2nd Stage Reconstruction with fat transfer

Hi Kay,

Thanks for the detailed report, I really do appreciate it. All of this should make my decision easier, but I'm such a procrastinator, and hate to make a decision, incase it is the wrong decision. I know I drive everyone around the bend, including myself. Can I assume that this is your second breast cancer, as you mentioned a previous lumpectomy? I'm also glad to hear you could have a bilateral DIEP when obviuosly a small person with a flat tummy. I have lots of tummy fat, so was a bit surprised that he said I would end up smaller than my current size B. I've had 4 pregnancies and have always had a tummy', but still a size 12.. Were you scared at the thought of such a long surgery? My fears stem from the fact that as a nurse you know what can go wrong. I have never had an issue with a general anaesthetic, but I've never been under longer than an hour or two. I'm also abit concerned about the need for a CT angiogram to mark out where the best blood vessels are. I had an allergic reaction to a constrast I had 30 years ago. I know they have changed the properties of these injections now, but for me it is still a risk. I'm in Sydney, and I have been to see a surgeon here, Dr Pennington from RPA who specialises in the DIEP. He is so nice and really has a wonderful bedside manner. If I decide to go with the DIEP I would be happy to put my trust in him. I have also seen first hand some of his finished products and they look good, very good. I didn't have to wait very long to get to see him either, only a few weeks. On the other hand, I've seen some excellent implants done by another surgeon who works at the SAN, and they were most impressive as well. He doesn't do the DIEP, only a TRAM, and I don't want to lose my tummy muscles.

So glad your DIEP and nipple reconstruction has gone well.

Chris