Reconstruction during herceptin only?

Leatherette

I am going to see my plastic surgeon next week and hear what he says, but I’m impatient. Can you have reconstruction while you are doing herceptin only? And I plan to do diep flap; I don’t know if implants are a different story.

I really hope I don’t have to wait.

Erob321

my plastic surgeon and mo both said reconstruction during herceptin was ok, but I’ve heard the diep flap healing time is longer than with just an implant like I’m doing. But if you’re doing herceptin every 3 weeks, I would think that would be enough time in between. I would have to wait if I got radiation though, so hoping that’s not in my future, I’m getting impatient as well, but I’m just at the beginning.

kcat2013

I was able to do reconstruction while on Herceptin only. My MO just had my white blood count done about a week before surgery--if it had been low she would have had me do neupogen shots before surgery.

Leatherette

Thanks for the replies! I’m a little less anxious now.

Jedrik

My skin, nail, and hair growth markedly improved about half a year after last Herceptin. While I was on it, my skin was thin and I got scratches for the slightest reason. My nails were really soft, and easily got dented or broke off. Generally recovery from anything - exercise or a minor cold - was delayed.

I healed ok after BMX and scar revision, but I would expect better healing and faster results after that stuff is out of the system.

Melruth

Yes you can.I did DIEP flap reconstruction with Herceptin only as I'd completed my chemo. I did a reverse protocol procedure where I did chemo and radiation before my skin sparing mastectomy & reconstruction and I did not have any problems with healing. Best of luck!

Leatherette

I saw my ps today, and we can move forward while I’m on Herceptin as long as my heart is good. Getting the tissue expander 2/14/18!