I received my diagnosis this week of primary lobular cancer in one side.
I’m to have a mastectomy and my team have advised I meet the plastics team this week as a DIEP from my tummy would be their first thought.
I’m looking for experiences (full range) to help me with an informed choice.
I need to have a sentinel biopsy before the bigger op but so far LN look to be clear but the PC is invasive and throughout the breast.
I’d be grateful for reflections and questions to ask
Hi Have hope
I have similar questions as Im meeting Plastic Surgeon on Wednesday to discuss options including diep.
My surgery history is LD with implant recon in 2004. Then recurrence, WLE, implant replacement in 2025 followed by radiotherapy.
The Rads has caused severe capsular contraction so seeing PS as I have to have it removed. Its been suggested I look at DIEP but having already had a reconstruction, Im not sure what can be done.
If you have any questions about having a reconstruction I’m happy to answer them as although LD is different to DIEP I expect its a similar process but different recovery.
I hope you get some helpful replies.
Xx
Hi @HaveHope
All I would say is don’t be pushed into anything you don’t feel comfortable with. It’s you that’s got to live with it.
I saw the PS who was keen for me to have a DIEP. I considered it until I realised it would probably mean multiple surgeries. That was not for me so I ended up staying flat. I’m all healed up and back to my new normal now and getting on with life. It doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, with the hot summer we’ve just had I was glad not to have the under boob sweat, need to wear a bra etc.
Whatever you decide, I hope all goes well for you. 
Hi I have had implant and DIEP so happy to share my experience of both.
I had DCIS, I was told it was small so only needed lumpectomy however no margins clear so mastectomy and SNB recommended due to size being 10cm and I don’t have big boobs.
My 1st questions would be to ask:
What are all reconstruction options available to you and then do a pros and cons list of all options. You might have a preference. I knew I didn’t want t to go flat so implant and DIEP were offered to me. When doing the list, speak to nurses but also do your own research and if you can talk to women who have had similar surgery.
Ask to see pictures of the different options and if possible see pictures for similar breast size as the outcome looks different depending on breast size.
Ask if you need anything done to other breast for symmetry and what they suggest as again that might influence decision eg if they recommend lift with implant you may choose implant for both sides.
Most importantly take your time, keep going to nurses with questions until you feel comfortable with your decision.
I would ask the surgeon if you are able to keep your own skin and nipple as this affects where DIEP scar will be and how breast will look. If you are able to keep nipple ask to see nipple sparing mastectomy pictures.
I chose implant reconstruction because I thought shorter op and quicker recovery also I was waiting for BRCA results. I gots lots of complications and found the implant painful. Things to consider with implant:
It is cold to touch
It doesn’t feel like a boob
It stands to attention compared to other boob
You may need lipofilling for creases/puckering
It will have to be changed in the future, maybe several times depending on age
Due to rubbing pain from the implant I explored DIEP, nipple sparing DIEP. I had my surgery in April, I’m now 18 wks post surgery. I am so pleased with result, I have a very natural looking and feeling boob very close to the original, warm to touch just feels normal.
It is a longer initial recovery however once it’s done that’s it for life, you may need minor tweaks later. It was 10 hr surgery and the 1st 2 weeks are really hard but it was not as bad as I thought it would be and for me the outcome has been positive. I wish I had chosen DIEP from start.
I’m happy to answer any specific questions if it helps you decide. I found the decision so hard without a crystal ball.
Also happy to share tips if you go ahead with DIEP.
I hope that helps, good luck in making right decision for you xx
I had a Diep flap reconstruction last year, with phase 2 revision in May this year and am really delighted with the result. I had a temporary silicon implant at the time of my mastectomy to save the skin, and I found that so uncomfortable (was affected by radiotherapy and then my body rejected it too by growing a hard layer round it). The surgeries I have had have been a lot, with long recovery after the surgery to move the flap - but for me it is so worth it. My new boob is great, and my other boob was lifted too, so I have youthful boobs and a flat stomach. This summer I treated myself to two new bikinis and felt great after two years of feeling quite the opposite!