Has anyone else had two types of reconstruction done during the same operation? A DIEP and a LD + implant?
I have had cancer twice (2004 and 2010) and initially planned to have a double MX + immediate double DIEP in 2011.
To cut a long story short, because of the position of my cancer the second time, I only had a single MX on the RHS in 2011.
I have always planned to have a prophylactic mastectomy on the LHS, which my surgeon has agreed to.
I have just seen the plastic surgeon again to discuss my options.
Because of the nature of my scar, the amount of skin and my build, the plastic surgeon does not think I have enough ‘material’ to do a double reconstruction from the DIEP. He could use this for the right hand side, but there is not enough to do the currently ‘good’ side.
I definitely want to have the prophylactic MX as well, so the option mentioned would be to have a Latimuss Dorsi + implant on the LHS and a DIEP on the RHS.
I am trying to minimise the number of operations I have and not delay the prophylactic MX much longer as I am worried about recurrence.
The reconstruction breast care nurse mentioned that you could have an LD and a DIEP procedure during the same operation. It takes longer and the recovery is more complex, but it can be done.
I know this would be a hard recovery but better one major operation than two.
Has anyone else had two types of reconstruction done during the same operation?
Thanks for all replies.
Hi JLH
Just to let you know that we have a ‘One to one support’ service whereby you can be out in touch with others who may have had similar surgery/treatments etc via telephone and/or email, you can speak to one of our helpliners on 0808 800 6000 (weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2) for more information or follow this link:
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/someone-talk/one-one-support
Here’s the link to the BCC reconstruction booklet in case you haven’t seen it too:
http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/breast-reconstruction-bcc7
Take care
Lucy
Hi JLH
I had 2 reconstructions in same operation in feb 2012. A delayed tram flap on mx side(LHS) and a mx with immediate ld and implant on healthy breast(RHS).
The recovery was slightly longer than with just one recon. I was in bed for 3 days following surgery but then was up and about and out of hospital after 6 days. I had 6 drains in after operation but came home with only 1 which was taken out after 10 days.
I was quite sore for about 2 weeks and had to be careful how I got up from lying down as I couldn’t put any weight on ld side but had to roll over on tram side.
I was driving after 7 weeks. I had to be careful for 3 months with housework and hoovering.
Unfortunately I had complications on the ld side and had to have implant removed and most of reconstruction cut away but I was told this is very rare.
I like you wanted minimal surgery. Even id I’d have had the recons done as seperate operations the same could still have happened so I don’t regret having them done at the same time.
Hope this helps
Chris
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Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for your reply and for sharing your experience. It really helps to hear your thoughts and how it was for you. I am sorry you had complications and I agree that it may still have happened even if you had had two operations. It is no consolation when consultants tell you the experience you have is rare and unlikely statistically. I know what that feels like.
I am having a good think about all of my options now and we will see what happens when I speak to the plastic surgeon next week.
I hope that you are coping OK now and things have settled down or maybe you have other surgery planned? Try and have a treat this weekend if you can - we all deserve a treat now and again.
Take care
Jacky
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Hi Jacky
I have a tissue expander opertion planned for end of March, fingers crossed this time all will be well.
I had complications with my tummy after tram flap and have a huge tummy bulge so I’m getting that repaired at the same time. There is less chance of this with diep as they don’t take muscle from your tummy. I asked for diep but my PS didn’t do that recon.
After ld recon went wrong my PS wanted me to have a reconstruction from the top of my bum/bottom of back but I refused this as its more major surgery and I really didn’t want to go through it again or put my family through it.
Don’t let PS talk you into anything you don’t want, hopefully you have a better one than I do, mine doesn’t listen when I’m explaining things to him. I should have asked to be referred to someone else but thought this would take longer and I just want to get on with my life.
Hope you’ve had a good weekend
Chris x
Hi Chris,
I had a good weekend with some friends thanks and it was great that the sun came out - hope you had a good one too.
I totally agree with you to make sure that the PS listens to you and you are happy with what they are suggesting. I had been puttting myself under a bit of time pressure as well, trying to get things done quickly, but you are completely right that it is better to be happy with what is being suggested and get a second opinion if necessary.
Hearing your experience has helped me go through the thought process and what is most important so thanks so much. We’ll see how it goes at my next appointment.
Fingers crossed for you in March too.
I spoke to one of the Breast Cancer Care nurses on the phone which was helpful, so perhaps they could help you with how to make sure the PS listens to you etc?
Take care
Jacky
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Hi Jacky
I had a lovely weekend, I got my daughter a puppy for her birthday before christmas so have been taking advantage of the lovely weather and having some long walks.
I’ve decided if I’m not happy with my PS after the tissue expander I will speak to my BCN about getting referred to someone else.
When I have asked around about PS everyone has said he is the same with them so I know its not personal. He just doesn’t like people asking questions and I always have to know everything.
Good Luck with deciding what to do
Chris x