Hi All
I’m hoping I can get some advice about which surgery to go for. I have been diagnosed with high grade DCIS and I’m going to have mastectomy and immediate recon. I am 30 and have a 1 year old son, so need to be back to full mummy mode.
My PS seems to think the DIEP will be the best option, but I don’t have enough tummy to match the other boob (tell that to my skinny jeans!) so an implant would have to be put in at a later date. I am really confused about which option to choose and would be so grateful for any advice from any of you ladies that have been through either of these ops.
Thanks
Frank
Hi Frank
You could put a thread on here asking for ladies with each type of recon,in your area to get in touch and then meet up to see first hand which you think would suit you best. I had LD 11 weeks ago and I am very pleased with the result. I was back to full activity approx 6 - 8 weeks.
Good luck.
Jackie.
Hi Frank
I had a DIEP flap last september.I was told by my plastic surgeon that this operation is major surgery.After going through the procedure i can say that it is.i certainly would not like to take care of a 1year old after this type of surgery.You will find it difficult to get into mummy mode for at least a couple of months!!!
But on the positive side i am thrilled with the results,and it was well worth it
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Hi there
I had my DEIP flap last week. Now back home typing, but my children are a little older, and I am not allowed to stretch my right arm for some weeks which is just about manageable as I can explain to my children why I can’t pick them up, play etc. I don’t think I would be able to do this will a 1 year old, unless of course you have loads of help all the time. It is a major surgery and the first 3 days were not pleasant, but the rate of recovery is amazing.
Good luck
I am pleased to have had immediate DIEP with my mastectomy, but wouldn’t have coped with a year old child - it was 6 weeks ago and I still couldn’t lift a toddler. Also I was in hospital 11 days as the drains were so profuse and my surgeon wouldn’t send me home with them in - not a problem, my youngest is 16 and they were fine without me. Still not doing the horses, just driven for the first time, still wearing a firm control girdle and high impact sports bra 24/7 for three months. If you go this route do make sure you get lots of help with the little one. Good luck, Lyn xx
Hi Frank,
i have been talking with my surgeon and we have both decided the DIEP is the best option … i too have a 1yr old son to contend with whilst recovering, not sure what scares me most.
hi Frank,
Whichever you go for the recovery isn’t easy. I had Ld flap as it’s what my surgeon does best, although with dieppe I could probably have had a full tissue based recon. As it is, I will need an implant at some point - I’ve still to get through chemo & rads though, so I felt that I’d rather manage with 1.5 boobs and a chicken fillet until that time comes than have a Beckers implant now to be replaced with silicone in a year. Thing with dieppe is that your abdominal muscle is used and that could affect a whole load of things. Also have you discussed further pregnancies?? using the tummy muscle could compromise your back if you had more babies not to mention the strain it would put on your abdomen. But that may not be an issue for you.
I’m mum to three, aged 15,13 & 3. My 3 year old is finding it difficult and wants to constantly look at my ‘missing nipple’ or pat my dressings - but I am only 6 days post op!! I did managed to scoop her down from a dangerous ‘standing on the bed’ position yesterday without any compromise to myself! Couldn’t have done that with dieppe!
Hope that’s helpful!
Td x
Hi Frank
Sorry to correct waitingangel but they don’t use the muscle in a diep flap recon it’s just skin and fat. A tram flap recon is where they use the abdominal muscle.
Having said that it is a major op and the recovery time is longer than an ld recon. You will need lots of help either way so if this is available then go for the diep.
On the other hand if you are going to have to have an implant anyway why not opt for the ld. I am slim and had a delayed diep recon last Oct as I didn’t want an implant. My new boob is smaller than the other one but I’m very happy with the results - it looks great in a bra and most women have one bigger than the other so i figure i’m not that different.
I have to say I can’t imagine looking after a 1 year old after any op so take all the offers of help you can.
Good luck with your decision
fantan