DIEP Surgery
Hello Pink Sisters I had DIEP surgery late last year and will be undergoing phase 2 in a few months. I can’t help but be frustrated by the back fat pockets that have appeared since surgery. My diet is well balanced and I regularly exercise. I’m hoping it’s not because I’m getting old and saggy. My surgeon said he wouldn’t be able to remove it under the cancer medical umbrella. It would be classified as elective surgery because he doesn’t think that it’s a result of DIEP surgery. Has anyone experienced something similar and had it removed in phase 2 of DIEP surgery?
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 😏
Lumpectomy didn't work - now what?
After being diagnosed on my 50th birthday, I'm now staring down the mastectomy path given we didn't get clear margins on the lumpectomy. No chemo or radiation required. Of course I've got the standard myriad of questions, and given the fonts of knowledge here I'm hoping for some words of wisdom on how people came to their decisions on the following (noting there's no right and wrong, but hoping there's some others out there that can share how they figured out what was best for them): Unilateral v Bilateral? I've only got in my right breast, but the thought of going through this twice is beyond me. For those in a similar position that opted for a bilateral, do you wish things were different? Do you miss having your own tissue? Implant v DIEP? I'm terrified of the pain and recovery aspects of the DIEP but on the flip side I'm also scared of having to revisit implants in 10-15rs time. Small-breasted women - you're my peeps! I'm only an A/B cup, so hoping some of you with similar build are able to jump on and let me know your thought processes, too - did you stay small, take advantage of going up a size etc. Thank you for reading, and look forward to your insights xox
Both !! Triple negative and HER2 positive diagnosis in the same breast synchronous
Hi i have just had a left breast full mastectomy and sentinel node/s excision due to initial diagnosis of extensive high grade DCIS. I had DIEP flap reconstruction at the same time. Tests of the removed tissue indicate both Triple negative and HER2 positive cancers (early stage) in the same breast at the same time. My surgeons are on leave. I have only received a partial summary report so far and don’t get full results or next steps for treatment til end of January. Is this unusual to have 2 types of BC at once? In the same breast? Any others have similar experience. The half news and lack of next steps just now with all the specialists away is a psychological and emotional challenge. Advice appreciated thank you 🙏🏼
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.
Reconstruction
Hello Warriors, I’m currently in the process of undergoing consultation for breast reconstruction. I had a mastectomy on my right breast and had immediate reconstruction. However I had a recurrence and had another mastectomy on the same side and removal of implants. Now I want to get reconstruction and I have been considering a DIEP. I’m 31years old and don’t have kids, I’m concerned, when I want to have kids this might be a problem. Has anyone experienced this or have any info please. Also I will be getting my left breast done at the same time, so it will be delayed and immediate reconstruction. In for a big surgery 😣 but I’m BRCA 1, I have been through this 3 times trying to avoid a 4th as much as possible. Also if any of you in WA and have good surgeons and plastic surgeon recommendations please advise. Thank you so much in advance 🤗
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
MAKING A DECISION
Well, after reading a lot of posts on this site, I am starting to lean towards going with the DIEP Reconstruction. I was thinking this is not the way to go for me last week .. but now Im starting to think the cost and additional operations is not in my best interest to move ahead. I guess the bonus is I get a tummy tuck out of it (very much needed and lots to spare fat) and the reconstruction of my abdominal Hysterectomy scar and 2 C-Section scares will turn it into one scar which I would be happy with. I also get a "normal" boob out of it and not a plastic one. I think I need to do some serious consideration before Tuesday and seeing the Plastic Surgeon and also some googling to make sure this is the right thing for me.
Single or double mastectomy?
On the 27th of March this year I was manning a stand at the Every Woman Expo. Our stand was right next to the breast screen truck. I’m 46 years old, no family history and had been told in a health assessment I didn’t need to start having mammos until I was 50. I work with nurses who were there and a couple of us decided to go and check it out. Had it done that day feeling quite proud that I was being proactive about my health etc. Shock horror, a week and half later I got a call to come in to the next available appointment at the breast clinic. Another mammo, ultrasound, core biopsy and a day later I was given the news we all have. Grade 2, invasive breast cancer but it looked small, found early and highly treatable. I still just think, how bloody lucky am I? 2 weeks later, I’ve seen the surgeon and booked in for lumpectomy and snb. That was 3 weeks ago. Went for my follow up with pathology results and the tumour was twice the size, a second they couldn’t see and widespread DCIS also not previously visible. MRI confirmed. Now I’ve been told it’s single mastectomy and losing the nipple. It’s been a whirlwind 2 months! The other breast was clear but did show subtle areas of change? I’m having the DIEP reconstruction, get a free tummy tuck silver linings 😏, but all I can think of is, I never want to go through this again, don’t Want to take any risks and would rather just get the other side taken off at same time. The surgeon said it’s not necessary but that was just the initial conversation.. im going through the public system so is it even a possibility to have it removed at same time by choice? How have others felt after making these decisions?Diep procedure feedback
Hello to the club I never wanted to join! :).. Recently diagnosed with DCIS over a large area so a mastectomy is necessary (skin and nipple saving). I am contemplating a DIEP procedure and would love to hear of anyone particularly on the sunshine coast qld who has undergone this surgery in the past few years (as the Surgeon may be the one I have been referred to) . If I have this they will not remove the muscle of the abdomen but just skin and fat. I am a horse rider and concerned about the time for recovery. My plastic surgeon advised I can ride again 6 weeks out from surgery and I am keen to hear from people who have had this procedure what their journey was like and how quickly they returned to `normal' active lifestyle choices.
