Newly Diagnosed with an early stage right breast cancer. Need your support and experience please

Vera1975

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with right breast cancer in January 2025 and am preparing for surgery at Peter Mac. My surgeon has recommended a mastectomy, and I’ve consulted with a plastic surgeon who suggested DIEP flap tissue reconstruction using tissue from my abdomen.

I’m reaching out to ask if anyone has undergone this procedure alongside a mastectomy. How was your experience? Additionally, I’d like to understand how this compares to implant-based reconstruction. Are there higher risks associated with implants compared to the DIEP flap option?

Your insights would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this decision.

arpie

So sorry to see you join us here @Vera1975 .... wishing you well with your ongoing appointments & surgery.

I would suggest that you join the Private Reconstruction Group (link below) where you can discuss DIEP surgery in total privacy - there may well be before/after photos for you to see, as well. 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

You might like to check out this post that covers a lot of general information on the Forum, including what to take to hospital and other important 'stuff' .... 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care

Vera1975

Thank you arple, I am a bit overwhlmed and confused at the moment on what is the best decision to make.  I know this will be a major surgery and I am having a hard time to decide

Blossom1961

@Vera1975 I did not have a recon even though my surgeon was keen. He explained the difference between the diep  and an implant. Apparently the implant can feel cold and not part of you. A diep will hopefully connect and adapt well enough so that it is warm as it has your blood flowing through it and if the nerves take well, you will also have feeling. As I haven’t had either, this is second hand info. As @arpie says, the recon group will be able to assist you better. Sending big hugs. One step at a time.

Kristen

Do check out the Rewritten me Podcast and most of all her series of interviews about breast reconstruction 101  which were recorded live interviews on her instagram page. Each a difierent patient experience , surgeons, types of recon.See the pink circle called Breat srecon 101, then you have to slide through and get it to click to get striaght to the post, sometimes they are a biot tricky to get to click, but they are all moaslty in the grid back in 2022. Plus heaps of other related content. https://www.instagram.com/luanlawriewoods/

You also learn all sorts of things, like a lady had had a single diep. then year s later ,new genetic test and markers meant she wanted to have the other breast removed and found out you can only diep once.

( it is a big operation /series of operations)

Happily half flat myself for 18 years. But i try to keep abreast of content online for my bc support group.Thngs rarely go to plan for most ladies, so its importnat to know your options and  be well informed of all considerations, risks and variables.

May2024

Hi @Vera1975  I'm so sorry you are on this horrible journey.  I had a double mastectomy with immediate implant recon / nipple sparing in Nov 2024.  I wasn't given the option of any other recon but I'm happy to answer any questions about the implant recon. My story is on the recon private group. 

jennyss

Dear @Vera1975,

from jennyss in Western NSW

Vera1975

Thank you all for your feedback and wishes. This gives me hope and I feel like I am not alone on this cancer journey.  I feel like all my friends are normal and I am not anymore after being diagnosed. I dont feel like the same person anymore