Flat or DIEP Flap - doing my head in
I've looked online, and spoken with friends and others who've been through it, but my indecision is doing my head in. The time between available surgeon consultations is really dragging this out and giving me more time to work it out. History Bilateral BC, double mastectomy with immediate silicon implant reconstruction last October. In January, midway through chemo, an unknown infection sent me to hospital, and was only resolved once one of the implants was removed (during that stay, I was double-dosed on a strong antibiotic and my kidneys shut down temporarily). Now So now I have one implant, one deflated. I thought I definitely wanted DIEP Flap, but now I'm second guessing myself about possibly going Flat pack. I have thought about it a lot, and am currently continuing to lose sleep over it. I know this is my decision, but I would appreciate your thoughts, opinions and comments. I plan on trying your words on for size and seeing what resonates for me. How did you decide? Thank you in advance I want both the same - either filled or flat. (I know it won't be perfectly symmetrical) I'm tired of uneven. I like the shape of boobs. I'm 59, I know they've fulfilled any physical purpose they may have been needed for. I had a full hysterectomy 11 years ago, and boobs are part of what helps me still feel like a woman. The12 months since diagnosis have been a rollercoaster of tests, research, learning, surgeries and hospital stays. I'm ready for these boob chapters to be all over. I know my friends and family love me regardless of my shape. Other considerations DIEP flap - costs a lot - it's a long surgery - could be hard on my kidneys - long recovery The future could still include - revision surgery - more scans - random nerve pains Associated tummy tuck would be good! There are more fun things to do with 30 grand. When it comes down to it, Costs and risks. What if I regret my decision? DIEP Flap - having things go wrong, either with the surgery, the result, or down the track Flat - feeling less me From your personal experience, is there more I haven't considered? Thank you 🙏 P. S. I know this post is all over the place, but so is my head 😏
DIEP fails in surgery
Hi everyone, just wondering if any one went in for a Double DIEP surgery and because there were complications had to have a double TRAM instead? My surgeon is saying if I start with a DIEP I have to be accepting of the possibilty of TRAM flaps. Plus, he tells me, only 20% of DIEPS are successful??? Help, so confused Jodie
DIEP reconstruction
Hi. I am just wanting to hear how other people's recoveries have been after DIEP reconstructive surgery. I had surgery in July last year. I ended up in ICU for 10 days the week after with an infection in a lymph node in my groin. I became septic and nearly died. I have experienced nothing but discomfort since. My stomach feels like I have a knife or razor blade inside, trying to cut me from the inside out. I still have pain in my chest plate and I'm in pain in numerous places when I press on numerous areas on my reconstructed breast. I am due to have the last lot of surgery to remove the petal and make adjustments etc but I am very nervous and anxious about going through any more surgery.
Is reconstruction right for me -
I am very new to all of this and the site. I had a diagnosis in May. Surgery within 3 weeks and then straight into chemo in June. I was told by my surgeon because my margin surgery was still not 100% that following chemo, there would be a mastectomy of my right breast. And that included a reconstruction and reduction of left breast. Well, it's moved so fast that now I've finished chemo 3 weeks ago and met the surgeon and plastic surgeon but 2 weeks out I don't know that I can face a reconstruction. I'm older, not super fit, exhausted by chemo and just not sure I can cope with reconstruction surgery. I haven't concentrated on this during chemo as I couldn't do the thinking - I know I should have. I just accepted it because that's what I was told was happening. I'm really not certain I could cope with a reconstruction. I'm struggling but thinking at this stage I'll opt for a mastectomy but really concerned of having a large remaining heavy breast on my left side. Actually, I really don't know what to do.
To remove or not to remove..... that is the question
Hi all, I am 2 years post diagnosis. Left Mastectomy, Chemo, Radiation, Oophorectomy and taking Exemestane. I looking for advice from anyone who decided after treatment was finished instead of a reconstruction have the other breast removed for "evenness". I believe that the reconstructive surgery would be a pretty long operation as I don't have enough skin to simply slip a implant in. I just think it would be simpler to remove the other breast but any advice on either the pros or cons of this option would be greatly appreciated.
