Dear all, I am a 35 year old mom who is planning preventative surgery as I am positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation. I am quickly approaching the age that my mother was first diagnosed with cancer so feel that I need to have the surgery sooner rather than later. I had almost discounted the DIEP option as we are still unsure as to whether we would like another child however I have been told that pregnancy after a DIEP is ok. If anyone has been through a DIEP and then had another child I would welcome your advice and experience. I will also have a toddler to look after the surgery so any tips would be greatfully received! Many thanks!
Hi Bex B,
A good friend of mine has the BRc2 gene, and had her breasts removed in mid 20s her mum was suffering from breast cancer at the same time. They told her to wait until she had children but she said no she wanted it done then. She had her daughter now 10, a few years later, a lovely little girl and all was well. She hasnt yet had ovaries removed but knows will have to soon as her sister and cousin who also have gene have already,june
Hi BexB and welcome to the BCC forums
In addition to the support here please feel free to contact our helpliners to talk any concerns or queries through, they may be able to put you in touch with someone via our ‘Someone like me’ service whereby you can talk to someone who has had similar issues and concerns to you
Helpline is open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays on 0808 800 6000
Here’s a link to more information about the support services mentioned above :
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/someone-talk
Take care
Lucy BCC
My surgeon made me promise him I would not get pregnant within a year of having DIEP flap reconstruction. He said after a year there would not be an issue with me having another baby. No doors closed.
He also said that implants might be a better option than DIEP for me as a mum to 2 young children, because there would be less recovery time impacting family life.
I’m still deciding which option to go with. I do like the idea of my wrinkly, flabby mummy-tummy being stretched away tbh, and of covering the abdominal scar with a pretty tattoo (nope, never had one before but I wouldn’t want to just see scarring when I look in the mirror) …but I also totally accept his point about recovery times impacting family life.
xx