Hi, I’m very new to a forum of any sort, so just figuring out how it all works. So, hello to everyone, and from what I can see - this seems to be a great way to chat to people with similar problems. I’ve just been diagnosed with cancer last week, but this is the 3rd time. I started off 6 years ago with a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Then it came back three years later in my lymph nodes, so I had them out, followed by chemo. But now - 3 years on it’s back again with a new lump in the same breast. So they have said it’ll need to be a mastectomy with reconstruction. But I’m struggling with 2 things. I’ve to think about whether or not I want to get both done, and also what type of reconstruction. It seems I can’t have expanders due to previous radiotherapy, so my best options are the rebuilds with back or stomach. I’m in on tuesday for all the tests to make sure it’s not anywhere else, and then on wed to speak to the surgeon. I’m 39, 5’6" and 8.5 stone, and can’t see how they’d get enough fat from my back!! And wonder about getting 2 new boobs from my stomach! Help!!
Hi
I know how you feel - the decisions about what type of reconstruction to have are really hard, and the whole thing feels so confusing. I’ve been through it in the last couple of months (segmental mastectomy early Aug but more widespread than expected and negative margins mean a mastectomy). It felt so awful to begin with, but I’ve got my head around it now - take as much time as you can to make the decision, and ask as many questions as you need to. I was all over the place with what I’d read about different options, but when I finally met with the onco-plastic consultant, and knew what was feasible for me, the decision process became easier. In the end I’m going for expandable implants, which I know you said you can’t have. I don’t have enough fat for a DIEP (that’s a double edged sword!) and would have needed implants in addition to an LD flap (from the back), so am going for simple(?!) implants.
I’m sure other people will offer advice. I had never used forums before either, but find it so helpful. Good luck and take it one step at a time.
Hi Michaela,
Your surgeon should be able to decide about the best approach for you. You must be very slim, so there may not be enough tissue on your back. They do, however, sometimes also put an implant under the LD flap (from the back). I am due to have a LD flap recon on Thursday (I have a bit more meat than you!) The surgeon says he may need to use an implant.
Not sure when you need to decide by but I will try and get back and let you know what more I found out.
But, as River says, the decision making is easier the more info you can get from your surgeon - ask loads of questions, and try and read the posts on this forum for other people’s experiences and thoughts.
My best wishes to you 
Hi Michaela2002
I thought you may be interested in our factsheet on the subject of breast reconstruction, if you have not already seen this, I have posted the link here for you:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/bcc_reconstruction_final.pdf
I do hope you find this helpful.
Kind regards
Louise
Facilitator
Michaela
I am only the same size as you and I had an immediate LD reconstruction using an implant 4 years ago, to date I haven’t had any problems other than my back feels tight on occasions. Don’t know how I would have coped having both sides done though as I have lost some strength on that side.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Jan
HI, just wanted to thank everyone for their comments. It’s just a help hearing what other people have done, and also great to hear that 4 years down the line, everything is still going great. I love River’s comments on “simple” implants - sounds like the simple solution doesn’t it, but it’s still a massive thing isn’t it!
Gardengirl - good luck with your op next week, hope it all goes well, and it would be great to hear how you got on, once your back home and on line.
I think I’m overthinking it just now - as I’m still not sure yet what options will be available to me with my body size etc… So I need to calm down a bit and wait to see what he says. Am going to trawl through alot of the threads on the forum too. As I’m currently only spent about 1/2 on it altogether, and already found it a great help.
Thanks again - will let you know what was decided next week! No doubt once it’s decided, I’ll have a whole new list of questions!
HI Michaela2002, Just to say I had an LD Flap plus implant put underneath when I was 39. I am now 59 and it is still going strong, looks great and have no regrets at all. Just wish my other boob looked as good! Fire away if any questions come to mind and good luck with your operation. I am sure the doctors will spend time with you in making your decision. Much love Val (Scottishlass) X
Hi Val, Wow! 20 years ago and still going strong with it, that’s fantastic! That was half my worry with an implant of any type. My hope is that I could get one lot of surgery and be done with it, not having to worry about replacing implants in 10-15 years. It’s great to hear such positive feedback. Thanks.
