Hi, 

It's a very personal choice and so the decision is all yours. I said to myself when making the decision that it is me who has to live with the results for the rest of my life.

After much discussion with BCN's, Surgeon's and reading the breast cancer now reconstruction booklet and recovery chart, I opted for the diep flap. I had my surgery two weeks ago today and I am very pleased with the results and positively surprised at how well I am recovering.

If you want to know anything else, let me know and I'll be happy to tell you. 
 
All the best with your decision making and I'd love to hear what you decide. 
 

Mickey xx ️

Many thanks for your response and great to hear how well it has gone for you, how long do you think you will be recovering? 

Did you opt for stomach fat removal and how does it feel now? I am a bit worried about messing with more parts of my body so the implant seems more straightforward but as you say this is for life.

thanks again

Hi again, 

I am completely mobile now and walked over 5k outside today and so I think my recovery is going very well.  

The Breast Cancer Now 'comparing types of breast reconstruction chart' provides approximate recovery times of 6-8 weeks for implant and 6-12 for the diep. 

One of my considerations was the fact that I didn't want the hassle of further surgery to change the implants when they need changing. 

The scar is bikini line for the diep and it is hip to hip, but it is healing well and not causing me any pain. I should have the dressing taken off the wound at my BCN appointment tomorrow and last week she said if my progress continues (which I think it has), that it won't need re-dressing again. My tummy felt very tight for the first few days, but I have to say I've been doing my exercises and I have no problems sitting up from lying down or bending down etc. 

Im really pleased with the results of my breast, I was lucky to get skin spraring and so my cleavage in my bra looks just like it always did, which has helped my confidence. 

Of course, everyone's decisions and experiences will be different. It's so important that you are happy with your decision. I have no regrets whatsoever, I am fully confident I made the best decision under the circumstances. 

Hope that helps a little - Mickey xx ️

Thank you very much that's really helpful I might have a few more questions when I visit my p. Surgeon next week to decide so appreciate your response! 
 

Keep up the great recovery! Delighted that it's a success and you are pleased with the results,gives me hope! 

My pleasure and yes, I would certainly encourage you to write down and ask as many questions that you can think of.  Very important decision for you to make and it's important you feel fully confident in making it. 

Thank you and please keep me posted with your decision/progress. 

Best wishes Mickey xx ️

Thanks Mickey!  
 

Are there any forums that you used to help you make your decision or to ask the right questions? 
 

I am worried about choosing the longer surgery and then being unable to be up and about for my kids and to get back to day to day life, the 3 Months recovery is very daunting. I do think the natural DCIS way does seem like a good option for the long term though but so hard to know what to do especially when faced with all of this news and decisions to be made. 

thanks again  xx 

Ps Did you have Sentinel Node with the surgery? 
 

Morning, 

I looked at the breastcancernow website, I searched for the breast reconstruction booklet, which if you haven't yet, I would highly recommend. My hospital usually supply copies, but they had run out. I also searched for the chart that I mentioned before and their post surgery 'your operation and recovery' booklet.  I posted like you did and asked any questions I had. The breast cancer now website also has a chat function, although I haven't used it.  I am not aware of specific reconstruction forums. I guess I was lucky that I had two friends who within the last ten years had been through this procedure, although both were delayed and not immediate reconstructions. I remembered bits of their journeys, but was able to ask specific questions I had. 

If you have specific questions you don't want to ask your surgeon or BCN, I'm happy to help if I can. 

It is a hard decision, especially when you have kids at home. Everyone's experience will be slightly different as we all heal differently.  However, so far the tummy part has been ok after the first week once I got used to sitting up and down etc. I think the arms and breast recovery is probably similar whatever breast surgery you have, but I'm no expert, that's just my opninion on what I've read and what people have told me.  No lifting heavy items and over stretching your arms is something you will need to be careful of whatever reconstruction you choose.  Three months does sound daunting, but I'm sure most people, like me, are able to do most things much before then. 

Yes, in the end I had my sentinel lymph nodes biopsy at the same time. The positive of that is that I don't have a different  incision site for that and so use of my arms hasn't been overly impacted. I have to tell myself not to lift etc as I'm not in obvious discomfort there. The downside is that I had to make my surgery choices without knowing if my lymph nodes were cancerous and I still don't know yet. 

