Hi all,
I've been recommended to have a bilateral mastecotmy due to three cancers over both sides, and a mutated ATM gene. I've seen two surgeons who have said the complete opposite.
I'm nearing end of chemo. I want immediate recon, I want the same both sides, and will be having three weeks rads to right. Sorry this is a long one but after some thoughts as I have a huge decision to make. Sorry it's long!
My inital breast surgeon said DIEP is best, will be smaller but implants they just wont do with rads. I saw my sister's surgeon who she was very pleased with, and a plastic surgeon at my hospital. I've got a third opinion booked in a couple of weeks but wondering people's experiences:
a) DIEP - my surgeon says there's not enough for two. Sister's one says there is. I don't know, think there might be maybe 70-80% depending how much round the side they use (if the iniscion goes to the hip can they take fat to there?). This is what I was expecting really until my plastic surgeon said not possible. Anyone else had them say this and it's been enough? Implants an option to bolster until fat grafting in a year, is that a thing? Problems?
b) Implants - sister's surgeon says to do this and then see in a year or so, can either stick with if not damaged by rads or do diep then. I was initally against plastic in me but perhaps pert boobs is a bonus. But will have to be replaced, I believe at my own cost, every ~10 years. My hospital just wont to this but could use my sister's surgeon and
c) LD flap - sister's surgeon is against doing this for bilateral, mine I think thinks is the best option. I'm worried with mobility for sailing. Also will still need implant whihch might still be damaged though and will have to be replaced at my own cost, every ~10 years.
(other flaps not options we're all agreed).
Input appreciated and well done and thanks if you've got this far!!
E.
