over weight and facing mastectomy/reconstruction

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trueblue
trueblue Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I am 34, a mother of 2 girls, diagnosed BRCA+ and feeling like a ticking bomb. I am still breast feeding my 8 mo old and feel I should stop to prepare for double mastectomy. I wish someone could tell me how much time I have. I cannot decide to do surgery until I know which reconstruction method would be best for me. I did not like the paid surgeon I saw over a year ago,  so I am finding a new one. 

I am really overweight now, (5'5'' 280 lb) especially since having child #2. With the postpartum and the surgery looming over me it is really difficult to diet and exercise. I am not sure if i should put off surgery (at least a year) to hope to lose weight. Has anyone undergone this type of surgery while overweight? What would be the best reconstruction method? Would DIEP be possible? What about the stretch marks? Obviosly it would be nice to get a bit of fat removed from my tummy if I have to go through this. ?..?. 

Thank u

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited January 2014

    trueblue, I'm sorry that you haven't received any replies so far, and I'm afraid I don't have the knowledge to offer any advice. 

    You might want to repost your question in the Reconstruction Forum on this board.  I have recently read some posts in that forum from other women who have faced or are facing the same issue as you with regard to reconstruction choices.  

    Here's a link to the Reconstruction Forum:

    Forum: Breast Reconstruction

    Here is one particular recent discussion thread, talking about implant reconstruction for larger women.  Although you haven't decided on the type of reconstruction that you want, some of the women posting in this thread may have gone through the same assessment of different reconstruction options that you are going through now:

    Topic: Need help with implant sizing...larger woman

    And here is a thread specifically about DIEP reconstruction.  You may get answers to some of your questions from the women posting here:

    Topic: DIEP 2013

    Good Luck getting the information you need.

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited January 2014

    Trueblue I so understand about the body issues. The thing that is putting you most at risk right now is the gene mutation, so you might consider addressing that right now. A PBM with no reconstruction is much easier than one with recon. That might allow you the time you need to arrange the exact recon you want later down the road and it allows you to see if there is any chance you like being flat. 

    A cancer diagnosis is a whole different ball of wax. You want to avoid that immediately since you already know you are at great risk. 

    I'm sorry these are the cards you've been dealt. It really sucks.

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  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited January 2014

    Welcome Trueblue,

    I agree with Beesie, research the forums she outlines in hopes of educating yourself but more importantly, find a doctor you trust.  You need to have faith and confidence in your surgeon before undergoing a surgery of this magnitude. As far as waiting to lose weight, that's a tough one.  No one knows when the ticking time bomb may explode, so I can't say yes, wait or no don't wait. Again I think once you've found the right surgeon you'll have answers to timing and preparation.  Good luck to you.  If you believe in the power of prayer, I'd also pray for an answer.  It's helped me find clarity when I've had a difficult time with important decisions. But definitely find a new surgeon. 

    Amy

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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited January 2014

    I have a friend who is just about your size, also BRCA+, whose cancer showed up at 25. She Went thru the usual stuff, and is just FINE. But, many plastic surgeons do have a hard time with larger women, and not all recons succeed. She checked out lots of docs, and ended up going to New Orleans.
    They did a fabulous job, and she is so very pleased, even though she is now 7 years out.
    You have lots of options out there - just keep checking it out

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