How big is your area of DCIS and do you know the grade? 

I hope that helps a little more, but happy to help if you want something more specific if I can. 

Im going back to see my BCN this morning. 

Virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Thanks so much Mickey and I hope your appointment goes well today. Fingers crossed for you but seems like you are doing great so keep it up!  My DCIS was intermediate and is 7cm (ER positive) which seems fairly large so worried about the outcome of the Sentinel Node test too on top of everything. 

Hopefully I will get a follow up appt scheduled soon which will help. 
 

thx so much 

x 

Thank you, my appointment went really well and I don't need to be seen again by plastics until by the plastic surgeon on 18th March.  Bad news re my results though, these have been delayed further until 24th January. Covid, I should think. 

Have they said they are definitely doing a sentinel lymph node biopsy? I didn't think they usually did those with dcis? I have two areas of dcis, but also an invasive tumour (hopefully had as successfully removed at surgery) .

I hope you get another appointment soon too xx ️

Glad to hear appt went well and recovery is on track and on results no news is good news for now so keep the faith! X 

yes they are doing Sentinel biopsy at the same time maybe because it was a large enough area, not invasive but think they want to find out if that's the case or not.

Are you still up and able to go for walks? That's seriously impressive! 

Hi Sarah Louise 

Ive just been reading your posts about your choices. I have spoken to Mickey as we got talking as had very similar surgery. I do think your recovery is very dependent on your own health and fitness. If you are relatively fit I think you heal quicker. I didn't really get offered a choice my consultant really wanted me to have the flap surgery as that was the best outcome for me and my age. So much so they pulled in a favour to get me the surgery! He didn't think an implant was a good choice! The only reason he gave was that if I need further treatment the flap surgery is your own tissue so reacts better. 
That said I had a high BMI so had to lose some weight to bring it down which I managed! Think it was all the stress!  I ended up having a tram flap instead of Diep flap. Very similar they still used my tummy muscle and tissue and had the surgery the same time as mastectomy so have my own cleavage. I have gone from a E cup to a C cup ( they also reduced my other boob on the same day so am even!)

I have been recovering now and am on my 7th week. I turned a corner at 6 weeks but up till then it was tough going, I wasn't in pain but was on lots of meds but remember this was all due to my size. I am down to two small plasters on my chest where the incisions have taken longer to heal but I have to admit it's all worth it when you look at your figure. I had node taken 2 weeks before and got the results the day of my surgery ( clear) so now just waiting on Oncotype Dx test to see if I need chemo. 
Like Mickey says it's definitely a personal choice and only you can make it and which ever you decide will be the right one for you. I'm 53 and like dressing up so having a tummy tuck hasn't done any harm! Lol. My daughter can't believe how well I look. I lost 7lb after the surgery! lol.

Anyway like Mickey I'm happy to answer any questions just thought you might like to hear from someone who's journey hasn't been so quick so you can make an informed decision. Good luck with everything and remember the most important part in all this is getting rid of the growths! The rest doesn't really matter as what you choose will be fine . 
Inwish you all the best. Katherine x

Hi Sarah Louise 

Ive just been reading your posts about your choices. I have spoken to Mickey as we got talking as had very similar surgery. I do think your recovery is very dependent on your own health and fitness. If you are relatively fit I think you heal quicker. I didn't really get offered a choice my consultant really wanted me to have the flap surgery as that was the best outcome for me and my age. So much so they pulled in a favour to get me the surgery! He didn't think an implant was a good choice! The only reason he gave was that if I need further treatment the flap surgery is your own tissue so reacts better. 
That said I had a high BMI so had to lose some weight to bring it down which I managed! Think it was all the stress!  I ended up having a tram flap instead of Diep flap. Very similar they still used my tummy muscle and tissue and had the surgery the same time as mastectomy so have my own cleavage. I have gone from a E cup to a C cup ( they also reduced my other boob on the same day so am even!)

