Breast Reconstruction

Options
phylu2
phylu2 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer

On 8/30/10 I had a double mastectomy.  I have two more chemo treatments which will begin in about two weeks.  I should be finished with the treatments by the end of October and will schedule breast reconstruction (DIEP flap) early November.  Please share some of your experiences with this type of surgery and what is the recovery time?  I have postponed my wedding from 10/30/10 to 5/14/11.  My fiancee feels like I am rushing the 5/14/11 date and wants me to not concern myself with wedding plans; however, this is something that I want to do to keep me focused on positives.  I know I will be ready.  Your thoughts?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2010

    double posted... sorry...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2010

    phylu ~ I think it's great that you're looking ahead to the positives, but don't be disappointed if you need more time to recover from chemo before diving into reconstruction surgery.  Often the fatigue aspect of chemo is cumulative, and you also need to be sure your WBCs have returned to a high enough level to safely undergo Diep surgery, which is not only a lengthy surgery, but entails two areas that need to heal at the same time.  Of course, your PS will guide you, but end of October to mid November sounds a bit questionable to me.

    As far as actual recovery time, there's an on-going thread now called Diep 2010, where women who are presently having Diep recon are reporting their experiences and progress.  I had a bit of necrosis, then had to do chemo & rads before having Stage 2, so mine turned out to be kind of dragged out.  The end results are great, but no way could I have planned a wedding while going through that.  OTOH, if you can, I think that's absolutely wonderful, and I would not dissuade you from trying.  But I think I'd leave some flexibility in the date until you see how things actually fall into place.     Deanna 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phylu2
    phylu2 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2010

    Thanks Deanna.  I've had 4 treatments of chemo, last treatment 8/4/10, whereas WBC's were high enough for surgeon to do a double mastectomy on 8/30/10 without any complications.  I will take your advice and keep the date flexible and pace myself.  Thanks again and God Bless.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories