Failed TE (3 times) - is DIEP a good option?

JamieNac

Hello.  I had my PBM on 2/28/17 in which I had TE's on both sides.  My right one has been in place since then, but my left TE pretty much hates me and I am now on my third go around with it.  I am 3.5 weeks post surgery to implant this third TE and it looks like it will probably have to be removed again due to infection.  After a long talk with my PS, it looks like he thinks DIEP will be a better move for me.  He has referred me to a colleague of his Dr. Mike Gimbel at UPMC (Pittsburgh, PA).

This has been such a hard process the past 19 months and has been hard on my husband and my two girls (4 and 7 years old).  My husband says he doesn't care what my breasts look like and just wants me to get healthy again and not have to see me go through anymore of this.  Being 36, I really think that I still want my breasts (or some form of them).  He is willing to go to the consult with the surgeon for the DIEP surgery and get a better understanding and will support me in whatever my decision is.

I guess my question is -- has anyone else gone through the TE route, failed and then went with DIEP?  Any pros or cons?  Any advice, suggestions?  Anything would be appreciated.  

Thank you!

Moderators

Hi JamieNac, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so very sorry to hear of these numerous complications you're having. We know there will be many others here who have some great advice to share with you, based on their experiences. We hope you find great support and that you come back often and share your progress with us as you navigate this difficult process.

Please let us know if there's anything at all we can do to help! Looking forward to hearing more from you soon.

--The Mods

star2017

Jamie, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m abot your age and also with small kids and can imagine how you feel. I hope things become easier soon

Lula73

I'm so sorry you've had to deal with failed TEs. I didn't have TE's - I went immediate DIEP but wanted to weigh in on DIEP recon and let you know i have zero regrets. One of the big differences when it comes to TEs vs DIEP is that DIEP is your own tissue not a foreign object. Far less likely to be rejected and more likely to heal well. Plus you get soft, warm, natural looking and feeling breasts that age with you with DIEP. I'll hunt up the questions you should ask the PS you consult with and post them for you. You should consult at least 2...this is not like having the mx or an appendectomy where any doc will do. Some docs are far more skilled than others and some have no business doing this surgery on anyone despite having the necessary qualifications. In short, you want a PS that is really really good at this particular surgery especially since you've already been thru the wringer. Here's a a link to a very informative video about recon and it includes DIEP. It tells you the things most PSs don't think tell you too. I'll also link to the top docs that do this procedure. Their site has their before and after photos on it too (note that you may not get these results with another PS). This group will do a consult free of charge over the phone with pics they email. Most women travel for this type of recon and yes it is worth it. Feel free to ask any questions here or PM me.

https://www.breastcenter.com/2018/05/01/i-wish-id-known-dr-dellacroce-speaks-to-ypo-about-modern-breast-reconstruction/

www.breastcenter.com

Meow13

I had good experience with DIEP one side only, never had TE's.

JamieNac

Thank you Star2017 for the response and the encouraging words.  I really appreciate it.

Lula - thank you so much for the link.  I enjoyed watching the video and learning a bit more about the DIEP surgery.  It is great that you are so happy with your DIEP results.  I agree that this is a very specific surgery that you can't just go with "anyone" and need to really find an experienced microsurgeon.  I have already started making a list of questions, but would absolutely appreciate any you can throw my way!  Thank you again and I appreciate the help!

Kalonis52

Hi Honey, I am glad you came to our website. This is the best place for advice. I lived on here when I was going thru BC Treatment in 2006.It helps build confidence and keeping a positive outlook for yourself while going thru BC. Anyways, for me, I did have the DIEP Flap Surgery done. I do wish I did take more time on making that decision. A lot, of women have the DIEP Flap done, and, they afterward, look great. I unfortunately, had bad luck with it. The Surgeon I had was a fairly new Plastic Surgeon. He was really nice, but, my scarring is awful honey. The scars should be more finer than they are. They are wide. I am 52, and, I would love to wear a bikini again. NOT! Really, any kind of bathing suit. I used to look good. ha. The entire surgery ruined my skin. My skin is Keloid type. And, JamieNac, it physically ruined my figure. It is awful, and, I have been so upset with it. But, it's too late. I am in Florida, and, I did all my Treatment and Surgery at Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. The most positive thing here, was the Hospital. It is one of the best known Cancer Hospitals in Florida. A lot of people even travel here to get the needed treatment for themselves or their family. So, I made a great decision on that. But, for the Plastic Surgeon, no. I do not advise him. I wont mention his name on here. Only, Privately. However, he did move to another hospital here in Florida. Take your time on making the decision if you can. If I could go back I think I would of had the Breast Implants put in not just on my leftside, but, both sides. It would of been less scarring and pain. That's a whole new story. The afterward pain is terrible honey. If you have any questions feel free honey. I do not come here much anymore. But, I will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Good Luck JamieNac...Blessings too!      

Kaloni

JamieNac I was just on Facebook. I joined the "The BreastCancer Site". There is a article on there regards to a new emerging breastcancer surgical technique. It is called, Lipofilling. Or, is Fat Grafting. Fat Tissue is removed "Liposuction" from other areas of the body, like the Stomach area. And, then processed into a liquid. And, inserted into the Breast. Hopefully, in the near future they will be able to reconstruct a whole new Breast. I would look into this. 

Kalonis52

Its a most definite finding an experienced Plastic Surgeon.

Runrcrb

JamieNac,

So sorry to read of your TE challenges. I had one in for 15 months - never had a health issue with it but never, not one day, was I not aware of it. I had DIEP surgery and despite it being a big surgery, my recovery from it was easier than from my mastectomy. Based on this site, I'm in the minority but I did want to comment that not every one is as debilitated in the short-term as many post. You won't be able to pick up your children for a while and the surgery is a big one. As Lula said, talk to a few and be open to travel but also to talented PSs who might be close by. Good luck

BC2chick71

hello,

I didn't have TE's but had DMX with immediate diep. I will echo you must know & feel comfortable with your PS. This is micro-surgery. They will be transplanting blood vessels to your newly formed breast from your tummy tissue. It sounds scary but the best thing I've ever done!

Ask questions: 1. How many diep have you done? 2. Do you have before & afters? 3. Do you have a former patient that would be willing to speak with me about her experience? 4. Are they on the board of Plastic Surgeons?

An experienced PS should welcome this.

I "interviewed" 3 plastic surgeons!

I absolutely LOVE my tummy. Its flat like when I was in high school. My scars are minimal. If in the Dallas area, I highly recommend Dr. Gregg Annigan. If in San Antonio area, PRMA.

Good luck!

MPBRlove

Hi JamieNac,

I'm a couple years out from DIEP so I don't come on the forum much. But I did want to let you know that Dr. Gimbel did my DIEP and he's fantastic! Ridiculously well trained, brilliant and skilled. He really listens and is honest and respectful.

I did immediate DIEP but I have a friend who had implants then DIEP. She was very happy with Dr. Gimbel, too.

We both thought Magee was great.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.