How do you make the choice

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How do you make the choice

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How do you make the choice Iv’e just seen the Plastic Surgeon, she has given a choice of two recons, the 1st being the one taken from the back muscle with an added implant, and the 2nd being taken from the stomach involving micro surgery, I have read that much about both and I really don’t know what to decide, can anyone comment on both so at least I can make an informed decision, the pros and cons of both would be most helpful please.
thanks. Lorri1

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Hi Lorri

I just posted a bit on your other posting. The PS told me that as I was ONLY 50 - there I am feeling so old!- that if I had an implant put in it would have to be changed every 10 years so if I lived to 90 I would have it changed 4 times so he advised a DIEP.

Love
Beverley

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Hi Lorri
I too have recently undergone a diep…i decided against any op that used muscle…as can impair function of movment, strength etc and aginst implant for same reason as Beverley, i am 37.
Px

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Getting in a flap Lorri

I suggest you have a read at the CancerBackup site as it describes the procedures in more detail, with pics. You also need to understand the risks with either.

By the way, the implants used now last up to 20 years.

The LD flap is a bit shorter surgery and more likely to be successful i.e. less chance of necrosis, better healing and so forth.

I found the BCC booklet to be a help so perhaps ring them for a copy. I also bought The Breast Reconstruction Giuidebook; I’m sure there’s a UK equivalent but it’s on Amazon anyway.

Get your surgeon to show you pictures and ask to speak to someone who has had it done; there will be people willing to share their experience - your surgeon or BC nurse should facilitate this.

There is SUCH a lot to think about it will drive you bananas. Also, and this might be key, I believe that BCC will put you in touch with someone on their team who has had either done. I am speaking to a lady who has had a LD flap so I’m sure they’ll find someone who has had a DIEP or TRAM flap - similar part of the body but different operation.

Hope this helps a wee bit.

D

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I had LD reconstruction about 18months ago - no implant but reconstructed breast is slightly smaller -was not offered DIEP as not available at the hospital.

I have full arm range and play tennis / swim etc -I had R. Mastectomy and play tennis right handed.I did think about going elsewhere for DIEP but meant going to hospital further afield which meant if had any problems would be more difficult for follow up.

Hope this helps with your decision and good luck.

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Hi Ladies Thank you for all your comments, I didn’t realise there was such a huge difference, I have lots of information, but I think the next call is the BCC, I understand now why it takes a long time because there is a lot to think about, thank you all again.

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Hi Lorrie

in response to your posting…at the end of the day you have to weigh up all the pro’s and con’s and do what is right for you…

Lucy
XXXX

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Hi i am having a masectomy and back flap recon done on friday, was put in touch with another woman who had the same op done 6 weeks ago, and she feels fantastic, like me she did not fancy the tummy tuck, sounds good, but too many complications, but she has given me food for thought, and i am really looking forward to my new boob so roll on friday!

lots of love and hugs

Alison

ps, i am 44 and do not feel too old for this, after all, i am only humanxxxxxxxx

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Hi Alison Good luck for friday, I hope all goes well for you. I’m sure it will. I was 46 when I had my mastectomy but it feels a life time ago, I couldn’t have my recon at the same time as I had two tumors and the surgeon suggested that I waited for a while, now that things are settling down it’s on to the next stage, please keep posting so we can send you good luck messages.

ps thanks for that I think I have already decided now,

Lorri1

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GOOD LUCK HI Lorri And Alison,

I had a DIEP flap and just wanted to say whatever you decide I wish you all the best and let us know how you are. Big Hug for Friday, will think of you.

TreakleXXX

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Message for Lorri Hi Lorri,

I am 6 weeks post op bilateral reconstruction using the back muscle from both sides and I feel great. I am fairly slim so didn’t have the choice of the stomach recon. I haven’t quite got all the movement back in my arms but I’m not far off.

I am really pleased with the result, there was a lady in the bed next to me in hospital who had the stomach option on her right side and that too looked amazing (she was 70 years of age - how fantastic is that !!), and she was really pleased with the tummy tuck too, she was in theatre approx 9 hours whereas I was in 6 but her recovery was really good and we both left hospital the same day after being in for 6 days.

Obviously the decision has to be the right one for you, I wish you the best of luck

Kaz
xx