Mastectomy and reconstruction

HI

Not able to help with your query, but I am sure that someone will be along shortly who can help you out.  Your post had slipped to the 2nd page, so I've just bumped it up in the hope that any ladies who've had the option of reconstruction at the same time/different times can help you out.

Best wishes,

Lesley x

Hi Dion,

I have recently had both done at the same time. I had a skin saving mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction. It's been about 7 weeks and I will be starting chemo on Monday due to my pathology report. I chose to have it together because for me, one less surgery is one less surgery. A month out I started feeling myself again. A lot of bits and pieces still feel strange but I am glad my breast is still there and I didn't have to go without one. Also my stomach is looking a lot better than before so makes me happy. I was told from my plastic surgeon that DIEP reconstruction is best if I need to have radiotherapy as it's still my own tissue compared to implants. 

Hope this helps!

Esther

Hi Dion

I had mastectomy and DIEP all at once in March 2018. It is a big operation and you are quite restricted for the first few weeks. However not painful and I made a really good recovery. I’m glad I had it all done and very pleased with the result.

I couldn’t drive for a month and had to be careful lifting things for a while.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Hi Amelia 

thank you for sharing. I’m glad all went well. It’s been really helpful. I e decided to go for mastectomy and reconstruction in one op subject to what my consultAnt says on Wed. 

hope your recovery is going well. 

thanks xx

Hi

i had both done together (mastectomy and immediate reconstruction by Diep) and if you are able it’s the best way to go rather than have separate ops. The scaring is less and you never lose your boob. Some ladies aren’t bothered by this but I was. The diep is a big operation and takes quite a while to recover from but it gives fantastic results. Good luck!!!Xxxxx

Hi Dion,

I’ll be having a mastectomy and reconstruction together on 29th September. I won’t know my treatment plan thereafter until all of the pathology is completed, so another two weeks after surgery.  I’m really pleased things are moving quickly however the waiting for more answers causes so much anxiety. I’ll have my SLN biopsy first next Tuesday.

I'm having a DIEP flap. Are you clear about yours? 

Taje care.

Hi Littlesdum 

I have my operation on Monday 28th. I’m having a reconstruction using an implant. I’m much the same as you I don’t know much until the breast tissue is analysed after surgery. The waiting does cause slot of anxiety. 

Please let me know how you get on and I hope your surgery goes well and a speedy recovery xx

Thank you Dion. I hope everything goes well with you too. Please let me know how you get on. Until then....

Take care xx

Hi 

I had both done at same time i had no problems was in for 4 days   i had mine done in 2004 .I had to return as he couldn't save my nipple had to have a fake nip but all is OK xx  good luck in what ever you decide to go for x

Hi Dion, I had my surgery last week. I had skin saving mastectomy with implant reconstruction. I had the surgery Wednesday morning and was home by Thursday dinner. Had my chest drain out yesterday morning and am much more mobile today. If you have any questions, please get in touch as I understand the anxiety caused by the unknown. Hope all goes well for you next week x