Hi, new to forum and hoping for any advice to help make decision to remove implant and have Diep.
I was diagnosed with DCIS (1breast) in july24, had lumpectomy Aug24, margins not clear and much bigger area of non calcified (invisible to US/mammogram) DCIS found therefore mastectomy recommended. I found the decision on reconstruction and whether to have implant or Diep awful, (especially with menopause brain ) I went with implant as that’s what consultant recommended and was less invasive.
The implant is a teardrop and it is very rippled, feels and looks like a soft raisin under my skin. The size and shape are good but it is very uncomfortable and feels like it is rubbing against my flesh, emotionally draining as constant discomfort.
I’m now considering removing implant and going for Diep, in the hope of a more natural look and feel without constant discomfort but I’m frightened of the Diep surgery and the unknown that it could be worse than the implant?
I could try lipofil but I’m not sure it will improve feel and take away constant discomfort??
I would love to hear from anyone who has had Diep on your experience and also from anyone who has changed implants for Diep
My brain is frazzled, it’s so hard to make decision without crystal ball
Dear @cat19, whilst I cannot help you from experience ( I had mastectomy and stayed flat), have you considered contacting the Someone Like Me service at Breast Cancer Now? The number is 0800 138 6551. They can put you in touch with a trained volunteer who has had the surgery you are considering. I wish you well. Love Tulip x
Hi. I’m 12 weeks post single mastectomy and diep flap. It’s a slow recovery but nothing to be frightened of - easy to say this side of the fence I know. I’m happy to chat directly by message or phone so feel free to contact me on this thread or directly. I’m a bit too sleepy tonight but can answer more tomorrow x
I had a tissue expander in for 7 years with no date for reconstruction as was promised at the start of my treatment. It started breaking down and skin developed necrosis so i eventually got it removed and my skin cut away in june 2023. I had an abdomnoplasty done…fat and skin used to.make my new breast. I did have complications but was manageable but im now over 2 years on and i still have an uncomfortable feeling like a tight band across my stomach. I emailed the plastic surgery specialist nurse and she said a lot of women complain of this. I have put on about 14 pounds since then due to treatment for secondaries and she said this could be contributing to the tightness. So its not an easy choice either…but i had no option due to the skin having to be replaced. Also my surgeon wasnt for implants anyway. Sorry to probably have confused you further. None of its easy. I wish you well. Xx
Hello Cat19. I can relate to your worry and would like to hear of others experiences. I have an LD and implant reconstruction but due to encapsulation now need the implant removed. I do not want another implant so I am considering a do nothing ( after removal) or the DIEP. Like you I am concerned about further major surgery and ongoing discomfort. I had a delayed reconstruction so I am also aware of the issues of this option. Any advice or thoughts very welcome please.
Hello. I had the diep flap surgery in August. I had all the pre tests and scans and was supposed to be a good candidate for this. After a complex 10.5 hour surgery, I was in recovery but the doctors became concerned quite quickly that the diep flap hadn’t worked and I went back in for a further 3 hour surgery to try to salvage this. Unfortunately this also failed. Pre surgery I was told the failure rate is 1%. After surgery I was told the rate of failure is 5%. As a surgery it takes a lot to recover from - I had to have a blood transfusion and huge tummy scar and I also a third surgery three weeks later to get rid of a massive hematoma infection that developed post surgery. I have been left with bad pain in the chest area and cording and so I can’t say I would recommend this as a procedure personally due to my own personal experience but every patient is different.
Hi, I had a mastectomy & diep reconstruction back in December 24. I didn’t have the choice of an implant as this is my 2nd breast cancer diagnosis and I had radiotherapy previously. Now 10 months after I feel fine, don’t get me wrong it was a tough recovery but as long as you do your physio and slowly get yourself back fit it will be ok. But they did warn me about possible complications in the initial stage. The only negative for me is that I will have to have a corrective procedure soon to basically have a matching pair, but that operation will be shorter and a much quicker recovery. Everyone has different journeys x
Thank y everyone who has replied - it’s so helpful. My journey has been over 20 years and I’m hoping this is my last surgery. Thank you all for the posts it’s been very helpful and I’ve pretty much made up my mind.
Hi
I just wanted some advice on recovery. I had a single mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. I’m day 3 post op. I got home last night. I’m very sore to move and it’s taking ages to get up from a chair as very tight and sore. My back muscles hurt too. I take it this is normal? Thanks so much
Well done you have got through the worst part. It is a long recovery and what you are feeling is completely normal from what I experienced.
My tummy is still tight when I first stand up although much less than before. I did have back ache from the c shape you sleep in and still get aches between the shoulder blades.
It all does take a long time so patience is key but it’s been fine, just soreness here and there rather than pain. I’m 14 weeks now and still not back to all normal things like exercise so it is a slow burn.
Feel free to dm if you want to check anything as I’ve spent the whole time seeking information about what is normal or not.
Take care of yourself and combine rest with walking around a bit. Xx
) I went with implant as that’s what consultant recommended and was less invasive.