I arrived home last night very happy with the result of my left flap DIEP reconstruction. I have a warm, soft breast which is well shaped and the skin quality is so much nicer than what was left behind from radiotherapy. The tummy tuck is amazing. Mr Edmund Ek, Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, has given me an outstanding result with Ms Natalie Ngan as assisting surgeon. Dr Vincent Tan was my anaesthetist. If it's possible to have a crush on a medical team, I do. The Epworth staff who managed my recovery were brilliant! I'm looking forward to seeing how everything settles down but I truly could not be happier. I was in surgery on Saturday morning and came home the next Saturday night and feeling quite mobile and independent. My 15 year old cooked me breakfast and I've been having fun reading, doing my breast exercises and have had a stroll up the road. It's a great feeling to be through treatment, getting back into fitness and being happy with how my body works, not necessarily perfect, but pretty amazing. :) Cheers Meg

Hi Meg I can hear your happiness! It's always great to feel that you are moving forward and life is getting better. Congratulations on getting through your surgery and I am so glad that you are very happy with the result. Another big achievement on the road to recovery and a better quality of life. That is worth sharing and celebrating. :) Deanne xxx

Thanks Deanne It's lovely to hear your words of encouragement. We're all on a long road through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

Hi Meg, it's so great to hear you are doing well. It's a long road but worth it. You sound very mobile so soon after your operation, a credit to your wonderful surgeons and team. I hope you continue to recover well, don't overdo it, louiexxx

Thanks Louie! Your descriptions of your own journey has been fascinating and very helpful. Breast reconstruction has many aspects and they are not all apparent at the start. Very glad this first big surgery has been successful. I am taking good care in these first few days at home. Will put up photos in the Breast Reconstruction Group when I've figured it all out. Cheers Meg xxx

Hi Meg, as I read your words I can see a big smile on your face. I am glad you are pleased with your surgery. You sound like you are recovering well. Take care of you. Paula xx

Outstanding result! | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

rivergum
Member
11 years ago
Hi Trudy

Good luck with your reconstruction! I'm now 3 1/2 weeks post surgery and feeling pretty good. A bit of fluid has collected but it will be reabsorbed by my body in time. I am massaging my scars with sorbolene and bio-oil and my belly button is still under wraps.

Wishing you the best

Meg xxx
Trudy_Ann
Member
11 years ago
Hi Meg,

I'm due to have the DIEP reconstruction at St Vincents Public Hospital with Dr Fred Clarke.

It is reassuring to hear of success stories. Thank you and I hope you continue to make a speedy recovery.

I'm also looking forward to getting my body symmetry back after a right mastectomy in June 2013.

Trudy Ann
rivergum
Member
11 years ago
Thanks Paula I am very fortunate indeed :) I really appreciate your warm words. Meg xxx
rivergum
Member
11 years ago
Hi Jane I so agree about it being a turning point in recovery and I feel gently surprised that that is the case. It's a good feeling. Meg xxx
rivergum
Member
11 years ago
Hi Dianne Isn't Natalie gorgeous!Both Edmund Ek and Natalie Ngan popped in every day to check progress and were very pleased with how things went. Very competent surgeons. Very glad you are feeling well and happy with your breast implant. I didn't think I would be so affected by the replacement of my breast because I mostly hide my body under loose shirts and daggy jeans, but it has made me very happy to have that soft warm weight back. :) Cheers Meg
dizumba
Member
11 years ago
Meg,

glad you doing well and good to tell , inspiration to everyone

i notice your Plastic Surgeon Natalie Ngan , i am tell you it was our Dr plastic surgeon Natalie Ngan , she doing on my breast implant replace yestersday !!

gee small world same dr , she is lovely lady

I come home today from hospital , feel fine good job on breast implant .. i am happy with it

Dianne
Jane221
Member
11 years ago
Hi Meg, it sounds as though you have a fabulous team and I am so glad you are happy with the result. It is amazing how much confidence and joy reconstruction can bring. It offers so much more than just the physical replacement of a breast (or two), but can be the turning point in truly moving on. Best wishes for your recovery. Jane xx
mum2jj
Member
11 years ago
Hi Meg,

as I read your words I can see a big smile on your face. I am glad you are pleased with your surgery. You sound like you are recovering well.

Take care of you.

Paula xx
rivergum
Member
11 years ago
Thanks Louie! Your descriptions of your own journey has been fascinating and very helpful. Breast reconstruction has many aspects and they are not all apparent at the start. Very glad this first big surgery has been successful. I am taking good care in these first few days at home. Will put up photos in the Breast Reconstruction Group when I've figured it all out. Cheers Meg xxx
LouiseTurner
Member
11 years ago
Hi Meg, it's so great to hear you are doing well. It's a long road but worth it.

You sound very mobile so soon after your operation, a credit to your wonderful surgeons and team.

I hope you continue to recover well, don't overdo it,

louiexxx