Reconstruction then chemo - worried about possible delays

Hi everyone, I’m trying to decide on what sort - if any - immediate reconstruction I should have with my up and coming mastectomy. I have chemo to follow, and already feel like I have had some big delays as I have already had a lumpectomy.

I’ve had the surgeon and the plastics team assure me that delays don’t matter and won’t change my outcome. My oncologist, however, is keen to avoid delays.

The plastics team were encouraging about a DIEP, but I’m very scared of a difficult recovery given the chemo to come. I don’t want to be in poor shape, but even more importantly I don’t want any outcomes to be affected by a delay to chemo as a result of reconstruction. The breast nurse (not the plastics team) suggested an implant to that could later be changed to a DIEP - saves the skin but quicker recovery. Oh, and everyone has told me something different about how soon chemo can follow reconstruction.

Does anyone have experience if this / advice to offer?

Hello Jaffacakes

Welcome to the forums. 

This must be a very difficult time for you but you have come to the right place for support from our experienced users who I’m sure will be along to support you soon.

You may like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer practical information as well as emotional support. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.

Best wishes

June, moderator