I had a mastectomy in one breast a few years ago with immediate very successful reconstruction with an implant. However following a recurrence two years later I had lymph node removal plus chemo and radiotherapy. In the two years before I was very happy with my reconstruction as the implant was very good and very balanced and I was comfortable in a bikini. However because of the rads this impacted my reconstruction and now this breast feels very hard and has lifted too much because of the radiotherapy, which I was warned could likely happen.
I am considering the Diep or a further surgery but am not sure it’s worth the risk of more surgery. Has anyone gone down this route?
I had a diep flap reconstruction following masectomy as I didn’t want to keep going back for any further work in the future. Fast forward 9 years when my cancer returned and the scar tissue from my reconstruction has caused problems. In hindsight I would not have had unnecessary surgery but at the time it seemed the right thing to do and it looked good. Obviously the tissue is not breast so behaves differently from my other breast and there is no symmetry
Thanks Suzy I hope you are well now. I was of the view that the reconstruction would not cause these issues as if the cancer returned it would have done anyway so I hope you don’t feel bad as a result of going through this. I had a recurrence too in a lymph node despite the odds being very low. This disease is so difficult that it’s hard to predict. Thank you for taking the time to write back.
Hello. I’m in a very similar position so am interested in any responses. I had a mx with implant in summer of 2024 then radiotherapy which has massively distorted the implant and worsened the scar/tissues. I also have a 2-cup size difference. I’m waiting for a referral to Plastics to discuss a DIEP in the hope it’ll give me a more aesthetic boob and some symmetry. Any advice very welcome. x
I’m so sorry tohear you are facing this again. Can I ask where the cancer returned if you had a mastectomy? Ive been told I can’t get breast cancer again as they have taken everything out with my double mastectomy?
I am 8-weeks post op from a double-mastectomy with PAP reconstruction (tissue from the upper thigh/back of buttocks area).Same as DIEPS just different donor site.
I’ll be frank - because no one really told me what i was in for and its important that you do. It’s a very extensive operation, and requires a lot of recovery time. My op was unusually long due to my size and the struggle find to get enough tissue, and my new ‘Thoobs’ as i call them, will need another 2-3 surgeries to fat graft and finish them off. It’s a scary time as although it’s incredible surgery, when the swelling goes down theres lots of lumps and bumps to contend with, but I’m assured the next surgeries will fix a lot of it. It shouldn’t be underestimated though as it’s huge surgery, I would definitely do it again, just be prepared and able to take the time to fully recover.