I have been recovering now and am on my 7th week. I turned a corner at 6 weeks but up till then it was tough going, I wasn't in pain but was on lots of meds but remember this was all due to my size. I am down to two small plasters on my chest where the incisions have taken longer to heal but I have to admit it's all worth it when you look at your figure. I had node taken 2 weeks before and got the results the day of my surgery ( clear) so now just waiting on Oncotype Dx test to see if I need chemo. 
Like Mickey says it's definitely a personal choice and only you can make it and which ever you decide will be the right one for you. I'm 53 and like dressing up so having a tummy tuck hasn't done any harm! Lol. My daughter can't believe how well I look. I lost 7lb after the surgery! lol.

Anyway like Mickey I'm happy to answer any questions just thought you might like to hear from someone who's journey hasn't been so quick so you can make an informed decision. Good luck with everything and remember the most important part in all this is getting rid of the growths! The rest doesn't really matter as what you choose will be fine . 
Inwish you all the best. Katherine x

hello

Im in a bit of a dilemma, I am 2 years after masectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. Since my surgery I have been unhappy with how I look and wearing prothesis and it has taken me this long to really recover and get my energy back. I'm now feeling well and prepared to have the reconstruction surgery. I have an appointment with my Consultant on 4th Jan , I'm hoping to have the DIEP with tummy having read as much as I can about the procedures. I am an older person but still want to look and feel attractive! Here's hoping for a positive outcome....would love to hear about anyone else's experience of reconstruction 

Silver 

Thanks a lot Katherine for your reply. It is great to hear your journey. Fantastic that the nodes were clear that's another big worry of mine!

I feel very uneducated on all but hopefully that will be rectified once I talk to my plastic surgeon.

Initially I thought implant might be best to get faster recovery with less complications but there are pros and cons and the real skin element is a benefit. It feels like such a long time to be healing. How fast were you up and about in your home comparing to in bed as that thought really does frighten me. 

But you're right i have to remember the goal here.

Did your surgeon say there were pros and cons for where they take the excess tissue from? Worried about this too and having multiple scars. 

How  did you both handle the drains and did you get help in when you came home from hospital? Feels very daunting to me.

BTW Lovely to get the support from your daughter too, bet she's very proud of her Mom x 

Thanks so much to both you and Mickey 

SL 

Hi Silver, 

I think this thread gives a lot of info about my experience with the diep and hopefully that will help. This is Day 16 post surgery for me and all is going well for me. If you have any questions, I'm happy to help. 

Best wishes Mickey xx ️

Hi

I was up and about after 2 days. They encourage you to be up ASAP. The drains are fine you don't really notice them and mine where taken out while in hospital. You also have a catheter which again is taken out ASAP. Once that's gone then your up and walking. The more you do the better. I walked around my cubicle every couple of hours as wanted to get home as soon as poss. I did end up staying in 7 days as I got an ear infection! If all things. Once home I was up every day but did spend a lot of time on the sofa. Usually a little walk and then a rest. Recovery is on going and does take about 6 weeks as you can't drive and lift anything initially but I'm guessing it'll be something similar for implant. Tummy cut is big as it does go from hip to hip but that healed really well. You are left with a scar of course and mine is at the top of where my knicjerbline would be if wearing a normal pair of knickers. I wouldn't be wearing a bikini! But I wouldn't have worn one anyway! Lol. Tummy is numb some days but that is fading. They actually pull your skin down so your tummy is flat. Mine lost a how overhang from my c section scar so was a bonus! 
You need someone with you for at least a week as you'll not feel up to too much, my husband went back to work after that. I was grateful when he came home though and he did cook tea every night so I could rest. It is definitely a big op and will take time to fully recover but you are not bed ridden or anything like that. Hope that helps and to you all good luck with whatever ops you chose. 
xx

Thanks for all your brilliant advice gals and honestly I would be lost without all the tips and support so thank you to everyone ... good to hear there are some bonuses to these challenging times re tummy! Also a good sign that you managed the surgery even with the caesarean scar.  And with the pandemic at least that might help to have more support around me which thankfully I will have. 
I was unsure how much time to take off work as keen to get back to working remotely but it might be difficult to sit up at a computer desk?

