I'm also having a left Mastectomy, and was offered a diep flap reconstruction.
The only advice I can offer is to weigh up the pros and cons.
I looked at the length of time in theatre, length of hospital stay and recovery time. I was also told that the waiting time for surgery wood be much longer, so there are lots of things to consider.
Its a really personal choice, and a difficult one, but I'm sure you're breast care nurse and surgeon will be able to guide you.
Hello Joyce thank you for the reply. its such a difficult one isn’t it.
I’ve made a list of pros and cons but still can’t get my mind around it. I think I’m still in shock. My surgeon seems to be so competent that I think I will go for the reconstruction. I tried to contact my breast nurse today with no response. I’m going to try again tomorrow. I think what they may say is it’s personal choice. I’m hoping I may get a response from someone who has had this procedure. good luck Joyce with your treatment. kind regards Ruth
I didn’t have reconstruction at the time as was told I’d need radiotherapy. I am going to go ahead and have diep surgery 7 years after having my mastectomy. I would definitely advise you to have reconstruction now. Diep is the best as it mirrors your normal boob as if you put on weight or lose they change together. It took 3 months to recover from having a mastectomy it’s only one more months recovery for diep. It’ll save you in the future having to have another op. It’s the most natural. Just make sure you have a good enough blood vessel. Good luck!
i had a mastectomy with flap reconstruction in Dec 23 and then a mastectomy with double tug reconstruction in May 25.
i am happy to try and answer any questions you might have, but like others have stated previously it is a personal choice.
If I had known both boobs would go, I don’t think I would have opted for this choice, going through it twice back to back was hard. But I had the same team for both surgeries and I trusted them. I’m quite happy with the results now I’m nearly through recovery and hope I become more comfortable with my new body as time goes by.
like I said happy to try and answer any questions and really do think about what is best for you xx
Hi Ruth I had a LD with implant reconstruction in 2004 and never regretted it. Yes its extra time waiting and in surgery. However the aftercare was excellent. I did have to adjust to the weird feelings such as muscle twitching and nerve pain but with the right support from bcns its just been like having my normal breast.
After 22 years I had a recurrence in the skin flap which involved a lumpectomy and replacement implant but ive quickly recovered. Despite having radiotherapy on my reconstruction. Just thought you might like to hear a positive story. Good luck with your decision xx
Thank you it’s such a difficult time I’m really thinking what’s best. I trust my surgeon. But I live in the middle of wales so accessing care is so difficult. but I’m going for the reconstruction. It would be better if I didn’t live where I live but I’m going for it. The waiting is the hardest thing at the moment. I feel like something is growing inside me. It’s the feeling of wanting to get rid of it but waiting. regards Ruth
If the surgeon is happy for you to wait try not to worry. Back in 2004 I had to wait from January till 29th April and yes it did come back but 22 years later. Go with what feels right and know you will be well looked after. Never be afraid to ask questions no matter how trivial they may seem. Good luck xx
Glad you have made a decision that works for you. It is amazing what they can do and the different options, although it can be a bit of a head spinner.
Over thinking seems to be par for the course, journaling was helpful for me, I also started doing an online course to help keep my mind busy. Take this time to think of something you would like to do for you, plan and gather.
