Mastectomy and DIEP

Hi - I feel like we are sharing the exact same journey. I’ve also recently had a lumpectomy but my results showed lots of remaining pre cancerous cells so I am now facing a mastectomy too.  It is a real blow and I know exactly how you’re feeling.  I’m trying to get my head around the changes to my body I will face. I don’t know whether to go for reconstruction or not.  I am a keen swimmer and swim teacher so I don’t know how I would manage getting suitable swimwear and prosthesis for swimming if I don’t get reconstruction, but reconstruction brings worries of what would happen if the cancer came back underneath the implant. Would it still be found?  I’m trying to focus on the positives though. I’m so lucky it’s been caught at this early stage and that treatment is as advanced as it is now.  I think I now have around four weeks before any further surgery or treatment so I’m trying to enjoy that time as much as possible.  I have a friend who had exact same scenario as you and I five years ago and she still runs marathons and has a very normal life. It’s an adjustment to life for sure but try to stay positive. I really think it helps the overall outcome.  

Hi ya!  I think it’s very normal to feel like you do.  It’s going to be a bumpy ride for you.  Have you got a local cancer centre you can contact for face ti face help and support ?  Everywhere was hut when I went through it last year.  I often rang Macmillan and Breast Cancer now.  Also my local gp surgery was great and put me on a short cause of diazepam.  I didn’t need another op after my lmpectomy but if I did I would have been in floods.  If you’re on Instagram Dr liz O’Riordan is great to follow and to watch the info videos she does.  She’s a breast cancer surgeon who had breast cacer.  

Thank you for your reply. I’m sorry that you are going through this too.  Initially, I just wanted to get rid of the breast and be clear of the cancer. Thought I’d be able to cope with one but then I realised that I was too young for only one. I play a lot of netball and couldn’t imagine having to wear a boob in my sports bra! I didn’t want an implant as I was worried like you. Also, I didn’t want something else that wasn’t me inside me. Does that make sense? My amazing bcn told me about the DIEP so that is what I’m going for. It uses me tummy tissue and grows and ages with me. It’s my natural tissue so I feel more comfortable with that. Scary though. 
What is your next surgery? Is that a re excision or mastectomy? Xx 

• Thank you, it sucks! I’ve just signed up to this today. I’ve been struggling to come to terms with the fact that I have cancer. Much easier to cry in the bath than face it. I’m so glad I’ve come into this though as I already feel better knowing so many other people are here for support. 
  I was hopeful my first op would be a success then when it wasn’t and the second wasn’t either I was a wreck. Losing a boob is a shocker at 43 but I’m lucky to have the chance to rebuild me a new one xxxx

Hi, I had a mastectomy last June and due to having long covid had to wait for DIEP ( it was offered at the time of assessment but then didn’t pass anaesthetic clearance for such a big op).  March this year a new cancer (DCIS both times but too big for lumpectomy 1st time) came to other breast.  I had DIEP and double reconstruction in May this year.  Still off work and a few minor complications which were dealt with promptly.  Its a big op and best to take a day at a time when you recover.  I would say 6 weeks was a turning point when I started doing nordic walking again and driving ( helped me feel like me again).  Maggie's has been a great support as has the team at RMH.  

If you want to know anything specific let me know.  I 100% stand by my decision to have the DIEP despite complications.  Looking forward to returning to work in Sept, 

Yes it all makes complete sense.  I’m having the exact same thoughts.  My margins were very wide so although I could have another excision they don’t know if it would get it all so I think mastectomy is best for me.  I’ve also been told my options are very limited as I don’t have much excess fat or tissue anywhere to use for reconstruction but I’m at very early stages of the decision making process having only found this all out this week.  I will look into DCIS more thank you.  

Sorry DIEP not DCIS! 

I also had an implant on one side as a temporary solution as I was keen for DIEP last year.  In fact I ended up loving the shape of the implant side.  However, now Ive had both reconstructed using abdominal tissue its so much more natural and I feel far less vulnerable ( implant was filled with water) so was always made me feel more protective,  I’m also opting for 3D tattoo’s rather than nipple reconstruction. 

Thank you. I am nervous so it is good to hear from people who have have done this. 
What sort of underwear/ support knickers did you have? I’ve got great Bras from two previous surgeries that have been great but worrying about pants! thanks 

It’s something that I had no idea about but have done lots of research! It is quite amazing when you think what they can do. I haven’t got a huge tummy but it’s enough to make one boob!! I like the idea that it is mine and will grow and age with me. I’ll be having surgery in 2 weeks so will know more then. Just ask if you have any questions xx I’ll try and answer honestly