Hi Fucancer, 

How unfortunate you have been with cancer affecting you twice and both times on the right side of your body, first your tongue and then your breast. 

Alice the camel! I remember that song so the reference made me smile though I can imagine this has been a frustrating process for you. It's important to take your time and read about all your reconstruction options. Our website has useful information on breast reconstruction where you can find out more about the different types of breast reconstruction. It's great that you discussed your options with your surgeon - you will also find out more on our website on the DIEP reconstruction but talking things through and weighing all the pros and cons with your surgeon is a very good idea as they will be able to advise you on what would work best for you in your particular case. 

I hope that you will get the insights of others on here who have had DIEP reconstruction before and that they will share with you how it went and how the healing progressed. I had a little look on the forum for you to find other members who had had a DIEP reconstruction or who were considering it recently and I have found Boneyjoney 's DIEP thread - this member was wondering at the time whether to go for a DIEP reconstruction or implant. I am not sure what they decided in the end but don't hesitate to drop them a line as it can be helpful to talk to others who have faced similar reconstruction choices. Silverdays also posted this thread on their experience after DIEP reconstruction and if you type the keywords 'DIEP' in our forum search which is located at the top of the page, you will be able to see other past relevant threads from others who have had this type of reconstruction before. 

Our cancer nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you would like to talk through your options with them - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

I hope you won't mind but I have slightly changed the title of your thread so that it includes the words 'reconstruction' and 'DIEP' and can be more easily spotted by others who have been in your position before. I hope someone will be along shortly who has had this type of surgery and that they will tell you more about whether they regained full flexibility in their stomach and how the recovery went for them. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Lucie

Thank you so much for the links and suggestions.

I will take a look, I was ok going ahead with the Diep but a friend of my Dad's lost his daughter to cancer after going through masectomy, chemo, radiation and then a diep. Apparently she couldn't stand up straight even after the healing time and died 8 months later. She too had the operation at the same hospital. So  it's made me feel a little down. Especially when I jokingly said to the plastic surgeon more battle scars and his reply was that's the price you pay... pause.. for vanity. I was fine going back to work then later that night the impact of his words just hit me. Telling a woman who has lost her breast, previously lost part of her tongue wanting reconstruction which I understand is part of the treatment process it's vanity.

Jacqui x

Hi Jacqui, 

That's terrible what happened to your dad's friend's daughter not being able to stand up straight and passing away 8 months later - that must have been a traumatic experience and it seems to have marked you and understandably made you feel down. I can't believe they told you that it's the price to pay for vanity - not the most sensitive approach!

I hope that you will hear from the experiences of our forum members and that some of these will be positive and will make you feel better and more confident about your possible options. 

Good luck making an informed decision and finding the best options for you. It might be worth seeking a second opinion and talking to another surgeon/ specialist who shows more empathy and understanding about what would be most suitable for you. 

Lucie