DIEP Flap

Hi Amy18, I am due to have a mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction on the 15th of October. I have been told that it's an 8 hour operation and expect to be in hospital for 5 days. Good luck with your surgery. Xx

Hi, I am 10 days out from the exact surgery you had. For me it was a 6 hour surgery and a 4 night stay in hospital, I came out a day earlier than planned.

The first week is very tough, mainly getting in and out of bed. The day to day feeling is more discomfort than pain, I've not taken many pain meds since leaving hospital. It is frustrating though the amount you can't do, like drive or pick anything up that's more than half a kettle in weight. I do think it'll be worth it. Once I'd made a decision more than one consultant said it was a good choice and the one that they think gives the best long term results  the "gold standard" 

Re staying in hospital, it is so boring! The nurses will take great care of you but somethings they can't help with. As well as entertainment, eyemask and earplugs would be my advice. Although the first night they'll check on you every 30 minutes anyway.

Hope everything goes well xxx

Hi Tori23, good to hear from someone who's had this surgery recently, sounds like you've coped really well. Thanks for the tips on  earplugs and face mask, I wouldn't have thought of that. I have purchased a mastectomy pillow and something padded for the seat belt in the car. Need to sort out some post op underwear, hard to know what size bra to buy. Have you any advice on this?  I have been told about the 30 minute checks on the first night, so not much sleep that night I suppose. I wish you well on your recovery journey. Xx

Hi Tori123

Thank you for your experience and tips. Speedy recovery.

Hey Daisy24 let me know how your doing after your op good luck.

Hi Amy, will definitely let you know how it goes. Did they say to you they would do the reduction of other boob at the same time? I was under the impression that this was the case. Then received a copy of a letter to Dr, which says that will be a second phase, so not sure now. Do you know when your surgery will be? Mine should have bèn tomorrow, but got pushed back a week as I was a bit unwell last week. So annoying as I feel fine now. Xx

Hi

You should be advised by your bcn but for the bras I was recommended the m&s total support bra, not the post surgery one, this is to do with shaping the new boob. Size wise they said to have a range. Ideally go up a band and then buy the normal cup size + one either side and a bra extender. So if you're a 36C normally you'll need 38B 38C and 38D, to be honest I barely used my extender so not sure if it's worth it. I've been told to wear mine night and day for at least 6 weeks. I bought them a week before so I've time to return the unused ones.

You'll also want some firm support pants, one size up seems to be working for me. Again night and day for a few weeks. 

It's all a bit pricey as if we don't have enough to worry about!

Hi Daisy

Yeah the surgeon had said the reduction would be done at the same time. My last chemo is on Thursday going for a scan on my tummy today. All as it should be the op will be 3-4 weeks latter hoping it will be at least 4 weeks let my body recover each chemo takes more out of me. Not received the letter yet so maybe it will be different. 
As for bras etc I did a google search for post op bras most of the bras size is round your back the material used adjusts to any cup size. I haven’t purchased yet but was defo thinking one of those and some from M&S x

Hiya ,I had mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction 22 April. I was  40C/D before op,but luckily had plenty of tummy padding to enable the plastic surgeon to do a good reconstruction. I didn't have the other side done at the same time as it was decided to see the result of DIEP before any adjustment to other side .I'm now on list for that to be done although when dressed or in swimsuit nobody notices any difference. I was in hospital 6 days ,and the op was about 7hrs .Staff keep a very close eye on you to make sure the blood flow is going through the new reconstructed breast .Yes,it's very uncomfortable the first week or two but I found it was the stomach that was most painful when standing,sitting or getting in/out of bed .My essentials were a long handled grabber to pick things up as you can't bend over and a v-shape pillow as you have to sleep on your back .My favourite front fastening  bras were Asda 2 for £16,although I had one of the m&s ones with velcro fastening for straight after op and that was a bigger size for when I was in hospital.  Anyhow ,6 months later ,and I have just had a week in Menorca when I wore a well cut bikini so nobody noticed any scars or the slight difference  in size . 

Thank you do much for all the information, it really is helpful. I'm going to m& s on Thurday to sort out the bras, so will buy a few different  sizes.  I think I'm going to find it difficult not being able to do much. Hubby can't cook, so that should be interesting! Hope uour recovery is going well  xx

Hi Amy, Im hoping they do the reduction of my other boob at the same time. I really don't fancy a second operation. I finished my chemo in July  so has  been a bit of a wait. They said not to worry as I have been on phesgo injections, which should stop the cancer growing. Will be glad to get this phase of treatment over with . Not sure yet if I'll need radiotherapy, will depend on pathology results. Will keep you posted on how things go. Xx