reconstruction or remain flat?

Hi Chestnut​ 

I had a double mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction in February - my diagnosis was grade 2 DCIS on the left breast. I don't carry the BRCA gene. 

During my decision process I did some research about the options available, including flat closure. I watched a documentary on ABC iView Compass - The Breast Decision, which I highly recommend.

In the end I made the decision to remove both breasts and nipples as the one on the left could not be spared. I was a size 12B before surgery. The reconstruction DIEP flat was done during the same surgery - total of 7.5hrs and I stayed in hospital for 7 days. The drain tubes were removed from my breasts on day 5 and the negative pressure drain on my tummy was removed on the day I was discharged (this depends on your recovery, but thought to give you an indication of timings)

From the moment I woke up and saw my breasts, I knew I made the right decision, no regrets. The recovery is slow, at times painful, I won't lie. I started physio straight away at the hospital then home followed by appointments with an Oncologist physio which I'm still seeing once a month. The tummy area was the most challenging one for me - you can walk straight for about 6-8 weeks but eventually with daily exercises at home it stretches and you see progress everyday. I went back to pilates by week 14.

The numbness takes a while, I still don't have full sensation in my breast and some numbness in my tummy. The scars are still red but I can see it is starting to fade in some areas. I'm married and my husband looks at me the same way as before and despite not having much intimacy lately, he has been very complimentary of the 'new boobs'.

I look myself in the mirror and I feel good most days - on occasion a have a bad day and looking at the scars it reminds me of how much my body has endured and how grateful I'm to be alive.

I also had 4 x rounds of AC chemo, a decision I made with my medical team based on my Prosigna test results. I'm still recovering from it as my last session was 2 weeks ago. 

I hope I haven't shared too much and remember, everyone's experience will be unique and your decision is yours and there is no right or wrong.

Good luck and we will be here for you x