DIEP Flap

Hey Daisy 

I seem to be on a similar path as yourself I am also on phesgo and my results will determine whether I have radiotherapy. Sorry it seems to have been a long time between finishing chemo and surgery but now you can tick another box on the road to recovery all the best x

Thanks all for your replies and advice much appreciated ️

Hi

can I ask how you decide which surgery is best? I’ve just seen the surgeon today and now feel totally overwhelmed and emotional. 
My choices are implant or to use own tissue or go flat of course, all options seem to have pros and cons, how do you make the right decision? 
I’m 59, fast approaching 60, fit and healthy until diagnosis chemo 4 tomorrow of 6 surgery Dec/Jan with radiation likely 

thank you  

Hi Chitty

Yeah it’s hard they throw lots of options at you and then you have to decide what’s best for yourself you still have plenty of time don’t be rushed into a decision. 
I was told that an implant wasn’t the best option if I was getting radiotherapy can cause issues. I didn’t want to use any muscles so really only option for myself was taking it from my tummy still unsure if I have made the right decision but I think that’s normal. 

Hi

It is such a hard choice. I remember being in tears in one meeting as I was so overwhelmed and didn't want to have to make a decision. 

For me, I started by ruling options out. I personally didn't want to be too uneven so going flat one side was out, I also didn't want an implant so that left some kind of flap and I'd read DIEP was considered to give the best results so that made my decision. They then threw a spanner in the works by telling me I could have both breasts done which just made my head explode after I thought I'd finally made a decision I was happy with. I didn't go with this option, I really hope it was the right one.

Thank you so much I think I’m leaning towards this choice now but it means another team in another hospital which is adding to the anxiety but I’m  now waiting on an appointment to visit which will hopefully answer all my questions and help make that final decision 

Best wishes 

I’ve cried so much, chemo brain certainly doesn’t help with emotions and having to make such decisions! But I’m getting there I think but running through the pros and cons, leaning towards the DIEP as it sees to have less risk and a longer better result, but could mean a 2 stage op as I’d have to go to another hospital to have that done. But got to think of longer term what’s best and not the quick fix wanting it over sooner.

Thank you wishing you all the best

Ask the question about the 2 stage op, the surgeon that did my mastectomy is based in Wolverhampton but she travelled to the hospital in Birmingham where the plastic surgeon is based so I only had one op.

I have visited 4 hospitals for treatment! Shrewsbury for chemo, Telford for most of the rest, Wolverhampton to discuss mastectomy and Birmingham for my actual operation. You do have to keep on top of everything but if there is a cancer navigator at either your hospital or GP they can help.

Good luck with whatever you decide x

That’s a really good point, thank you, it would be great to have just the one op but seems I’ve been lucky to have all treatments in the one place so far!

hope your recovery is going well

Hi tori123 I’ve just read your story and you seem to be exactly the same as me are you under telford and Shrewsbury? I’m currently waiting for my oncotype result back! It’s been a week tomorrow they sent it away. Did things start moving quickly once that is back? X

Hi, yes I'm under SaTH. I haven't updated my profile for a while, I'm through chemo, through surgery and start radiotherapy on the 4th.

After my onco score came through it was 2 weeks to see an oncologist and then I started chemo 10 days later, but that was due to a cancellation, I think it was supposed to be 2-3 weeks. I felt much better mentally once I had that date so fingers crossed it speeds up for you. Feel free to message me x