I’m 36 with recent IDC and DCIS diagnosis. The area is large compared to breast size so I’ll be having a mastectomy, and loosing quite a lot of the skin.
So my options are DIEP flap reconstruction, or tissue expander implant.
I worry alot about the recovery period because I have 3 very energetic boys, 2, 4 and 6, and I dont want to be off my feet for too long!
I think I’d rather go for a DIEP, just to have it over and done with, but if the recovery is horrendous then I’d go for the implant so that I can get back to being with my family.
Just after some first hand experience I think, or if anyone has young children, how did you find the process and recovery?
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Hi @wrenny
Sorry I don’t have any advice as I’m hoping to have surgery in Jan but just wanted to follow the thread for people’s experiences too as I’m in a similar position with young boys (3, and 6 months- who are also very energetic to put it politely ) at the moment I am leaning towards delayed reconstruction but then I don’t really want to be going back and forth for more appointments and dragging it out. Confused!
Gosh that’s alot for you with such a young baby. Hope you are doing ok!
Do you find keeping busy with the kids helps?
Yes I asked my breast care nurse aboput delayed reconstruction too, seemed like a good option, but she said the waiting list is 2/3 years long as there is still a covid backlog sadly.
Totally agree the thought of dragging it out is awful. I think we might be having our surgery at around the same time though. It’s a really tough decision. Have you got friends and family nearby for support? xx
It’s hard I won’t lie, especially as my fatigue from chemo is getting worse! But the baby’s just started to crawl and is properly interacting with us now so it’s finally starting to get “fun” lol you must be super busy too with 3! How have they taken your diagnosis??
Ah good to know someone who will be having surgery at the same time. Will try and keep in touch so I can see how you’re getting on! That wait list does seem excessively long though… it’s a shame they’re still trying to catch up. I don’t know what mine is but meeting my surgeon in 2 weeks so will find out.
We were lucky enough to be able to move in with my parents while going through all this craziness, though they are starting to annoy me lol they have helped with childcare now and again and financially it’s a huge relief. How about you?? x
) at the moment I am leaning towards delayed reconstruction but then I don’t really want to be going back and forth for more appointments and dragging it out. Confused!