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
Negative impact of radiation on Flap (autologous) reconstruction??
Hi all, will have mastectomy in a couple of months time, am considering to have an immediate breast reconstruction (IBC) using my own tissues/ flap (autologous). Unfortunately, I will have a series of radiation after the IBC. I am worried the radiotherapy will kill/destroy/ causing complications on the flaps. I did some research at my end. However the comments were conflicting. Therefore would appreciate your advice. Please..no advice is too silly. Thanks heaps!
Total left mastectomy vs expander/implant?
Hi everyone - I’m newly diagnosed and have found BCN hugely helpful and reassuring. I have bilateral early cancers - invasive ductal (left side) and invasive lobular (right side). ER + PR + HER2 -.I believe ‘low grade, slow growing’. My treatment recommendation is: left side mastectomy, nipple/skin sparing with expander then later implant and right side lumpectomy. Followed by radiation and letrozole. Surgery scheduled for 22/11 at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. The choice I have is left side total mastectomy or the reconstruction? For context, I’m middle aged, slim/small breasted and physically very active. Apart from the obvious surgery and post operative worries, my other concern is around the possibility of spending many months with ongoing breast related issues. Wondering if any of you have had a similar experience….and any thoughts/advice you might have? Thank you 🎀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
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
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.
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
