Forum Discussion

Laramp's avatar
Laramp
Member
11 months ago

Stacked flap reconstruction

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone had a stacked flap reconstruction (DIEP plus another donor site). Unfortunately not enough tissue for a DIEP so I’m likely to need tissue from both my thighs, so wondering if anyone have gone through surgery that required more donor sites? I feel ok with the idea of a longer recovery, but wondering more about increased risks from a bigger surgery. Thank you :)

breast-reconstruction
diep
Reconstruction

3 Replies

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    11 months ago

    Hi Laramp​ 

    I am SO Sorry to see you join the club that no-one every thought they'd be joining 🙁

    I only had lumpectomy, so whilst waiting for others to reply to your post, I'd suggest you join the Reconstruction group here as i think you'll get a more dedicated answer:
    Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network

    I'm glad you've found us tho - as you've found the right spot here for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own story.   Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your early appointments, as a 'backup set of ears', as it is difficult remembering everything that is said.  Also, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, for the same reason. 😉

    Mine was ILC - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished with the tabs now!

    Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!! This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below). 
    She is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, also had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically!  Her own reaction to her diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect!  She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html. 

    There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.

    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737

    Take care & all the best for your surgery & ongoing treatment xx

    • Laramp's avatar
      Laramp
      Member
      11 months ago

      Thank you arpie​ 

      I feel psychology ok, it's my second time having an early breast cancer, which makes some things easier, but perhaps others a bit trickier... I feel ok about having a mastectomy, I think it's figuring out the details of which ways to go and the wait that can get us sometimes.

      Thank you so much for sharing the podcast, I think I now have listened to three episodes. It's excellent! 

      Hope all goes well your way too, :)