Belly button after DIEP
Hi Network, I’m 8 weeks post-mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction following a DCIS diagnosis. Overall, recovery is going well—except for my belly button. I developed an infection 10 days post-op, which landed me back in the hospital, and since then, it just hasn’t felt right. It pulls and hurts when I move, especially on one side. I’ve raised my concerns with my surgeon, breast nurse, and physio—they all say it’s normal. But you know that feeling when something just doesn’t seem right? I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced this—does the belly button just take longer to settle during recovery or should I get another opinion? Thanks in advance x
What’s happening in choosing breast reconstruction….
What’s happening in Choosing breast reconstruction. Hi all, Just a quick reminder for those who belong to the choosing breast reconstruction group but haven’t popped over recently to have a look. We have a member who is still in pain 6 months after a mastectomy with a direct to implant reconstruction. Here is the link if you can help. We also have a new member deciding on reconstruction after a second diagnosis. Sadly last month I shared the news of the passing of the founder of our choosing breast reconstruction group the beautiful @louiseturner. There is a post there for those wishing to post kind words. She was an amazing lady who helped many of us over the years since our group was founded. She has left a legacy that helped so many of us. If you are seeking help and advice in regards to reconstruction, please send a request to join and we will get you signed up as fast as we can. There are many posts and photos from those who have been where you are now. Remember ladies we are a private group so please pop over often to see if you can help those seeking support. Thanks all Paula x
Flat or Implants ?
Hello! I was diagnosed in August ‘22 have just finished 6 chemo rounds with 12 more Herceptin treatments to go. My surgery is Feb 23 for a double mastectomy. I am considering immediate recon with implants and am seeking any advice you may be able to share with me based on your own experiences with implants. Thank you 🙏 Chris
Delayed DIEP Flap - Questions regarding anesthesiologists and fees.
Hi everyone, I have not been here online for a long time. Hope you are well. I have been waiting for my breast reconstruction on the public queue since before COVID hit and have been told that all delayed breast recon has been on hold and right now there is a lot of backlog to clear. Recon is only happening to those who are going through immediate surgeries for cancer diagnosis. I am weighing my options looking at doing the recon (DIEP-Flap) privately. My mastectomy was in 2016 and I just found it hard to keep waiting and who knows maybe it will be another 2 years. I have just obtained a quote from a consultant in Melbourne. However, the reception of my consultant was not able to give me some names of anesthesiologists that I can try to obtain a quote. She says the quote can only be given when an anesthesiologist is confirmed. I really want to get a quote as I really do not have money lying around LOL. I understand that anesthesiologist fees are a lot and I have to save up for this big surgery! Is there anyone who had used anesthesiologist here in Melbourne and can recommend to me? Are you able to advise me the fees and rebates from Medicare? Any help is greatly appreciated. xx
TRAM Flap Reconstruction
Hi. I will be having a bi lateral mastectomy in October, with Tran Flap reconstruction at the same time. I understand it is a ten hour operation. I would be interested to hear of your experience, ie how you felt post surgery, recovery and time frame to mobility. Thanks in advance.
Options for reconstruction for someone without much padding to spare
Hello everyone, I have just finished my AC treatment, and am moving onto Taxol. Following that, I will have my mastectomy, then radiation. Following all that, I will have a reconstruction. I am quite lean, almost flat chested, and have trouble gaining much weight. Implants are not the right choice for me, so I have discussed a couple of other options with my reconstructive surgeon. Has anyone else here with not much padding to spare had good results with fat 'redistribution'? I don't have enough extra to do any of the flap reconstructions, so fat 'redistribution' from my legs seems to be the best option, with the possibility of also using the lattisimus dorsi muscle too. :smile:Diep pain.
Hello, I am 2 weeks out from my Diep recon and I was wanting to get an idea of how other people recovered. I have extreme tightness and it does not seem to be improving. I just cannot walk straight even when I really try and it is causing such terrible back pain from being hunched. I was hoping to hear from someone who could perhaps shed some light on when I may start to see/feel an improvement and when their tummy’s started to soften up and allowed them to begin to stand a little straighter xx Thank you so much xx
Breast Reconstruction via Public Health System
I have had a bilateral mastectomy back in April and since completed radiation therapy. I wanted to go on the waitlist for a breast reconstruction through the public health system. My GP referral was rejected by the public hospital on the basis that my BMI was too high. Apparently my BMI is 44 but the requirement is a BMI of under 33. Does anyone know any way around this so my reconstruction can be done at the public hospital?
OUT OF POCKET COST FOR DIEP.
I had reconstruction with implants in 2012. I have just found out my left implant has ruptured. I am in a private health fund and was looking at DIEP instead of implants again, but was told the cost is $20,000. I don;t know what I will get back from my health fund and Medicare. Anyone had it done private and can give me an idea on outer pocket expense. Can not wait to go on Public waiting list. Debbie
