This is all new to me, so scary & confusing with all the different terminology. I have to have my right breast removed after already having an op to remove cancerous cells. I am currently thinking breast reconstruction but very unsure whether to go with LD flap on shoulder or DIEP I think it is taking no muscle from my tummy region. With LD some have said no wouldn’t have had that done then my physio said it isn’t that bad affecting everyday usage. I am not into rock climbing or swimming for England but would like to hear how LD flap has affected others in everyday life.
Hi I have had LD flap and it hasn’t affected me at all strength wise. I don’t notice any weakness. I was happy after the surgery and it is a smaller op however I developed a capsular contracture after 18 months and had to have the implant removed. I have since had the tram flap which is similar to diep which is a much bigger op than the LD though I did recover quite well from both. I would still have had the LD and been happy with it had I not had complications. The surgeon said that I had an extreme reaction to the radiotherapy and had severe scarring which he had never seen before which caused the implant to contract. It is a very difficult decision I know as I agonised over it for a while before I made my decision if only we had a crystal ball x
Hi Lulu-art
It’s Emily here from Breast Cancer Care.
While you’re waiting for replies on here, I wanted to let you know that we have volunteers who would be happy to share their experiences of reconstruction:
**Isabel, Catriona **and Claire all had LD flaps and can be contacted by email:
isabel@breastcancercare.org.uk
catriona@breastcancercare.org.uk
claire@breastcancercare.org.uk
We can also put you in touch with someone by telephone who had the DIEP flap. Feel free to give us a call if you’d like us to arrange this: 0345 077 1893
Best wishes
Emily at Breast Cancer Care
Hello Lulu-art I had a DIEP flap last November. It involves taking fat and tissue from your abdomen (tummy) but not muscle. I have not had any problems with my abdominal muscles since the operation. You will have a scar across your abdomen, most people have low scar at the bikini line. My reconstructed breast is very soft and matches my other one very well. I can see the the BCC people have suggested that you use their ‘Someone Like Me’ service to speak to somebody who has had these procedures, if you have not taken up their offer then I would recommend it; I spoke to two ladies at different times and found their advice really helpful.
Best wishes with your future treatment
Strawberry