Hi everyone I have just logged back in after a couple of Years I think. It does feel like an isolating lonely journey. I have had my share of complications. Implant then DIEP and now I am waiting for my good Breast reduction to make it more or less symmetrical to the (re)constructed one. I like how one of you said that before so am copying, hope you don’t mind. My constructed breast does not look or feel like what I was expecting or hoping for, but it is better than just my flat chest wall I had for 2years. I had tissue breakdowns necrosis on both tummy and breast and now extensive scarring. But I have a cleavage now! So here come my few words of wisdom; be aware, if you had radiotherapy even if that was many years ago, it will affect healing massively especially if you go for implants. I will always say you must meet a plastics surgeon or 2 before you make up your mind on which reconstruction you want. Even if it means more waiting! Privately if you can or ask your gp, just for a second opinion. You don’t need to inform your treating team. I myself believe the DIEP should be considered seriously. If you are skinny it may be an issue. My surgeon had told me, there is no point in putting on weight if it’s for a single breast as the healthy breast will get bigger. I wish I did as I recommend from the start. I had my implant removed after 3 months. So for my second reconstruction I had to do my best to get it right. Finally, the best counselling I think is to talk with people like us, share experiences and seek advice. We could have a Teams or zoom forum I don’t know. I finally shared my concerns with my plastics nurse specialist and she asked me to put it in a letter. She is trying to provide patients with more information in a booklet to help them make the right choices etc. She is in agreement that the breast cancer team and plastics should have a more tight partnership. I think it will help avoid the unfortunate events I have been through. Try to have more positive moments whatever is thrown your way. As they say, when life gives you lemons have a tequila or lemonade if you’re tea total. F
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