Free Range ChickHi - I would love to hear from any of you wonderful women who have had/having DIEP flap reconstruction. I have finally arrived at a point where I can look at myself naked and not wince at my ribs showing through my scarred, thin skin but I still feel very self conscious about my prosthetic breast which never sits quite right and falls away when I lean forward (even the stick on one never really cut it). It may be pure vanity that has led me to this point but I am only 50 years young and I'm hoping to be around for at least another 40, so boob reconstruction here I come!I'm particularly interested in ladies from North Sydney area as I am finding it very confusing picking a surgeon. I have had a consultation with Dr Robert Gates and I am going to see Dr Fred Clarke next month. I am hoping to have my surgery in a public hospital - probably Royal North Shore or St Vincent's.Any feedback on preferred surgeons would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Hi Free Range Chick, I'm 45 and am nearly 6 weeks post R Breast mastectomy and DIEP FLAP reconstruction, similar to melclarity I was terrified of the idea of this surgery, I also sought counselling which did help. The first few days post surgery I was full of regret, mostly due to pain, exhaustion and nausea - pain meds made me sick :( BUT then on day 3 I turned a corner and each day slowly improved. My foob as I like to call it is truly amazing, even though it has no nipple it is a remarkably good match to the other. I'm very happy my surgeon talked me into having this surgery. The recovery is slow and I encourage you to seek your own care post surgery. I've found acupuncture and osteopathy very helpful. Also don't be afraid to call your plastic surgeons office to ask questions. You're not really given a lot of guidance in terms of the recovery of the stomach area, and I found it difficult to know what was normal or something to worry about...Also I purchased a triangular wedge pillow from one of those old people shops, it cost $200 but was well worth it as it has allowed me to sleep at home. Additionally I hired a high backed chair with arms rests for $15 / week, this was also very helpful as we did not have any appropriate supportive seats at home. Sorry I'm also in Melbourne so can't help. Good luck!

Hi everyone @"Free Range Chick" posted this on the activity page so I have put it here for others to help her .... Free range chick have you joined the reconstruction group ? here is the link to join http//onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction Also there is another site called reclaim your curves... @Alpal @mum2jj @melclarity

Hey @"Free Range Chick" Welcome!!! :) ive recently had a Mastectomy/Diep Flap Reconstruction left breast only and am in Melbourne however. My story is posted in Reconstruction, but am happy to answer absolutely any little thing you can think of. I am currently 4.5 weeks post and delighted already at the outcome, considering I was distraught and petrified prior to surgery as I did it due to a recurrence in 2015. So ask away!! Hugs Melinda xo

Hi FreeRangeChick, Im just 12 months following a DIEP flap reconstruction. I have an appointment next Tuesday to discuss the next step, my tweaking operation, where they'll tidy up areas so they look more normal, and give me a new nipple.I have found it a challenge and lots of hard work in the recovery process, however one of the best decisions that I have ever made in the moving on process.I was in hospital for 7 days, the operation took 8 hours and I awoke with a drip, a catheter and 3 drain tubes ( 1 for the new breast and 1 each side of the lower tummy wound ) Nursing staff checked me half hourly for circulation in my new breast and other checks while they were there for the first 2 days. Breast drain came out day 3 and I was allowed out of bed that day. Tummy drains and dressings down on day 5, and I went home day 7. I was encouraged to walk, and that helped heaps.Once I was home, I was told to not lift or drive for 6 weeks, and had to wear a tummy girdle for about 6 weeks, this helps to reduce any seroma under the tummy wound.Just keep working on remaining fit by walking and be gentle on yourself. It's a huge thing to do, but in my opinion, worth the effort.I wish you all the very best, and send you a huge cuddle, Trace xxxx

Hey @"Free Range Chick" If You wanted to post in the choosing breast reconstruction group just look for groups at the top right of this page then click on it. Then click on choosing breast reconstruction. When you get into the site there is an announcement at the top of the page with lots of photo stories. Just click on it and look for DIEP and TRAM surgeries and open any of those. In regards to finding a surgeon check this link from Reclaim your Curves. I have heard excellent things about Dr Fred Clarke. However have no personal experience with either of those surgeons as I am in Queensland. I have had a bilateral TRAM flap which is similar to DIEP but they also took some of my tummy muscle. Not all surgeons are trained to do DIEP so it's a great question to ask, also not everyone is a suitable candidate. Good luckPaula xxx

DIEP flap reconstruction - free range chick asking

22 Replies

mum2jj
Member
8 years ago
Thanks @gurneys our new members are always keen to look at photos from "real" people. Paula :)
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
@gurneys thats wonderful news!!! I'm still waiting on my revision date but cannot wait!!! xx Melinda
gurneys
Member
8 years ago
Oh yes, in the recon group! :) :)
nikkid
Member
8 years ago
Hey @gurneys that's exciting :). I have my final tweaking surgery at the end of September!

Remember to post the pics in the Breast Reconstruction group - it's closed so your privacy is protected.
gurneys
Member
8 years ago
Hi, I am nearly 12 months post double mastectomy and DIEP/TRAM flap recon. I am just about to start the next stage in a couple of weeks - getting some new nipples and some fat transferred to finish off the shape. More than happy to answer any questions you have. I will be posting some updated photos soon - before nipples and after nipples. :)
Alpal
Member
8 years ago
Hi @Free Range Chick and @Barbara M. As well as the Breast Reconstruction closed group on this site, there is also an organisation called Reclaim Your Curves - loads of info regarding breast recon. They have a website and closed Facebook group, as well as Support lunches all around Australia.
The next Sydney lunch is coming up soon on Sunday, 25th June at The Dragonfly Cafe - Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park. The lunches are a great place to find support, ask your questions, and chat to other women who have had the same procedure you're considering.
You do need to RSVP - either via the RYC website or Facebook, or on here in Community Events.
All the best with your decision making :)
mum2jj
Member
8 years ago
Hi @"Barbara M" I have just had a quick look and you are all signed up now. So when you follow Mel's link or go to choosing breast reconstruction page via the groups link at the top of the page just look for the announcement on that page and you can then click on that and search the photo stories. Paula x
Unicornkisses
Member
8 years ago
I would love to know how you go, @Barbara M
I have an appointment with your surgeon to go on his waiting list.
I am not sure if mine will be a single or a double DIEP flap yet. Still have to go through the mastectomy.
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Hey Barbara,

No problem, the girls will get back to you if you put in a request to join, once that's done you can access the group and at the top there is photo stories. The stories share everything yes, from beginning to end and progress thereafter. I'm happy to answer any questions you have as are the other ladies, once you're in let us know :) Hugs Melinda x
BarbaraM
Member
8 years ago
Hi Mel
Thanks so much for responding and sending the link. Have had problems getting access to photos, although I have tried to request access. It could be a technical issue, so I will try again tomorrow. Do people discuss their surgeon and what that experience was like?
Best wishes,
Barbara