Mastectomy and Diep flap

Hi, I'm one of the champions here in the group and whilst I don’t have the experience you are looking for, I just wanted to acknowledge your post.  I hope someone who's been through this will be along soon with some advice, best wishes 

Hiya, I am 4 years on from my diep now and I can honestly say I have no regrets. You can see my story if you click my name. The diep is tough at first, the first week was a challenge, week two a little less so, then it was a gradual improvement after that. I returned to work, as a learning support assistant in a primary school 12-13 weeks afterwards and I was ok, they put me on a phased return but within 2 weeks I was back on full time school hours. I didn’t have many problems in recovery, a bit of fat necrosis but it was small and on the side, my outcome has still been good. It by and large feels like my other breast, a bit firmer, a couple of small dips in it (not visible, I’m currently having a feel to tell you!!) I have put on a small amount of weight with the menopause and the breast has done too so that’s good, it’s one of the reasons I opted for it as it looses and gains weight with you in ways an implant can’t. I had a nipple reconstruction in 2023 as they can’t do it at the same time and in 2025 I had my scars covered with a tattoo which I love (done by the incredibly talented Rosie Todman in Cheltenham who has lots of experience with BC patients) I’m happy to answer any specific questions you might have. I remember how terrified I was of the operation, but as I say after the recovery I’ve not regretted it, all the best x

Hi Anna

thats very helpful