Has anyone had a Mastectomy and DIEP Flap reconstruction

Hi Cockerpoomummy

While I didn't have a mastectomy I thought I'd reply to you to bump you up to the top of the discussion.  Hopefully someone with the relevant experience will be along shortly.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Are you on Facebook? There is a group for mastectomy and reconstruction...I can't just locate it now but if you explore you might find it... Very helpful.

I am I will have a look thank you 

Hi

i had immediate reconstruction via DIEP a few years ago. It is a big operation!!!! Yes, there is quite a bit of swelling on the reconstructed breast which takes a while to go down. Also, due to the nature of how they ‘fold over’ (?) the fat used to create a new boob mine certainly looked a bit fat and flat. If yours is like this you can have some remodelling via liposuction and refill. I had this done (2 lots) with great effect. The new boob will take 2-3 months to settle - you have been through quite a pounding and things do take time. Recovery from a DIEP is slow but each week you will notice a difference. You are still in the early days of post op so take it easy but when you are up to it try to start walking as this really aids recovery. Xxxxx 

Thank you for your reply it’s nice to hear from someone whose been through it even since I’ve posted the swelling is getting better and I am improving every day I think I under estimated how big an op it actually was I’ve just hit to be patient and let my body heal thanks again 

Yes, you have to be very patient with yourself as it does take time. It is a huge complicated but amazing surgery. Wear a good supportive post op bra and support knickers 24/7 as both help with the healing process. Also keep them handy if you have any further shaping by liposuction as you will need again for the swelling then. Xxxxx

1. I also had the mastectomy and the diep reconstruction but with both breast taken away I had cancer in both. I had this done on 23 June this year I am now coming back to my old self. Every one's different and heals different it does take time. But you will get there I were front fastening bras from asda they really comfy and supported Each week I found I was getting a little better and stronger Just take your time and let your body heal rest has much as you can. take care

Hi Spider, 

I'm sorry to hear you have had to have a double mastectomy but glad to hear you are feeling better in yourself and getting the right support. 

How has the DIEP reconstruction gone?

I am asking as i'm on a waiting list to have a DIEP but can wait as long as two years. I had a left breast mastectomy last year April with LN clearance and radiotherapy. 

I would love to know a little bit more on how your recovery is going and did you have any drains after surgery etc.

Regards 

Hi Spider thanks for your reply sorry to hear you had a double mastectomy I thought just right breast was hard you are 7 weeks ahead of me in recovery time so it’s nice to know it does get better I must admit I’m feeling a lot better every day, I have one worry though I have a small area like a hard lump on the bottom right corner of my new reconstructed breast the nurse said it could still be healing but to keep an eye on it in case it turns into fat necrosis have you had any hard lumps at all just wondering if this is normal or to start worrying? 

Hi Onco11 I know your question was aimed at Spider but having just gone through it 3 weeks ago tomorrow I thought I would answer I had 4 drains 1 on each side of my tummy and 2 from my right breast that was reconstructed my tummy ones came out after 5 days my breast ones just before I came home on 7th day but I did have more liquid leak out if my breast one a couple of days after being home but nothing since thank goodness.  It’s a scary time before you have the op lots of questions etc I’m not going to say it’s been easy it was a long 8 hour op and a weeks stay in hospital but I think I made the right decision to have it and I’m feeling better every day.