Mastectomy with tissue reconstruction

I had a diep reconstruction using tissue from my stomach. I had it done in January and went back to work (in a school) after the Easter holidays. I needed another adult in the house for 2 weeks (I’m a single parent of a 12 year old) but after that we coped well in our own. The first week was tough, can’t lie, but I’ve recovered well and I’m as pleased as I think you can be by the results, I have a natural shaped breast, I healed well, have a small area of fat necrosis that apparently will be easily sorted and need to decide about nipple reconstruction but I don’t regret my decision to go ahead with it x

Hi Lou, I’m half way through my chemo after that the plan is a mastectomy and diep reconstruction, I have had major abdominal surgery done before so I am under no illusions the first couple of weeks will be the hardest. Also having 3 wound areas to contend with, I’m guessing around 3 to 4 months for recovery, then to try and build myself up before returning to work which I’m planning for January as I work in theatres and it’s heavy going. In the mean time I’ll try and get my house in order prior to surgery, I’ve already got zip upfront comfy bras, button up pj’s and some button up tops and comfy pants, just need to get a small v pillow to support the new boob and take pressure of underarm and get me mam to make me a drain bag, then I’ll be sorted. I also already do online supermarket shopping so that’s some else I won’t need to worry about. I haven’t got small children but you know what there needs are so you’ll be able to plan and organise before the time comes. 

Good luck sweetie hope everything works out well for you xx