

Me too! I also had lump and lymph glanda removed 9 years ago followed by chemo,  rad, and tamaxofin. Now need masectomy for same reasons. I am dithering about reconstruction. Would also like to hear about risks of complications. I am 66 so appearance not so critica Due to see the plastic surgeon on Monday. 

Is the hassle of the op worth it?

What questions should I ask?