Forum Discussion

joey66's avatar
joey66
Member
2 years ago

Reconstruction info

I’m new here!
I was diagnosed in late November and went ahead with a double mastectomy just before Christmas. An overwhelming experience! There was no option at the time for immediate reconstruction for a few different reasons. I’m 51 years old.
i have now been referred to the plastics team at Fiona Stanley and am trying to gather as much info about the DIEP flap and Lat dorsi procedures. (And implant only??) Also considering ‘going flat’ as an option! I’m all over the place and may just need some time!
I’m interested to hear people’s experience with any of these options. 
🙏

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 years ago
    So sorry to see you join our exclusive little group, @joey66 ..... I hope you've recovered OK from your surgery.

    We have 2 private groups that I'd suggest you join - where you can discuss both options (staying flat or getting reconstruction) in TOTAL privacy!   There are also photos that you should be able to look at, possibly as 'before & after' pics.

    Take care & all the best 

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    2 years ago
    Hello @joey66 - I have sent you a personal message.  To find it look to where your profile picture is -  there is an envelope to the left of that and by now it should say you have a message.
  • joey66's avatar
    joey66
    Member
    2 years ago
    Thank you so much. I’ve just gone in and requested to join the groups.
    Much appreciated ❤️
  • Abbydog's avatar
    Abbydog
    Member
    2 years ago
    I hope that you have recovered from surgery well. 
    It can be confusing deciding what to do.
    If you fill in your profile, it can be easier to give you appropriate advice.
    Did both breasts have cancer? And have you finished treatment with Surgery?
    Are you yet to have Chemo or Radiotherapy?
    Often surgery is delayed until after Radiotherapy, due to the damage it can do to the tissues at the skin and beneath.
    I considered going flat, as I hated my prosthesis. I only had cancer in one breast.
    But I decided that I was too chubby to have no breasts.
    I was unsuitable for DIEP, I would have liked a double Breast DIEP. For new breasts and a tummy tuck.
    On CT scan of my abdominal blood vessels, it was determined that I was unsuitable.
    I decided on  a prophylactic Mastectomy to the other side and Latisimus Dorsi to my Cancer side.
    I had this done together in an 8 hr surgery.
    I had tissue expanders both sides, and after expansion changed to Implants.
    I am very happy with the result. I will have some Fat grafting touch up and nipple tattoos, in the near future.
  • AmySloc's avatar
    AmySloc
    Member
    12 months ago
    @June1952 @arpie I’m also keen to join those groups - are you able to send me an invite please? Thank you. 
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    12 months ago
    Hi @AmySloc

    So sorry to see you join our select little club here - the one club none of us ever thought we'd have to join!  :(   Hopefully we'll be able to help you with any queries that arise xx

    If you click on this link (Newly Diagnosed: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/categories/newly-diagnosed), you can tell us your story 'so far' ... and then you can continue posting on it & it sort of becomes a bit of a 'diary' for your 'active treatment' ... 

    Here are the links for the Flat Chat and Reconstruction groups - just click on each link & request to join:

    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/29-flat-chat-no-breast-reconstruction

    Also, jump onto this link, which has lots of info on the forum .... 
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

    Take care and all the best xx