Covid19 and breast cancer
It's been two years since I had a baseline bone density scan (DEXA) and I had a date booked for my next one. They sent me a text message a couple of weeks ago to say it's has been indefinitely postponed due to Covid19. After finally working up the strength to sort out my revision and nipple surgery I was booked in for 24th April. I haven't heard boo from the hospital (private) or the surgeon but it won't be going ahead. They're saying the coronavirus peak here will be late April to May. I'm not concerned about either of these things, they can easily wait. But if it's happening to me it must be happening to others, and it got me to thinking about what it would be liked being diagnosed and starting treatment at this time. My heart goes out to all who are in this position. Today I was scrolling through Instagram and saw this post from a BS here in Melbourne: This situation we're all in is so dynamic and fast moving. I know my anxiety has risen. I hope everyone is doing OK. Big hug to you all. K xoxMastectomy and reconstruction - Replacing ruptured implants
I had a breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 which led to bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction with micro-textured silicone implants. One of the implants ruptured about 18 months ago. Since then I have noted that the shape and feel of the implant has changed. There are lumps and small hardened bumps which would be consistent with areas of leaked silicone. Given the news about lymphoma and textured implants, I’m wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with reconstruction and implants, and would appreciate any input as I attempt to come to a decision about whether to replace them.
Acceptance
3 rounds of surgery over. Very early detection started with conservation surgery in both. Next wider margins. Still not clear in left. I made the decision for bilateral mastectomy and confidently say this was the right decision for me. Supported by my husband and surgeon. No further treatment. Next year for review etc. I made the decision for no reconstruction of any type. No prosthesis. I wish those well meaning folk around would accept this. The bra given sits in a drawer. Yesterday, a friend said "It will make me feel better if I wear it". Thank you for the loving support from my husband and family, I am who I am, comfortable in my own skin and accepting this is how I am now. I do understand those who want reconstruction. My mother was a widow but said it did effect her and how she felt. We are all different. PLEASE do not make my choice and those who feel the same as less a person because we choose to be who we are now in life. I went to a school reunion on the weekend, drains in my shoulder bag and had a fabulous time. One school friend has made the same decision years ago. Still confident also that it was right for her.Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction
In April 19 I had a mastectomy and lat dorsi reconstruction. I am still experiencing swelling/fluid that comes and goes in my back and boob, tightness in my back and general discomfort. I also had a seroma under my arm so a drain tube was put in for 4 weeks, and was removed 3 weeks ago. I guess I’m feeling it’s one step forward two steps back and was just hoping to hear from anyone who has had the lat dorsi reconstruction a while ago to give me some kind of perspective on long term recovery. I guess I’m fine if this is how it will always be, but I would just like to know. Also if anyone has advice on returning to exercise and building strength in the upper body. All I’m really doing at the moment is walking. I had started doing a little gentle yoga then the seroma appeared so I’m a little paranoid about exercising. Any advice would be greatly appreciatedInsensitive GP comments....
Diagonosed in July 2017 then went onto to have a double mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. Am yet to have nipple reconstruction as was sick of surgery and procedures plus am very comfortable with my body the way it is. Maybe one day I will go back for them. But in the meantime breasts look so natural in bathers and this is wonderful and I appreciate how lucky I am.I am ever grateful for each day feeling healthy and well. Anyway, was at GP who I hadn’t seen for a couple of years (during which time I’d had total hysterectomy due to giant ovarian growths then the breast cancer) and I was telling him about how great I feel after all the medical drams I’ve endured and how comfortable with my body, when he suddenly interrupted me and said “Yes but would you feel comfortable finding a new partner, I mean you are single aren’t you?’.....I was completely astounded. Instead of feeling expowered by my positive journey, I suddenly felt defective: forget about the strength and positivity I have maintained through the hard time, it suddenly boiled down to “but would a man find your breasts attractive?...” I get that breasts and sexuality is a valid and big element but I was (momentarily)crushed to have an older man and a doctor!! reduce me to the state of my breasts and if they pass as sexual objects.! Anyway, I stomped down to local swimming pool and proudly swam in my bathers and changed in the change room openly. I really wish some medical proffesionals would think before they make these types of comments: I thought they would better educated in these matters. Thanks
