Anyone have DIEP flap after lumpectomy

Txtcher

My dx was IDC ER/PR+, HER2 unequivocal, and DCIS 3x positive, node neg in 2016. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. 3 years later I am suffering the consequences of sx and rads because I had breast implants that were not removed before treatment (poor medical advice..if I had known...very angry..full of regrets that I didn’t just have a mastectomy).

I now have pain, swelling and contracture in right breast from the surgery and rads. I am seeing a micro surgeon next week to discuss options. One being, remove implant and scar tissue and a DIEP flap to reconstruct the breast. I am terrified, and was shocked when I was told I am no longer a good candidate because of rads to have the implant replaced. Also told that to simply have implant and scar tissue removed would leave a mess. That my best option is now DIEP flap. And depending on the amount of tissue, I may need a mastectomy after all. Along with cost concerns, I am struggling with what to do. Should I put myself through this? I feel guilty that once again, I am asking my husband to be my caregiver while I recover, and cost (I have no idea what insurance will cover, but even with full coverage, I will pay 20% co-ins). I feel guilt because I don’t want to live with a mess and want the reconstruction.

All that aside, is there anyone out there that had implants when they were dx and had the same treatment?

Moderators

Dear Txtcher,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that your diagnosis and complications from treatment have brought you here. We are glad that you reached out to our members for some help. While you are waiting on some replies you may want to check out information on DIEP flap surgery from our main site. You can also use the search function in the blue tool bar and enter the words in quotes "DIEP flap after Lumpectomy". Such a search will take you to other posts containing those words and it might offer you some members to whom you can correspond via private message. Let us know what else we can do to assist you.

The Mods

JRNJ

Txtcher, I did not have lumpectomy, but am deciding this week on implants vs. DIEP. My philosophy is think long term not short term. I know the surgeries are hard and painful, but will be over soon and you have a lifetime to live. My kids are 12 and 14 and in all kinds of activities. I mostly take care of myself and tell my husband you need to take care of the kids (mostly driving). Although I know DIEP will be much harder than Mx and C-section and I may need more help. I had tissue expanders put in and than taken out due to infection. I need radiation and am doing chemo now. I was going to try implants one more time, and put in tissue expanders in-between chemo and radiation, but have decided DIEP is the best option with possible implants also. I don't want to delay my radiation and I risk failure due to radiation and infection, like what happened to you. Or the two sides being too different if there isn't enough time to fill the radiated side before radiation. And I have 6 months to gain more weight and possibly avoid implants. I was also told my BS who I hated left too much tissue. So during surgery, the PS needs to remove the excess tissue and "complete" the mastectomy.

Txtcher

JRNJ: thank you for the response. Thinking long term is excellent advice. I wish you the very best on your journey. You have been through so much all ready. I admire your strength and courage