Radiotherapy post Mastectomy with DIEP Flap

Hi Puffetta

Although I can't help with your questions I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. This could be because this is such an active group that your post has slipped off the fist page before someone with the right experience has seen it. By replying to you it will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussions list.

While you're waiting for replies it would be great if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

x

Hi, I know you posted this a while ago, but I’m in similar situation now. Had my DIEP Masectomy with reconstruction 14/12/2021 and unexpected turn in my treatment plan is Radiotherapy.  I am also worried about the side effects on my newly reconstructed boob and so I was wondering how you got on please? 
Here’s hoping this reaches you Mickry xx️

Hi Mickeym just wondering how you got on. Did the radiotherapy “mess it up”? I’m having right side mastectomy (prob feb) and ideally wanting immediate DIEP reconstruction but have already been told will most likely need radiotherapy.  My original surgeon stated that would need approx 6 months after radiotherapy for recon then followed months after with further surgery to make chest symmetrical. Hoping to limit number of surgeries/ time off work. My original surgeon can’t operate due to accident and meeting new one next week and wondering wether to bring it up as an option. 

thanks x

Hi Trixter, 

I’ve heard that a lot of hospitals are now giving patients the choice of having immediate reconstruction even if they know they will require radiotherapy.  I read research papers that showed that people who opted for immediate reconstruction knowing they would need radiotherapy on the whole were happy with their choice afterwards. 

I know it was an unexpected turn for me to need radiotherapy, but I actually think if I had have known when I chose to have the diep immediate reconstruction I still would have made that choice personally. 

My breast did go a little hard and is still firmer than it was pre radiotherapy. However, the shape is fine and you couldn’t tell in my bra/clothing. The diep fairs better than other types of reconstruction with radiotherapy. 

My advice would be to ask your new surgeon if that is an option and then make your decision. If you decide to go ahead with immediate, just make sure you use good cream or gel, I used flamigel RT which is for radiotherapy and I am convinced this really helped minimise the impact of radiotherapy on the diep recon breast. 

I hope that helps, please ask if you want to know anything else. 

Good luck with it all and here if you need it. 

virtual hugs Mickey xx️

Hi many thanks for your reply. My affected boob has smaller and different shape from being a teen. So am usevto wonkyness. Thinking it would prob be an improvement lol. Am definitely gonna bring it up. Many thanks for your input/ advice xxx

And a plus if you are young is that no changing out of implants.  Lots of decisions and sometimes a quicker reconstruction option is not the best based on age, general health and other factors.  
Here in US seems breast implants are more popular and I wonder if it is because of media etc.

Barbara

Good luck with it, hopefully you’ll get a good surgeon that listens to you and understands your reasons for wanting immediate. If you feel up to it, please keep me posted, I’d be interested to know how you got on. Best wishes for it all and Big virtual hugs Mickey xx️