Hi, I’ve been newly diagnosed with breast cancer and advised that a full mastectomy and potential reconstruction is my treatment path. I’ve been given the option of either a DIEP (so using tissue from my stomach) or LD (tissue from my back) flap reconstruction, and I’m just trying to weigh up the pros and cons. I have a question about the LD back flap reconstruction that I can’t seem to find an answer for anywhere -

after the operation how much use do you have in your arm or hand in the immediate days after the operation? so I can find lots of information that says after 1 to 2 weeks you have some movement/ light use, but what about those first few days to 2 weeks? How much will I be able to use my arm/hand or move it? is it not at all? Is it effectively unusable initially ? Is there anybody who has experienced this, that can give me some advice on what that’s gonna be like and feel like in those first couple of weeks please?

I live alone so this kind of detail is the kind of thing that could make recovering hell or manageable. 

Thanks for your help!