Diep flap

Hi

I was pleased to read that you're doing well after your DIEP flap surgery.  Could I ask what made you wait to have it please?  I'm currently down for DIEP flap reconstruction at the same time as a single mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy but just wondering if it's all too much in one go.  I'm 60 but not overweight, have no other health issues and am very active so should be a 'good candidate' in theory but having a wobble about whether I've made the right decision.  Thanks

I will do the single mastectomy and DIEP flap at same time around August, the date will be scheduled after next week CT scan but Sentinel Node biopsy has been done on two weeks ago.  I am 47 and no other health issues but doctor suggested to do the sentinel node early.  I think you can take advice from doctor can do the sentinel node biopsy first

Hi. Glad to hear you are doing well xx  

Can I ask why so long after mastectomy? Was that your choice? I was told I couldn’t have delayed reconstruction because of radiotherapy, it keeps working up to a year later apparently but then I know people have it sooner. 

Can I ask if you had prosthetic nipples also? 

Thanks

I had my mastectomy in 2022 I had to wait due to having to have radiotherapy and waiting to heal from mastectomy which they said would take a year also the waiting list for nhs was long 

I am now due to see them in 3 months time to talk about the second phase which will be adjustments to both breasts if needed I will be out on another waiting list artist point which could take up to 6 months to a year min 

then the 3rd phase will be nipple and Areola reconstruction using my own skin . Gonna be a long process but so far I’m just glad this stage is done the confidence is unreal and I can’t help showing it off lol 

I had to wait due to healing from mastectomy and having radiotherapy after mastectomy also the nhs waiting list . It’s normal to have a wobble I found myself questioning myself over and over but I knew how desperate I wanted it done which confirmed I was making the right choice 

Gosh that is a long wait isn’t it but will be worth it I’m sure. 

And so you absolutely should show them off! Go for it, after everything you’ve been through that’s the least you deserve xxx 

Thank you - I won't know whether I'll need radiotherapy until the sentinel node biopsy is done - so I've been told there's a risk that if I do have to have it, my new DIEP flap boob may 'shrink' - but I would apparently have the option of a reduction on the other side if I was left with a big difference between the 2, albeit with a normal NHS waiting time.  The thought of such a big op is scary but at least it's all over in one go (fingers crossed). 

I saw the plastics surgeon yesterday and they’ve pencilled me in for a mastectomy, reconstruction and a reduction/lift on the other side. 
I own my own business and I’m worried about time out of my business. I’m thinking a good 2 weeks of no work and then possibly really slowly easing myself in. Do you think this is realistic?