thanks again  
xxxx SL

Hi Sarah Louise

i thought I'd share my experience as I have 3 school-age kids. I had the DIEP flap 1 month ago - I had a 1cm tumour of invasive cancer and widespread DCIS in my left breast. I didn't want an implant so asked for the DIEP flap which my consultant had told me about when he gave me my diagnosis. He said I wouldn't get a great result anyway with an implant as I am an A cup. He refers lots of patients for DIEP flaps and agreed it was the best option for me. Re appearance if I wear underwear then I look exactly like I did before - my breasts are completely symmetrical - but with a totally flat stomach. The abdominal scar is hidden by my knickers. There is a circular scar round where my nipple was. I am a size 8 and am finding that my tummy is very tight. I wasn't stooped at all after my op but I'm hoping the tightness relaxes. I'm still wearing control pants which are very tight so I think I will be a lot more comfortable when I can take those off in 2 weeks.

I stayed in hospital for 3 nights. I had 2 drains both of which were taken out before I was discharged. In the hospital they were very keen on us being mobile so I would walk slowly up and down the corridor. When I came home I started walking outside and gradually built up the distance. 2 weeks after the op I was able to walk 5km no problem.

I've had a couple of duvet days since I came home but generally I've got up and dressed every day right from the beginning. I would say it's best to do as little as possible for the first 2 weeks and then you can start increasing. For those first 2 weeks there's a lot to get your head round - working out how to sleep when you have to stay fairly upright, getting dressed and undressed (takes a while as you have compression stockings, control pants and bra to wrestle with), injecting yourself with blood thinner (although not every hospital asks you to do this), doing your physio exercises. The nurse was amazed how well I'd healed after 10 days - I think that was down to how much I rested, and the fact that I was pretty fit beforehand. I did actually visit a friend for coffee 6 days after my op - she lives a 10-minute walk away. Other than that and my walks in the woods I stayed home. That was also because of COVID. I was told it was really important not to get COVID after the op as it has a negative impact on recovery so I stayed away from people - other than my friend who's shielding herself.

My husband took some time off work so he did most stuff with the kids but I was able to do bits and pieces if I paced myself eg sort laundry, cook, play board games with the kids, walk the dog to the groomers with my son (25 mins there, 25 mins back - I did that 3 weeks after the op), wash up. We had a lot of help from our church too - people brought us meals, drove my kids to activities, walked our dog a couple of times and one lovely person drove me on a 3-hour round trip for my follow-up appointment at the dressings clinic. I find it really difficult to ask for help but it was a lifesaver especially as something urgent came up at my husband's work and he couldn't help as much as he'd planned.

Hope that helps. Most days I'm glad I chose the DIEP flap. On removing the cancer and how I look I would say it feels like a miracle. The thing that is hard is the abdominal tightness which I hope will relax in time. Oh one more thingthe hospital lent me a DVD which showed the scarring for the different types of ops. It was really helpful. I think they have uploaded some of the material on their website. There was a brief moment when the plastic surgeon said I might be better using tissue from my inner thighs but I'd seen the scarring for that op and didn't feel comfortable with it. So in the end he did everything he could to make sure I could have the DIEP flap (by repeatedly locating my abdominal blood vessels with a Doppler). It felt a bit odd to care so much about the scarring but you do have to live with your new body. I really like mine - all my pregnancy stretch marks have been removed so I'm intending to live in a bikini when the summer comes!!
 

Wishing you all the best as you work out what's right for you xx

Hi Elizabeth,

thank you very much for sharing your journey. It really has given me a lot of hope along with the other posts! 
I am delighted and inspired to hear your recovery is going so well. I hope your tummy feels better soon but I would think yes when more time has passed it will be better as the body is amazing at adapting so it takes time.

Thanks again for all the detail it's very much appreciated and keep up with the great recovery ️‍  

SL xxx 

Sadly the moderator removed the name of the hospital from my post. The hospital website has a link to YouTube where they've uploaded 11 short videos explaining the different reconstruction options using your own tissue and exactly what you should expect re your hospital stay and recovery. Clearly some of the detail will differ depending on the hospital but I found it so helpful to watch before I met the plastic surgeon - especially the photos of results and the women talking about their experiences. You can DM me if you'd like to know how to find it xx

That would be great thanks 

Love to hear also from anyone who has gone the implant route and what the experience was like?