Hi
I had my left mastectomy almost a year ago and because of covid an immediate DIEP reconstruction wasn’t an option. I could have had immediate LD flap but on discussion with my surgeon that as I row as a sport, it was felt a DIEP would be a better option for me.
I have asked to be considered for this surgery this autumn as I wanted a year post surgery to get fit again and prepared for the reconstruction. However, I’m so up and down about opting for reconstruction. I don’t have any issues post mastectomy and happy with how I look on the whole but find using prothesis quite fiddly and am always aware and wondering if it has moved (I do pin the soft ones to my bra). I’d like to feel more confident with the clothes I wear and in my early 50’s feel its ok to want to have a new breast.
However, I know it’s a big operation and I would need to be completely recovered before getting back to my sport. I’m worried about putting my healthy, fit self back though more surgery which isn’t completely necessary but on the other hand its surgery that is offered to all women post mastectomy so I shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to have this surgery to feel ‘compete’ again.
I forgot I wanted to ask if anyone knows how you can get to speak to others who have been through this surgery? I was told to contact a particular breast cancer charity and they would put me in touch with people about this. However, I’ve forgotten who it is I would contact.
I forgot I wanted to ask if anyone knows how you can get to speak to others who have been through this surgery? I was told to contact a particular breast cancer charity and they would put me in touch with people about this. However, I’ve forgotten who it is I would contact.
Hi
i had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction just over 4 weeks ago. I know everyone’s experience is different but for me, it’s been very positive (in the context of it being an experience that you wouldn’t want to go through, if that makes sense). I was out of bed and walking round on the day following surgery, abdominal drain removed, and discharged on day 3, and I’ve been home since then (sleeping for Britain!). I haven’t had any pain at all - the anaesthetist was obviously brilliant, and I was meticulous about taking paracetamol/ibuprofen regularly for about the first 10 days, then realised I wasn’t in any pain anyway. Although my stomach is very tight, I was able to stand straight within a week (and was only slightly bent over before then). I’m walking every day, and whilst I’m making an effort not to overdo things, feel pretty normal, all things considered. The recovery wasn’t anywhere nearly as difficult as I’d thought it would be - but I feel very lucky, as I know other women’s experiences have been different. I suspect that the fact that the hospital followed the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols probably made a real difference, as did the fact that I’m fairly fit and active normally anyway, but I’ve tried not to overthink things, and just go with how I feel.
I hope this is helpful - wishing you lots of luck, whatever you do.
xxx
My delayed DIEP surgery is planned for 7th July and I am also worried about going for such a big (unnecessary?) surgery. I have a nice stomach so no real need for tummy tuck. My mastectomy scar is awful though - very puckered and ugly. I just hope I am not swapping one problem for another and giving myself a summer of discomfort into the bargain. So hard to find people to advise who have been through it. When is your surgery,?