Torn about how to proceed

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Flynn
Flynn Member Posts: 307
edited October 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

So I’m 4 treatments away from wrapping up adjuvant chemo and if I stay on schedule, I’ll have double mastectomy right before Christmas.

I’m set on some sort of reconstruction. Looking for any thoughts before I meet with surgeon in a couple weeks. I want to make sure that I’m thinking of the most major considerations.

Implants- multiple procedures, lower risk of failing, possible scarring (the 4 people I know with implants all have some degree of scarring, some needing further surgery.) need to maintain/replace implants (i’m 47 and hope to have many years ahead), concerns about silicon ( i think less than previously)

Diep flap- due to recent weight gain, I think this is an option for me, higher risk of failure, fewer additiprocedures (nipple creation & possible correction), longer surgery and longer recovery. (7 yo twins, prefer not to be in bed on Christmas)

Does this seem like a reasonable way to view? I’ve been reading & reading and it’s a little overwhelming.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2017

    Hi Flynn,

    This is certainly an tough and overwhelming decision. We're sure others will be by shortly to weigh in!

    In the meantime, have you seen the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Reconstruction Options: A Comparison Chart? There's a downloadable PDF on that page which weighs the pros and cons of each type of reconstruction, complete with timing of reconstruction, recovery, etc. It may be helpful when weighing your options!

    --The Mods

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited October 2017

    I went with DIEP. Every doc has their own protocol, so all I can tell you is my experience-

    Including surgery day, I was in the hospital 3 nights & 4 days. On release day I had breakfast, showered (including hair wash), got dressed/dried & styled hair, did all the paperwork and went out to lunch at a Mexican restaurant. We walked 2 1/2 blocks from restaurant to the condo we were staying in (I had my surgery out of state in New Orleans). Got settled, took a short nap, laps around the halls when I woke up, watched tv, had dinner, more laps. Next day similar to the afternoon of day before and I walked 1 1/2 blocks to watch the Mardi Gras parade. I left when the other parade watchers got a little too pushy over the stuff being tossed out to the crowd. Each day I did a little more than the last.

    So basically after the first 3 days post-op you should be doing quite well. With either surgery you won't be lifting anything over 5lbs, you will tire easier than before surgery as you're recuperating and you won't be lifting your arms any higher than shoulder level. So you definitely will not be lifting a turkey out of the oven on Christmas!

    With DIEP flap you should be able to do the mx and have immediate recon done at the same time - so you go in with breasts and come out with breasts. Depending on where your cancer is/was you may be able to keep your own nipples too. My breasts look, feel and move just like my originals. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you have any questions, feel free to ask on here or PM me.

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  • Flynn
    Flynn Member Posts: 307
    edited October 2017

    Mods, thanks. I have seen that chart and it helped me narrow my choices. It was especially helpful on differences in flap procedures.

    Lula, thanks that's very helpful. Overall, I feel like I bounce back pretty well and I will have family coming to help me. It's good to know that some people bounce back so quickly! I'll be in touch if I come up with more questions.

    BosumBlues, also thanks for your comments. I hate anesthesia- that really cast a pale on my c-section. Something to consider but I will have reinforcements coming to help with my children. You are right that I should make a sound decision and not be ruled by my haste to resume life. I've been in treatment sincerely March and feel like I've missed so many experiences with my family. There are no do-overs so I reallyneed to focus on future.

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  • swg
    swg Member Posts: 461
    edited October 2017

    You sure you need a double mastectomy? Do you only have one cancerous breast?

    I'm gonna try to save one of mine, just because I'm concerned about the lack of feeling.

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  • Flynn
    Flynn Member Posts: 307
    edited October 2017

    I do only have cancer on one side but I'm confident that a double is best for me. An MRI showed some slightly troubling issues in the left breast that need to be watched and I had a clear mammo 6 months before discovering an 8 cm tumor on the right side. I can't see rolling the dice on having one of the problem areas turn into another fast growing tumor.

    Im not trying to sway you in any direction but I will mention that I have a friend who had a single mastectomy plus a reduction with an implant on the other side to make her breasts symmetrical and now she lost feeling in the remaining breast. Just something to think about when considering if you have to do anything to make your breasts symmetrical. Honestly, my reasoning might well change if I didn't have areas of concern in my left breast.






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