DIEP reconstruction or going flat

Hi judith0861​ 

I am SO Sorry to see you join the club that no-one every thought they'd be joining 🙁. Great that things are moving along smoothly.   It may take a little time to get back into your exercise routines following surgery ... (other than walking) as your arm movement may be compromised for a little time - plus waiting for the wounds to heal.

Being diagnosed Her2+ ... are you also Progesterone and Oestrogen Positive as well?  If yes, We have a Triple positive private group you might like to join, for chats with others with the same diagnosis.
Group: Triple Positive Breast Cancer (TPBC) | BCNA Online Network

You are right - choosing to stay flat or to have reconstruction is a very personal decision.  Also a very difficult decision, as it does involve extra surgery & recovery time (often some time after the original surgery) - and not everyone is 100% happy with the results.  :(   I've always said I'd stay flat if I'd had a mastectomy - and told the surgeon that, in case he had to 'do more' than he anticipated during my surgery.  Luckily, I didn't need one.

Do you have a Breast Care Nurse that you can chat with?  They'll become your first source of reference for reliable information. And  Stay away from Dr Google!

I'd suggest that you join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group and put your question there - and also see some pics of some of the procedures.
Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network

Likewise, joining the FlatChat private group ... for those who chose to stay flat.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/flat-chat-no-breast-reconstruction

It is so good that you found us, as you've found the right spot for support & honest info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own story.  Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!!  Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your 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 (Invasive Lobular Cancer) - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished with the tabs now!

As you progress thru your appointments/surgeries ... let us know how you are going, by continuing to reply to this post ... it is a good way of 'keeping a diary' of everything you're going thru, in the one spot!!  I look back on my original post too (up til I started the hormone suppression) and am amazed at the wonderful support afforded to me, too xx

This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed - that is absolutely 100% NORMAL!  But you don't have to 'do it' on your own!  .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below).  You can also ring our Helpline on 1800 500 258 for a confidential one-on-one chat xx   

Try not to get ‘ahead of yourself’ with the ‘what ifs’ ….. as they may never happen - and going down that rabbit hole (specially if using Dr Google) will REALLY muck with your brain  :(  A lot of info on Google doesn’t relate to your diagnosis or is out of date - so put any questions you have, to your medical team (or here!) xx   Take it one day at a time, one hour, if needed ..... but keep trying to do 'stuff you love' too .... so you have good 'down time' as well!  I treated myself to a holiday on Norfolk Island after all my active treatment ..... as a 'Well Done YOU' for going thru all that stuff - as a reward!!!

Charlotte Tottman  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 reaction to her own 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. 

Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching! 
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/

There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog & what to take to hospital with you ... 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