Michaela,
I was offered an LD with an implant or a DIEP. I was keen not to have an implant, and also didn’t want to sacrifice any muscle so found the decision easy. Your PS will be able to tell you what is most suitable. If you are very slim, ther is an option called an IGAP, where the tissue is taken from your bottom. This is not available everywhere because it depends on the expertise of the PS. But it is your right to have the reconstruction that you want if it is suitable for you , even if this means being referred to another area. I am delighted with my DIEP.
Kelley
Hi Kelley, and everyone who replied to my post,
Just wanted to let you know what was decided with my surgeon. He said because of my size, there wasn’t enough skin etc on my stomach to rebuild both sides, so if i went that option i’d need implants anyway. So I was thinking about the DIEP or TRAM option instead of implants. But he also said they wanted to do the surgery quickly, so taking all that into account, we’ve agreed on the LD flap with permanent implants. From other posts it seems most people getting this done have expanders, but I asked him, and he was sure they wouldnt be expanders. Maybe because I’m only small anyway - B cup if I’m being generous… Anyway, going in for it on Friday 13th Nov - good job I’m not superstitious!!
Thanks again to everyone for their advice and help. I’ve no doubt I’ll have lots more questions when I get out of hospital. But will let you know how I get on.
Cheers,
Michaela
x
Hi Michaela,
Just wanted to wish you well with your op, and to let you know that I had my mast and LD flap recon just over a week ago and am doing fine.
I had to have an implant as there wasn’t enough tissue to make a viable ‘breast’ without, which I am ok about (although I would have preferred not to). At the moment it is a bit swollen and feels heavy, but this should improve over the coming months.
My back feels tight but I am religiously doing my physio exercises and already looking up local pilates classes for later on!
Good luck for Friday, thinking of you, and let us know if you have any other questions.
With love
Hi!
I had problems deciding what reconstruction to have too. I had DCIS and decided on an immediate LD flap reconstruction using an implant. I didn’t really want an implant and when I realised I’d need one for size wondered about having just an implant. I was advised against this as there is no flesh to cover and protect the implant and I think the effect is not as good.
I’m pleased with my reconstruction, which I had in June. It’s slightly larger and more ‘protruding’ than my other breast, but is a fairly good match. I haven’t really missed that back muscle and can do most things now, except heavy carrying. I must try to keep up with physio though, as it really helps. I know some people experience quite a lump under the armpit after an LD recon, but mine is fine, although it did feel odd to start with.
all the best for the op and for recovery!
Donna x
I had an LD flap (right hand breast)in December 2008 following mastectomy in November 2007.
In an attempt to make me symmetrical, and to obviate the need for mammograms in the future, the healthy breast tissue was removed from the left hand breast and an implant inserted.
After “things had settled down” about 6 months after surgery, it was very apparent (to me at least, and that’s what counts)that the result on the left hand breast was not nearly as good as the LD side.
Accordingly, when I went for my check up in July, we agreed an LD flap for the healthy breast. The PS thought I was a bit potty, I think “Who on earth would want to go through all that again?!”
My experience with the LD flap was so brilliant, with absolutely no pain afterwards, back to yoga within 3 weeks (only a couple of postures had to be modified), and back to tennis within 6 weeks.
So two weeks today I shall be being wheeled into the theatre. I have been warned, and fully appreciate, that this time round the experience could be different, but I am creating the intention that all will be well.
So for me, the LD option was the best. I didn’t fancy a DIEP or TRAM due to 10 hour surgery (although I have a very nice little bit of fat on my tum which the PS had his eyes on for a DIEP!), and also the longer recovery period (I am not in a position where I can take 3 months, say, off work)
Hope this helps.
Bubs XX
Hi,
Thanks Donna and Bubs for your posts - really good to hear how things are going for you.
Bubs, yoga and tennis so soon! Well done, you! You are giving me great inspiration
(My recon is still swollen and a bit ‘Dolly Parton’ - am hoping it will get to be a considerably closer match to the other one!)
Hi,
I had mastectomy on one side and later reconstruction.
Unfortunately, after two and a half years my saline implant broke…
I do not know either I should do another reconstruction surgery or just remove my broken implant?
Hi Lena,
So sorry to hear about your implant. Sorry I don’t really know about saline implants (mine is a more ‘solid’ gel type), so don’t know how to advise you. My only niggle with it at the moment is that it is a bit big and heavy feeling (it was the smallest available). I hope someone else will be able to help you with this one. With love