Diep flap for stage 111-ers - is it a risk?

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SSInUK
SSInUK Member Posts: 245
edited March 2016 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi all - feels strange after much lurking to be starting a topic. I finished rads 6 months ago and have had trouble a and discomfort from my implant ever since. I am due to have it removed and Diep reconstruction next week but worrying - at only 16 months from diagnosis and less than 12 months from initial surgery - am I risking promoting recurrence by undergoing major surgery with all its immune-suppression etc? Some places seem to resist - or at least delay - Diep for stage 111 women - but my docs are prepared to go for it, given my difficulties. Anyone with experience to give encouragement? I could go for lesser surgery and simply have implant removed and go flat - I'm mostly doing this for my 6 yr old as she wants me to be 'well' and 'normal' - but in the end, alive is what she really needs from me.... Feeling scared....

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited March 2016

    SSinUK, I had DIEP nine months after finishing rads. Because of my BC presentation and the need to really cook my chest during rads, they wanted me to not do expanders or implants, go flat for a while, and let the rads effects settle down.

    I have not heard that DIEP promotes recurrence. I believe there are some healthcare systems in Europe that delay doing recon for Stage III women because they believe the risk for recurrence is high, and they don't want to (sorry) "waste" the expensive resources it takes for DIEP recon.

    Personally, after being a uni for nine months, I'm thrilled with my DIEP. It's so great to have a breast to put in a bra or swimsuit. Please PM me if I can help in any way!

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  • SSInUK
    SSInUK Member Posts: 245
    edited March 2016

    thanks so much for your reply Elizabeth

    I can't actually find the research which backs up that there's no onc risk from DIep - whereas I have seen debate in surgical/anaesthetic journals about whether the cancer surgery/anaesthetic/pain relief can trigger metastasis by depressing the immune system etc. There are some very informative threads on these boards on the subject. It's something my first BS mentioned in relation to Diep which set me on the path of researching. If anyone can point me to the evidence of safety id much appreciate it - alternatively more stories of stage 3 sisters who have come through the surgery and done well would be encouraging!

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  • wintersocks
    wintersocks Member Posts: 922
    edited March 2016

    I had a Diep Dec 2014. The surgery was uneventful, as was my recovery, aside from removal of small lumps post surgery that turned out to be fat necrosis. I am awaiting the 2nd stage now and, there is likely to be a 6 month wait (NHS). As far as I can tell I am ,well and will be 4 years out come August (this is when I was told cancer free, from the point of surgery).

    As I had it done , I was never told there was a risk from the things you mention, and thus far I am pleased I had it .

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  • MargaretEleanor
    MargaretEleanor Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2016

    ((Hugs)) to you and your little girl both!

    I had my double DIEP (and removal of remaining breast) thirteen months after diagnosis (4.5cm multi-focal, HER2+++, ER+, and three positive nodes), seven months post final chemo (but still needing six months of Herceptin to finish my year), six months after mastectomy, and three months after radiation.

    In the words of the best plastic surgeon ever (Dr. Christopher Crisera at UCLA), I did "really well". I LOVE my girls (Chrissy & Shea)! They're warm, bouncy, soft and squishy! And the tummy (tuck) ain't bad either!

    My reconstruction surgery was almost five years ago. You're gonna do great

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  • SSInUK
    SSInUK Member Posts: 245
    edited March 2016

    that's great to hear Margaret Eleanor thanks


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  • wintersocks
    wintersocks Member Posts: 922
    edited March 2016

    http://www.hopkinsbreastcenter.org/artemis/201603/...

    Thought I had posted this, but can't see it now. SSinUK hope this helps a little


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  • Jacklin
    Jacklin Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2016

    Dear sbelizabeth,

    Thank you for posting the link to your blog. I have just spent the last our reading there and wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you've written, especially with a christian perspective. I've been struggling these last few weeks and want you to know how much it meant to me to read what you wrote, let me have a peak into your life and what you've been through. While you are much farther ahead than I am with BC, I have bookmarked your blog and will be visiting many times in the days ahead. I have almost finished neo-adjuvant chemo and will have surgery (BMX) some time in April, the thought of this next part of treatment causes many tears at times, but your posts have really encouraged me, so just a very big thank you today.

    Blessings,

    Jacklin

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited March 2016

    Jacklin, what a kind and sweet post. I'm so happy you have enjoyed my humble scribbling. When I was first diagnosed, my daughter-in-law set up Pink Ribbon and Wheels for me--she thought it would be cathartic to have a place to write and express all I was going through, and she was right.

    Your dates coincide almost exactly with mine, just four years later! You'll get there too...before you know it, this big speed bump will be in your rear-view mirror.

    Thank you again. Please PM me if I can be helpful in any way.

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  • kim40
    kim40 Member Posts: 904
    edited March 2016

    I had my double diep almost 4 years ago.....so 3 years after my diagnosis and the year of hell. I have no regrets with having this done. It was the best choice for me

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited March 2016

    Kim, me too. After the cutting, poisoning, amputation, burning...all the treatments designed to save my life but leaving me scarred and lopsided...the DIEP surgery was for no other reason than to give me something back. It was hopeful.

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  • SSInUK
    SSInUK Member Posts: 245
    edited March 2016

    I went ahead after all the encouragement - but just had horrible news. Two internal mammary nodes were taken from between my ribs during the surgery - both had active cancer. This is 15months from diagnosis, after neo adjuvant chemo, 3 surgeries, radiotherapy, a year of Herceptin and 9 months of tamoxifen and zoladex. Am in despair.

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited March 2016

    Oh, SSinUK...I'm so, so sorry you've had this disappointing news. I know you're devastated. I wish I had words to make it all better...please know that your sisters here are holding your up.

    Gentle hugs...

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