Reconstruction diep and radiotherapy

As I was having bilateral mastectomy I wanted immediate reconstruction and was keen on a diep flap. My breast surgeon suggested tissue expanders etc as he was concerned about the delay in surgery and the  delay recovering before chemo. I was a grade 3 es+ her2+ idc stage 1. They were fairly certain no nodes but until sentinal biopsy no guarantees so radiotherapy under arm area wasn't known if needed until after. My surgeon opted on tissue expanders 3/4 filled so I awoke with breasts. Recovery was 6 weeks for me. I didn't  need radio.

I then went to chemo and I wasn't able to work for any of it. I was able to claim against my life insurance to get through. I'm back now and had my changeover surgery and was back at work within 2 weeks. Hardly any pain from that at all. 

I think it's important to consider what you can do if unable to work or need extra time. We are all different, people recover differently from surgery  and chemo doesn't cause as many problems for some as it did for me. 

I hope all goes well for you. 

Also we have a group "choosing breast reconstruction" you might want to join it as there are many photo oics of the diffetent procedures done on the lovely ladies here. Kath x