Hi,
Folllowing failed bilateral LD reconstruction (a lengthy, ongoing saga since January 2004, involving 10 surgeries so far!) I am currently on the waiting list for DIEP procedure, having been referred to PS in Nottingham by PS in my home town of Sheffield.
I joined the waiting list in Nottingham last October and was told then to expect to wait 12 months.
His secretary now tells me that the wait is currently 14 months!
I am so desperate to have this procedure and am becoming depressed by the wait.
I’d love to know how long other ladies have waited for their DIEP and what area they’re from.
I wonder also, if any other ladies have gone on to have DIEP following LD reconstruction and would be really interested to hear / share their experiences.
I haven’t been on here since I was diagnosed 7 years ago - the site looks pretty different now!
Anyway, thanks in anticipation
Thanks
Hi sorry I can’t answer your questions but I was just wondering what went wrong with your LD as mine’s just formed a capsule round it X
Hi Kaye
Sorry to hear you have problems too. I have to say that I have been very unlucky with my reconstruction. At the risk of boring you, but seeing as you asked, I’m happy to share my story:
Bilateral mastectomy aged 44 in April 2002 (4.5cm tumour in right breast and DCIS in left.)Right axillary clearance - 2 out of 15 nodes affected. 8 cycles of chemo, followed by 25 radiotherapy. On Tamoxifen since and no evidence of further disease.
Cancer wise I’ve been very lucky but my reconstruction journey has been a nightmare.
January 2004 - bilateral LD reconstruction. Right implant had to be removed 6 days post op, due to infection and wound breakdown.Lots of problems healing.
May 2005 - right expander implant replaced. Almost lost it again 5 weeks post op but I.V antibiotics saved it.
January 2006 - left expander implant removed, as not in a good position when expanded - too high up! Replaced with permanent implant.
March 2006 - left implant had to be removed due to presumed wound infection again.
October 2006 - left implant put back in.
Early November 2006 - left implant removed again due to presumed recurrent infection.
Mid November 2006- left side wound breakdown, pus +++. Returned to theatre for wound wash out and drainage.
August 2007 - right sided filler dome removed in theatre due to discomfort.
November 2007 - left implant replaced but now have capsular contraction on the left and the right side implant has slipped and is extremely uncomfortable.
Original PS felt that further implants to correct and improve appearance were doomed to fail and referred me to the specialist for the DIEP.
I accept that my story is not typical but I really can’t wait to get the next job done and try and move on. I’m becoming frustrated at the long waiting time but unless I win the lottery and pay for the op privately I have to bide my time.
As I say Kaye, I’m sorry you’re having problems and if there’s anything else you want to know or ask me, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Regards
Oh my god doxey I have nothing to complain about after hearing your story!! You poor thing hope gets better! Sorry never noticed your reply - so honestly not ignoring you!! Got my PS surgeon on the 1st June so waiting to hear what they have to say but I’m not convinced my implant has formed a capsule round it as its now gone all lumpy but seems to not be so tight??? I don’t know!!! Hope things improving with you?
Best wishes
Kaye x