Hi. I’m 51. 7 years post BC with mastectomy to right breast and an expander implant which I’ve had for 7 years and need to have a reconstruction.
I’m sporty and love working out (running and body resistance training). It gives me more energy and manages my mental health.
The issue I have is finding out what is the best recon to have when you’re sporty/active?
I’ve been advised I can have the LD back flap and maybe the tummy DIEP flap recon if I’m a good fit (I’ve been gaining weight)
Is anyone also sporty or active, who has had either of these operations a few years ago and can advise on recovery?
Can you tell me if you have managed to get your strength/fitness back at all?
Especially your arm range of movement with the LD flap recon? I use my arms a lot working out.
I’m hoping that it might be possible? But also aware I may struggle.
Thanks in advance xx
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Welcome to the forum @tinybutmighty,
As you may have seen already, the forum is a helpful and supportive place. You can also use the search function to find previous discussions on specific topics.
If you have anything you’d like to talk through, please do phone our helpline where you can speak to our specialist breast cancer nurses on 0808 800 600 - they’re there for any questions or a chat.
Wishing you all the best for making a decision that works best for you.
Sending our warmest,
Lucy
Hello. I am also 51, diagnosed earlier this year, and had an immediate implant reconstruction after mastectomy 3 months ago. Like you I am very sporty (contemporary and dance, martial arts, pilates) and use my arms and whole body a lot. I opted for an implant because I could not bear the thought of being cut elsewhere and having to recover from this as well (I had C-sections and it took time for this to heal before I could sit up etc. and resume exercise more generally).
Three months on from my operation I have gone back to Pilates and can move my body as I used to except from the shoulder on the side of the operation. I still haven’t regained the full mobility for that shoulder. I was very careful first with only doing the small recommended post-surgery exercises (scared that the implant would move!) but they helped to increase movement range and I keep practicing these post-surgery exercises with others to progressively rebuild shoulder strength and movement as my aim is to resume dance in September, i.e. 5-6 months after surgery. Improvements are slow and my shoulder still sore though, but it is the only place where my body aches! Recovery times for implant-based reconstructions are known to be shorter than with own-tissue reconstructions. I wanted to keep doing sports so for me less invasive surgery was the decisive factor. All the best with your decision and whichever surgery you go for. xx