I have had a diep flap revonstuction and have been offered radiotherapy post reconstruction 15 days of treatment. Would like to hear from anyone who has had this?
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Hi…fresh out of bell ringing 4 days ago. Had my diep surgery end of Oct 2024.
Treated my new boob like china, then radio kicks in. Its current state is like a football, swollen to heck, full of red burn, rash, scars are red & angry. I moisturised twice daily whilst attending but towards the end of sessions open sores, split skin had broke out under armpit & under boob so was given flaminal gel to help with this. Radiographers were really kind with helping me on the bed as I have flexibility issues in shoulder due to op scar tissue. Radiation side effects are currently getting worse before it gets better, their words. 2 wks after last session apparently. Against my plastic surgeons advice of wearing a good bra always. Radiographer advised to remove it at night to give area a rest, as it was rubbing on my broken skin area. Hope this helps.
My daily 2pm sessions came to be a familiar safe normal with the same faces mostly, like a little club but not lucky to be part of. Good luck xx
Hi
Thank you so much for your reply and i hope things settle down soon. Take care xx
Hello ele
How are you doing? I hope you are well. I too had the diep flap reconstruction. It was around twenty years ago. You will be fine even though it was painful procedure. I had cancer two times and then cancer again on the side of the reconstruction site. I am now taking letrozole and doing quite well. I wish for you the best of good health. Sending love and good wishes.
Diane
I had mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction, followed by chemo and 15 radiotherapy blasts. My reconstruction has fared pretty well but the radio did make the skin very firm so when I’ve come to have a nipple reconstruction since (I went nippleless first) the new nipple was described by my surgeon as a bit woody 
. That has totally settled down now mind. I’m still happy overall with my reconstructed breast and don’t feel the radio has caused any big issues. I used the Garnier skin food aloe moisturiser immediately after getting the radio. Badically you should only use moisturisers that are gentle and don’t have any harsh ingredients or fragrances after radiotherapy. There is another called Moogoo that I have heard recommended a lot too
I had this with 15 rounds of radiation.
Nurses recommended aveeno (regular one) so i started using it daily before radiotherapy then twice daily during.
I was very lucky, no burns or rashes but i was everyl so slightly pink.
Over a year later & ive healed up nicely. I would say my diep has shrunk a bit & is firmer to the touch than my natural breast but its not too noticeable at all.
Youll be fine.
Worst thing for me was getting over the nakedness (see other recent thread) & being tied to the hospital daily for 3 weeks.
Good luck