I'm due to have a DIEP Bilateral MX soon. Experiences?

Hello,

I was diagnosed with IDC, grade 2, ER/PR 8/8 in Feb 2009, age 34.
I was diagnosed with a recurrence (local) same stats as before, 2 weeks ago.
Since then I have had CT Scan and saw an Oncologist yesterday, who confirmed the results were all clear (Yah!!!).
Last week I met with a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon to discuss DIEP flap recon (a mx in necessary)and this has been booked for 17th August (Whythenshawe). I’ve decided to have the good boobie removed too - because I want this whole thing behind me once and for all!

I’m awaiting OncotypeDX score back - after surgery - before deciding whether chemo will be needed this time, along with Zoladex and AI’s.

Would anyone be willing to share your experiences of DIEP (good or bad) with me? Thank you!

xx

I’m almost three weeks out of diep surgery to replace an implant and a reduction on the good side. I had my operation in London but in case this is helpful… It is major surgery and I felt pretty rough for the first couple of days - I was in hospital for five days and I’m usually quick to recover from operations. I’ve been signed off work for a month and will need all that time to be fully functioning. However… I am beginning to feel much more normal. I’m still quite swollen (and am wearing control underwear on the advice of one of the surgeons) but I’m now just on paracetemol. I’m taking life very easily - lots of naps. My stomach is sore but healing well. One of the most difficult things for me is having to sleep on my back and with my head propped up but I’m coping. The doctors assure me that I’ll be thrilled with the result in a month or two (and a friend who had diep surgery is really pleased six months on). I do already like the more natural feel of the breast that previously had an implant. If you have any other questions, please do DM me.