Brca2 Positive, DIEP Flap Surgery or Regular Implants?

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Stussy0714
Stussy0714 Member Posts: 2
edited May 2015 in Breast Reconstruction
Brca2 Positive, DIEP Flap Surgery or Regular Implants?
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  • Stussy0714
    Stussy0714 Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2015

    Hi, i am a 29 year old female just diagnosed with the brca2 gene. My mom had breast cancer at 30 but thankfully survived. I am meeting the plastic surgeon this week and i dont know what kind of surgery i want to get. i am about 20-30 lbs overweight and i worry if i do the DIEP Flap surgery that my body may look deformed or uneven. Can people please give their personal experience on what they did and what they recommend for someone my age getting a preventative double mastectomy? Also what is the recovery time? I feel there is lack of information on this and i want to be well prepared before my surgery in june 2015.

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  • inks
    inks Member Posts: 746
    edited May 2015

    If you already haven't check out the Force http://www.facingourrisk.org/index.php website there are more "previvors" there. Most people here have had cancer and their reconstruction decisions were most likely affected by that. Your plastic surgeon should be your main source of info while deciding which reconstruction would work best for you based on your body type and what look you want to achieve. But here are some pointers. Implants may need to be switched out after some time and you need MRIs every 2 years to check their integrity. Flap surgeries are long and the recovery is longer and you will have scar somewhere else on your body. Flap constructed breast will go hand in hand if you gain or loose weight, while implants will remain unchanged through weightloss or gain. I don't understand why someone would look deformed or uneven with flap surgery. Your outcome will mainly depend on the skill of your surgeon. Good luck with your plastic surgery consultation.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2015

    Hi Stussy,

    Thanks for joining the community, and we are sorry to hear about what you are going to go through this next month. You may want to read these sections that we have on our site as well, if you haven't already:

    Prophylactic Mastectomy

    Reconstruction

    We are thinking about you!

    Warmly,

    The Mods

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  • besa
    besa Member Posts: 1,088
    edited May 2015

    Consider also getting a copy of the latest edition of Kathy Steligo's "Breast Reconstruction Guidebook" - the best I have seen on the topic. It will lay out (curren up --to date) reconstruction options as well as giving you information on how to choose a good plastic surgeon. I second the idea of going to "FORCE" web side (www.facingourrisk.org) Depending on where you are located FORCE also has local chapters so that you can get in touch with women in your area dealing with the same issues.

    http://www.breastrecon.com/the-breast-reconstructi...

    or from www.amazon.com


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  • caligirl3
    caligirl3 Member Posts: 86
    edited May 2015

    Hi Stussy,

    I'm so sorry you are having to make this type of decision so young. Not that I wish it on anyone at any age! I agree with the other ladies that it is such a personal decision. I used the book besa posted about. I found it very helpful when I made my decision regarding reconstruction. I had DIEP in December. When I made my decision, it was a prophylactic mastectomy I was considering due to having PLCIS (pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ) which put me at a very high risk for developing cancer in one or both breasts. After my surgery I was upgraded to stage 1 cancer which was found on pathology.

    I did a ton of research and agonized over what I would do. I decided on the DIEP because, honestly, my instinct kept pushing me in that direction. After researching all the options and discussing them with my doctors, I felt it would be the best choice for me. I do not regret my decision at all. I love the way my breasts look, soft and warm. It is not an easy surgery but it is very manageable. My body is not deformed or uneven at all, actually my stomach looks really good, flat again after 3 kids:). Although there is a scar that runs from hip to hip, it is very low and when wearing underwear cannot see it. For me having the scar is not an issue. It is helpful to make a pros and cons list for each option and then go with whats most important for you. Each procedure has its own set of complications as well. It is important that you are aware of them. With the DIEP, for example I still experience some abdominal swelling as the day progresses( I have been assured it will resolve by my PS). It is also important to go to a plastic surgeon who will give you all your options not just the procedures he/she is comfortable doing.

    My heart goes out to you and I wish you the best. Please feel free to ask me anything you like.



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