I’ve just been recently diagnosed with DCIS and have been told I need an mx with immediate recon which I have just about got my head around. I met with my plastic surgeon last week and he has offered two options for the recon both of which will also offer adjustment to the other breast to ensure I get a matching pair which I am really pleased about. However, I would really appreciate any advice on whether to go with a tissue expander and implant which I am advised requires two surgeries or a latissimus dorsi flap which needs only 1 op?
I’m not good with anaesthetic so my immediate preference is to go for the lat dorsi but I would ultimately prefer the op which gives the best final result. I’m 39 and a modest 34A. I would also appreciate any advice on preparation for surgery and what I will need to take into hospital and recovery time related to each option.
I have put below for you the link to BCC’s publication on breast reconstruction. You can either download a copy or order a copy to be sent out to you by post. Could I suggest that you also give the helpline a call? The staff here will be able to explain to you in detail the different reconstruction options. The lines are open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9 am - 2pm. Hope this helps.
Link to booklet:
Hi Lisa Nicole - I had mast and immediate recon - implant and also reduction on other side-was double f and am now reasonably modest d cup - delighted with the results - best boobs in the village! Mone was immediate - and I feel soo good about it - just go for what you want - love x
hi lisa nicole ihad ld and expander implant to get reasonable size new boob was a 42DD may be Bor C cup eventually.only 6 weeks since op and not yet started to re expand.try and ask as many questions before the op to get as much info from PS and BCN.Also keep an open mind about the results of surgery and be patient.Good luck with it all
Doreen
I have had mast with immediate recon, using the lat-dorsi method, both breasts (January and June this year).
I am 9 weeks post op now and have fully recovered with no ill effects. I am 40 and I was around a 34b, I am not very good with anaestetics either and was in hospital for a week each time. I am pleased with the result and I am waiting to have nipple recon in Oct (but havn’t decided fully). I have been signed off work for 12 weeks after each op, but I have a job which involves a lot of driving and a risk of violence.
Good luck in your choice and please ask any furthrt questions.
Jackie.
Thank you for your comments. I saw my plastic surgeon again this week and he has insisted that I should now have an expander implant instead of ld as he can get a better final affect but I am worried about the extra time and visits that will involve. My op is scheduled for 8th September so if there are any last minute recommendations they would be gratefully received. I am feeling very unprepared as i have no idea how much I might be incapacitated, if I will have to cope with drains and how soon I might have to revisit hospital as at the moment i am only booked in overnight after the op.
I had bilateral mx and immediate recon with expander implants in May. As I was and wanted to remain 34B the surgeon fully expanded the implants in the one operation - not sure how many surgeons do this. This means I don’t need to attend clinics for refills etc but it was VERY VERY tight to start with and I couldn’t breathe easily for weeks. To start with I was pretty helpless not being able to lift anything etc but this was probaby worse because I had both sides done together. If you have a good arm you should be able to rest the other one and this may aid recovery. Do the exercises they recommend. I could drive at week 6 and went back to work part time after 8 weeks.
Yes, another operation is needed to swap implants for the permanent ones but as I understand it the second op is much shorter and shorter recovery. I have been told to wait at least 6 months for this op, even though I’m not having any other treatment. It is difficult in this limbo stage - waiting for the second op - I don;t want to become too “attached” to the expander implants as they are only temporary but I guess we all accept in the end that bc and treatment will take as long as it takes. I too was attracted to the LD flap option as it was all over in one op but the reality is (as you will see from some postings on here) that further adjustment ops may be needed for any type of recon to get a result that you are happy with.
I also had Mx with immediate recon. and reduction on the other to get a match! 4 weeks post op tomorrow. Has not been to difficult, take the painkillers do the exercises and each day you will improve. I was in hospital 4 nights until they could take the drains out and then walked like a gorilla. Invest in loads of pillows to help you get comfy.
Accept all offers of help from friends and family.
Hi LisaNicole,
I had a double mastectomey with expander implants and love the result! My surgeon has done a fantastic job. I am supposed to be having them changed before the end of the year and my surgeon has told me its a very easy op and I will only be in as a day patient so it shouldnt cause any problem- he will literally cut down the same scar, whip out the expanders and replace them with permanent implants
Hope this helps
Best Wishes
Katyx
Thank you all so much for your comments and reassurance. I have a revised date now - the 7th September and I’m getting quite scared but trying to focus on the positive results the op and follow up procedures should achieve. My surgeon did imply I would only need to stay in hospital overnight but i am concerned that this might be a little optimistic? Please advise if I should invest in other items in addition to pillows.