Flat or DIEP Flap - doing my head in

Miriam17au

I've looked online, and spoken with friends and others who've been through it, but my indecision is doing my head in. The time between available surgeon consultations is really dragging this out and giving me more time to work it out. 

History
Bilateral BC, double mastectomy with immediate silicon implant reconstruction last October.

In January, midway through chemo, an unknown infection sent me to hospital, and was only resolved once one of the implants was removed (during that stay, I was double-dosed on a strong antibiotic and my kidneys shut down temporarily). 

Now

So now I have one implant, one deflated. 

I thought I definitely wanted DIEP Flap, but now I'm second guessing myself about possibly going Flat pack. 

I have thought about it a lot, and am currently continuing to lose sleep over it. 

I know this is my decision, but I would appreciate your thoughts, opinions and comments. I plan on trying your words on for size and seeing what resonates for me.

How did you decide? 

Thank you in advance

I want both the same - either filled or flat. (I know it won't be perfectly symmetrical) I'm tired of uneven.

I like the shape of boobs.

I'm 59, I know they've fulfilled any physical purpose they may have been needed for.

I had a full hysterectomy 11 years ago, and boobs are part of what helps me still feel like a woman.

The12 months since diagnosis have been a rollercoaster of tests, research, learning, surgeries and hospital stays.

I'm ready for these boob chapters to be all over.

I know my friends and family love me regardless of my shape. 

Other considerations

DIEP flap

- costs a lot

- it's a long surgery

- could be hard on my kidneys

- long recovery

The future could still include 

- revision surgery

- more scans

- random nerve pains

Associated tummy tuck would be good! 

There are more fun things to do with 30 grand.

When it comes down to it,

Costs and risks. 

What if I regret my decision? 

DIEP Flap - having things go wrong, either with the surgery, the result, or down the track

Flat - feeling less me

From your personal experience, is there more I haven't considered?

Thank you 🙏

P. S. I know this post is all over the place, but so is my head 😏

Miriam17au

Ok, so writing it down helped
If I'm thinking rationally, I'm heading to flat 
If I'm thinking emotionally, to DIEP flap
Still no decision yet 🤣

Julez1958

Hi @Miriam17au
I had double mastectomy , radiation therapy and after waiting at least 6 months ( was 8 months) had the DIEP flap reconstruction and couldn’t be happier with the result.
I encourage you to join the two private groups on here “Choosing breast  reconstruction” and  “Flatchat”.
Both groups have stories and photos.
I spoke to a friend of a friend who also had the DIEP flap and she sent me photos and it was very helpful.
I had mine in the private system ( St Vincent’s private here in Sydney) and although in a private health fund my out of pocket expenses were steep.
I had a great plastic surgeon who has lots of experience in this type of surgery - that is important - and also not everyone is suitable for the surgery.
Best  of luck with what you decide.

Anne1981

Thanks Juelz. I’m in decision mode about this surgery too. Feeling positive after meeting 2 surgeons to discuss how it all works. Great to hear you’ve had such a positive outcome. Waiting for my request to be approved for the groups you’ve mentioned 🤞

Miriam17au

Thank you
I think I've joined both

Very happy with the surgeon I've met with. But yes, very steep - close to triple the $ of the original surgery. 

It's helping me to think of it as 'repair' instead of 'cosmetic'

Free also joined the FB group DIEP FLAP Australia