Plastic Surgeon Appointment - A year to wait for DIEP and weightloss!

Hi All, I am 6 months on from dx. I have had a bilat mx with temp implants but one failed so one flat side and one implant left!

I had my plastic surgery appointment at Salisbury last Monday and was very pleased with the outcome. I have been offered a DIEP recon which is what I wanted as the results I have seen and the descriptions from the lovely ladies on this site, have always made me confident that it’s the best thing for me!
She explained all the procedures I could have such as the LD and implants but it seems that the DIEP would be best.
I have watched the op on Embarrasing Bodies and so I’m not scared of it.
The only thing standing in my way is 4 stone and a BMI of 30. So I am seeing the surgeon in 6 months and she wants to see me to do a weigh in and check my progress. So I’m on it like a bonnet and losing the weight. I also decided to turn a negative into a positive and get sponsored for my weight loss so all the money raised will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. This is a charity close to my heart as I am currently waiting for my genetics test results for BRCA1/2 and Pancreatic Cancer is BRCA 2 related. My mum and nan both died of PC with my mum having had BC at 47 so I’m high risk.

So that’s me and I hope everyone is doing well out there!

Viv xxx

Glad to read that things are going well for you Viv and good luck with the continued weight loss.

For anyone reading your post I have put below links to BCC’s publications on reconstruction.

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/breast-reconstruction-bcc7

Here’s also BCC’s animated guide for reconstruction:

vimeo.com/4508162

Kind regards,

Jo, Facilitator

Vivtiwns1, I hope all goes as planned and that the weight comes off and you move closer to perhaps having your DIEP sooner than later, if that is posible. I’m inspired by your terrific positive attitude!
I go in today and see my PS to discuss phase II of my DIEP (left mx/immediate reconstruction, June 13, 2012)
There is another thing that may not apply to you, but it is improtant - smoking is a reconstruction no-no as well. One has to at least stop smoking 4 weeks before and during post-op recovery so that former a smokers recovery becomes comparable to that of nonsmokers. Fat necrosis to be more than four times greater to occur in smokers as non-smokers and ultimately the best way to minimize postoperative complications such as abdominal herniation is via the DIEP or SIEA free flap breast reconstruction.

Good luck with your weight loss Viv, I’m sure it will all be worth it. What a fab idea to get sponsored too.
I had a Mx in Mach and am hoping for a DIEP recon next year too… I take it you were told to get your BMI down to 30 or below?? I did not know that that was the case and now I am worried as I am sure mine is more than that.
I wonder if it is just your surgeon/hospital or if that is a general requirement?? I am pleased to find out this bit of information now as it gives me time to get on the case, just hope the tamoxifen that I am shortly due to start is not going to hamper my efforts.
I guess this is the best incentive to loose weight that I have ever had.
Good luck
Lou x

Hi Viv i am being treated at Salisbury too. I’ve just finished chemo and have an appointment with surgeon on 26th to discuss what’s going to happen. My tumour has shrunk to the point where its almost dissapeared (onc cant feel it and ultrasound couldnt find it either) but i was told my original scans showed it was in or attached to my skin. If the new scans i had 2 weeks ago show the same then the skin will need to be removed and i will have the mastectomy they keep telling me i need. I would like the DIEP reconstruction too although i’ve been told i will need rads so cant have immediate reconstruction. I know a lady who has had this op at Salisbury and she showed her self to me, its amazing! Her boob looked so natural and fitted her sizing. The scaring around the boob is minimal although the tummy scar is quite large but it will fade in time. I’ve seen the Embarrasing bodies episode too and like you am not too worried about the actual op. I know another lady who was diagnosed last year and had her mastectomy in Aug 2011 yet she’s still waiting for her reconstruction which worries me a little. I dont want to wait a year or 18months but may not have much choice. Good luck with the weight loss. I have put on a stone and half with chemo so the 1 good thing about the wait will be time to lose some pounds in time for the 2nd op.
Sian x

Hi Vivtwins

Really glad you can see the positive side to your situation :slight_smile:

Hi itsmelou

I would not worry too much about your BMI unless your team tell you to - my consultant was not worried - I am pretty sure that my BMI was higher than 30 when I had my DIEP but then I suppose mine was an immediate reconstruction so maybe it is different. I would like to think each person is judged on their general health rather than just an arbitrary number!
Good luck to all

Best wishes

Liz x

Thanks for your replies! Yes Liz it’s a requirement at Salisbury for a BMI to be 30 or less. I don’t mind really as it needs to be done anyway and it’s a great incentive. It may be different for immediate recon, I’m really not sure. The op will be at least 10 hours for bilateral so I suppose they want to have me in tip top condition. Weird as it may sound, it’s set me on a total mission. I’m looking forward to being slim and have a new body too!

Sian - The results are incredible and I didn’t have to argue the case for the DIEP. They poked, prodded and measured me and then explained all my options. They offered me implants (which I have one side at the moment, the other had to be removed due to infection), but I hate the one I have, they also mentioned LD flap but I don’t want the scars on my back. They were very up for me having the DIEP, I will have lots spare to make nice C cup boobies. They reckon my surgery will be this time next year which is okay with me as I have a very important wedding next year to go to and I was scared I’d have to miss it!

The next wall to climb is waiting for the genetics test results. Anytime now I will get the letter through the door.

Lots of love
Viv xxx

PS Gave up smoking a few years ago. They said they wouldn’t do a DIEP on a smoker! x

I asked to be referred for genetic testing the day before my 4th chemo. I had my 6th and last chemo almost 3 weeks ago ad still havent heard anything. Do u think i’m right to assume it hasnt been done or does it really take that long for them to contact u? Another thing i wanted to ask was did u have rads? Just wondered since u already have temporary implants? I dont smoke and never have thank goodness so thats one thing i dont need to worry about. :slight_smile: x