Hi, I was diagnosed last year, at the age of 48. I had a large area of my breast removed as I had lobular breast cancer then had a Latissimus Dorsi Flap. This is when they take a flap of skin/tissue from your back and fold it over to fill your breast. I do have a large scar but 16 months on the scar is barely visible. I only had/have small boobs and even though they aren't exactly the same, it's not too bad!! And they managed to save my nipple. I wouldn't think twice about having it done again.

Hi, I was diagnosed last year, at the age of 48. I had a large area of my breast removed as I had lobular breast cancer then had a Latissimus Dorsi Flap. This is when they take a flap of skin/tissue from your back and fold it over to fill your breast. I do have a large scar but 16 months on the scar is barely visible. I only had/have small boobs and even though they aren't exactly the same, it's not too bad!! And they managed to save my nipple. I wouldn't think twice about having it done again.

Hi there

Thanks for your reply. Its good to read that scarring although sometimes a long scar, can heal really neatly. I think the scars are one of the things I'm uncertain about!

I won't get to keep any of my breast or nipple, unfortunately, as the DCIS area is quite large and being ductal, they need to take the nipple too. I've been told they can make a nipple in a later surgery, or I could have a 3D tattoo. 

Not at all sure how I feel about that- and a lot to happen in between now and then I guess. 

How did you donor site heal (if you don't mind me asking). Again - the scars across my stomach also give me food for thought. Don't get me wrong, a tummy tuck wouldn't go amiss .... but it does mean lots more wounds to try and heal! 

I think they move the belly button too, so they can take the right blood vessels into the breast ....

What was your recovery like? I know everyone is different but roughly how long did it take for you to be mobile again? I know backs are not the same as tummies, but having had a C-section previously I actually found I was up and about much quicker than people had said. (Due to impactience I guess!)

How do you find your new breast? is the size / weight what you expected and similar in the way it moves to your natural breast? This is one of the (many) reasons I've discounted an implant .... the 'falseness' of it ... (although I appreciate that for some women it is a good choice). 

Sorry for the barrage of questions - but it is so useful to be able to ask people what it is like - and get honesty in return. 

Thanks again x