Evaluating pros/cons for reconstruction

LCMPlano

Just diagnosed with DCIS Left breast, high grade, Trayer score of 27-due to mother and 2 sisters having breast cancer and mother dying from uterine cancer and one sister having a pheochromocytoma. Going to plastic surgeon today. Plan is for bilateral mastectomy due to high risk/family history. Trying to decide between implants and autologous reconstruction. Nervous about developing autoimmunity with implants. However, the thought of extensive surgery with autologous reconstruction is worrisome. And the timing....my daughter is getting married in November--we've planned a large wedding celebration, already have my MOB dress. Would appreciate post op stories/experiences.

Jaybird627

Hi. I did implants. No other option(s) really since I am thin. I did have an issue w/one expander/implant/expander but that was a radiation/infection issue not implant caused. Only you can make the decision as to what is your best course. Consult with more than one surgeon about reconstruction options. Good luck!

Jaybird ~

abigailj

I had a skin sparing BMX with immediate DIEP recon late June 2020. I had wound healing complications which I think mostly due to only quitting smoking 4 months before the surgery. I was 62 at the time. Despite it taking several months before I felt 100% (physical therapy really helped once I healed totally), I'm very glad I made this choice. I'm at the more extreme end of recovery times, other women have said theyfelt almost totally healed in less 3 months and I read a post from one woman who danced so much at a wedding 6 weeks after DIEP that her abdominal incision opened some… So depending on whether you keep fit/exercise currently, if you haven’t smoked recently (or ever)and to some extent your age, you could heal pretty quickly and be fine for the wedding, just don't overdo the physical activity. Hope all goes well with whatever option you choose.

Abigail

Trishyla

I did bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP Flap as well and glad I did. I was 58 at the time, ex smoker and just finished with five months of chemo. I had no problems healing. I was dancing in high heels at five weeks out. Opened up a couple of stitches, but that was my own damned fault for dancing in high heels.

Find a good, experienced microsurgeon at a large hospital and ask them for their input. They're the best source of information for how they think you'll do.

Good luck. I hope you find the procedure that works best for you.

Trish

typhoon

I had a skin/nipple-sparing BMX, with direct-to-implant reconstruction; I'm very lean, so autologous reconstruction wasn't an option. I wanted to stay the same size, so no need for tissue expanders. My PS used a wound vac system instead of traditional bandages, so I was able to start showering the day after surgery (just had to keep the motor/battery pack from getting wet), and had the wound vac system removed seven days after surgery, at which point the incisions were completely knit together and didn't require any bandages. The only bandages I used were two pieces of gauze (changed daily) to protect the incisions where my surgical drains were located; the drains were removed 12 days after surgery, and the tiny incisions healed very quickly. I was back to walking for exercise two days after surgery, driving the day I had my drains removed, and back to work in the office three weeks after surgery - all with the blessing of my surgeons. I've been really happy with the results - some slight rippling on the tops of my breasts if I hunch over, but that's about it, and it can be fixed with fat grafting if it bothers me enough (it doesn't, at this point). My priorities were a quick recovery time and as little surgical work as possible; I know that implants aren't for everyone. Best of luck with your decision!

wallycat

Your subject line said pros/cons for reconstruction; the body of your post indicates a choice between two types.

I'll speak to the subject line. For myself, the only pros for recon would be appearance. For myself, I wanted quick surgery, fast recovery and appearance was the least of my concern (esthetic but not a replica of my boobs). I opted flat for that reason.

Good luck on decision making. I am amazed how many newer, better options there are all the time. Congrats to your daughter's upcoming nuptials.

LCMPlano

Thanks so much for all your input! You are giving me more things to think about. Definitely encouraging regarding the time line and positive outcomes.