Delayed reconstruction? Anyone?

JRNJ

Whatjusthappened, I am planning DIEP also. I just finished radiation and have to wait 6 months. I had tissue expanders put in, in September and they were removed due to infection. That gave me more time to think and research. I am trying to gain weight in order to avoid implants. I really didn't like my old ones, saggy DDs I always tried to hide, BUT, they were me and I just want to look and feel like me. Shooting for perky C's. If they are too small after DIEP I might consider small implants. For the first time I am starting to feel guilty. I just returned to work after 8 months and feel like I will be leaving again for "elective" surgery. It is hard to explain to people, but we absolutely deserve it and shouldn't feel guilty. I hope you don't pay too much, my surgeon said insurance covers it for the rest of your life. Regarding fake ones, I never thought I'd be wearing fake boobs for over a year. I got knitted knockers for free and they are so comfortable and light and look great. It is just foam like from the craft store, so I stuffed all my sports bras with it. I also bought some foam ones from Amoena, which they call post-surgical puffs, lol, no need for plastic or silicone in my world.

Whatjusthappened

JRNJ, I have a pair of knitted knockers too, and they are pretty comfortable but always want to ride up to my shoulders. My favorite inserts are the mastectomy inserts from Athleta, but they ride up as well. I think it might have a lot to do with the way I'm built. I need the heavier weight to hold them down or else my bra digs right into my scars.

I do have my surgery date now and am getting over feeling guilty about it as it looms closer. A lot of women get their reconstruction surgery the time of their mastectomy and no one bats an eye about it. It's just going back after a period of time that people start looking at it as "elective." Not our fault that reconstruction wasn't an option early on (or that there were complications in your case). I do understand why it would be hard for you after taking off so much work though. I've felt like my coworkers have been so supportive during the times I've had to take off, but I never want to push it.

There's no need for me to gain weight before surgery-my concern is that they will be too big. I've always been between a B And a C and don't want to go above that. The PS said it's easier to go bigger and have to reduce them at Phase 2 than vise versa.

Wishing you all the best as you are healing up and getting back to work.

LoveFlorida

I am planning on having Diep surgery June 25th. Really nervous but I feel it will give me a feeling of closing the door on this journey that started June 2019.
My Hercaptin will be completed end of August and with Diep recovery being June 25 thru August 25th I have a goal I am moving toward. August 25th 🎉🎉

LoveFlorida

I am 5’7” and weigh 147 lbs. I will be pretty small and okay with that. I was told if I gain weight or lose weight it didn’t help with size of boob. Because when I lost weight the boob would then get smaller.

Whatjusthappened

LoveFlorida, I hope everything goes well for your upcoming surgery! Keep us posted on how it goes.

JRNJ

what just happened, thanks you too!

Love Florida, I was thinking that🤔. Why do so many drs say different things. Well it happened naturally anyway because all I wanted was ice cream during chemo. But I just started Lupron and aromosin and I’m miserable and lost my appetite now.