travelling to the local shop with chemo was bad enough for me! If u can get somebody to go with u for the first couple of appointments, and then there’ll be the gap between the end of your chemo and when the surgery will be. I felt almost back to normal a couple of weeks after my last chemo.
whatever choice you make, very best of luck Linda.
Hi,
Thank you for sharing all your experiences on this forum- it’s incredibly informative
I had a left mastectomy last year. I am in the process of deciding on reconstruction and not sure whether to go for a DIEP or keep things simple with an implant.
One thing I am worried about with a DIEP is the tummy scar and whether anyone experiences numbness (as I do with my mastectomy scar) afterwards. Is it uncomfortable to have your trouser/skirt band rubbing on it?
I’m feeling really well and able to do everything since my mastectomy and am a little anxious about undergoing such a big operation.
Thoughts and experiences greatly received!!
Hi I’m hopefully having a left mastectomy (had right mastectomy in 2015) and double DIEP reconstruction on 18th of this month, two weeks time! Getting scary now! Did you get any advice re bras and pants!?? x
Hi ladies. I called by for some Diep advice, a lot of what has been said is very helpful, especially with regards to comfort at home during recovery and the big knickers and front fastening bras.
I’m coming up to 5 years since my diagnosis and originally had a mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction. My tumour was 4.5cm with extensive dcis and it was attached to the skin all around my nipple so a lot of skin had to be removed, couple that with radiotherapy and I’m now left with a very tight failing mound on my chest. The pressure has forced the implant out underneath and it’s being held in only by scar tissue. My options were to redo the same thing which would undoubtedly fail again, remove it completely or have the diep flap recon. I’m only 33 so I’ve opted for the diep with a promise that if it works without complications then I shouldn’t require more surgery again (except a fat top up maybe).
I have my first appointment with Mr Kosutic and the Christie on 17th Sept.
Has anyone else been tested by him?
I have 3 young girls so I worry more about how my ok recovery will affect them, my husband is also still suffering after my initial diagnosis and has anxiety, it affects his driving and the odds are he won’t be able to comfortably travel to the christies.
I’m worried
Thanks for the reply Jacqui,
Its great to see that everyone seems very happy with their surgeries. My biggest fear is not being able to do my motherly duties, especially with my youngest (5yr old) as she’s very very petite and need physical help with lots of things plus lots of lifting up to reach. Luckily my elder 11 yr old daughter is very helpful and my mum has offered for the younger 2 girls to stay with them that week that I’ll be in hospital.
I’m very excited to have the finished product but obviously very wary and nervous of the actual surgery and recovery. I remember the pain from the mastectomy and although I coped well from other people’s point of view, to me it was a real struggle. I guess the biggest problem then was a loss of independence. I’m the one people rely on o it feels wrong for me to rely on them instead.
Kate
Hi Kander, I’m almost 2 weeks post DIEP. I’m so pleased with the results. It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Little things like having to sleep on your back & wearing support underwear all the time are frustrating. You will feel like you’ve been hit by a bus, but day by day you’ll feel better & stronger. I’ve been out for a walk the last few days & went to the supermarket today (although very slowly & absolutely paranoid someone would bump into my tummy!). Good luck with your appointment xx
Thanks for the reply Unicorngirlmummy.
I do worry about my big dosy chocolate lab jumping up. He’s 1 yr old and thinks he’s tigger from Winnie the pooh lol.
I really appreciate you commenting. It’s good to now that even so soon after surgery you are happy with the result. These implants are a pain
It’s little things like the dog which make it harder, the every day stuff! When I came home from hospital my dog was over joyed to see me. I had to turn my back on him as he was jumping up with a toy. My parents had come to visit & everyone told the dog ‘no’. Bless him, he went off to sulk ? My youngest is 10 & I’ve been asking her to do little things like put the cereal box in the recycling bin, make her own breakfast etc. Things she should have been doing herself anyway but that I do to make life easier! She’s enjoying helping & having a bit more responsibility. I was told I’d be in for 3-5 days but I came home on day 2. It wasn’t as awful as I had anticipated. Xx
Unicorn
My youngest is 5 and quite dependant on me due to some disabilities, the next is 6 and the oldest 11. I’m very lucky that I have a fab support network and my oldest daughter is a massive help with her sisters too.
I think with regards to the dog, the best course of action when I first get home would be for me to maybe spend a little time upstairs and out of the way of his bouncing. Just for the first day at least.
Kate (Kander) x