Hello
After having come through Triple Negative Breast Cancer last year I have been diagnosed with BRCA1 back in April 2012. It now being a year since the Radio I have started to look into my options for preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction though there are some limitations in the options I have. I was wondering whether there is anyone who would be happy to exchange their experience in having a thigh, backside flap or implant. I would really appreciate some support to help me make up my mind. I am an active white water kayaker, love hiking and cycling hence am worried that the ‘wrong’ option is going to impact on my ability to continue these things. They are the things that have been keeping me all motivated and happy throughout the treatment - apart from my partner, family and friends - so naturally, am anxious not to miss out in the future.
Thanks!
Steffi
Bumping this for other ppl to reply to!
Meanwhile here is a thread you might want to read:
Best wishes
Liz
Thank you Liz - just had a look and this was helpful.
S
Hi S Tkayak
As a white water kayaker, I wouldn’t recommend the LD back flap for you - sorry can’t comment on the other options.
Good luck
Dx
Hi S Tkayak,
I am also very fit, play tennis, golf and swim and was a small size 10-12. I had a DIEP flap last week, which although very tight, was enough to give me one boob. I had considered a prophylactic MTX and reconstruction of my good side, but not enough with my tummy to do both sides. I was told by my PS he was against a Latissimus Dorsi flap for me as I am so active, he would also have needed to use an implant. My PS tries not to use implants, I presume this would be possible if you had bilateral thigh flaps. One of the girls I have met via BCC is also very small and she is having the TUG flap ( thigh), with no implant.
I had the op last week, I have only been home 2 days, it is all very tight and painful, but the new boob is amazing, so worth it after having my MTX on 29/11/11. I too had chemo, but did not need rads.
Good luck with your decisions, I hope it goes well.
xxx
Hi Steffi,
After my BRACA 2 diagnosis and triple negative BC last year too with rads in February, I had a 2nd mx and double reconstruction using the back muscles in September. It may not be an option for you though with all your sporting activities so sorry I may not be the right person to help.
Jan
x
Hi Steffi, I hope all us we’ll with you. I am also BRCA1 and following triple neg diagnosis in Nov 2009 I had unilateral TUG mastectomy followed by FEC chemo. I had 2nd diagnosis of TNBC in Dec 2013 and had 2nd TUG end January 2014. I am now 8 weeks post op and wondered how soon you resumed kayaking? I have decided against chemo, clear lymph nodes. I also very active and as well as flat water kayaking I enjoy cycling, jogging and Pilates. Managed to get out on my bike last week and did try a 4 mile kayak but ended up with slight bruising in chest area which would suggest I hadn’t healed sufficiently. As an active person I was patient for a long time in awaiting my appointment with consultant but I was desperate to resume activity,