Delayed recon --DIEP Flap-- good/bad/is it worth it?

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tlgio17
tlgio17 Member Posts: 191
edited February 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi ladies,

I am deciding on whether or not I want to have reconstruction on my right breast. I had a masectomy in Dec 2016 and last year was chemo and rads. Happy to put all that behind me, but now is the big decision on reconstruction. One one hand, it would be nice to ditch my prosthesis, but on the other hand, when I read bout the DIEP etc procedures, it sounds very invasive and painful. I definately have some extra waist padding that would be able to be used, but the abdominal incision on top of the implant, etc scares me.

Would love to hear from anyone who had this surgery, if it was worth it, pros, cons, tips and anything else to consider.

Much appreciated!

Traci


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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited February 2018

    I didn’t have delayed recon, but I did have BMX w/ DIEP. Yes, in my opinion it was 100% worth it. Yes there are 2 surgical sites vs 1, but my breasts look like the originals which i was very happy with going in. They feel to me on the inside and to anyone touching from the outside soft and warm like the originals. They move with me and will age with me. Were there times I asked myself ‘what were you thinking? What have you done?’ Yes a few times but not anymore (I’m 3 months out from stage 2 & 1 year out from stage 1 and can honestly say I haven’t asked those questions since maybe June last year). Your team should keep you very comfortable post surgery in the hospital and once you go home. I was taking just Advil by 12-14 days post surgery and a few days prior to that just Advil during day and pain meds only at night before bed. You do walk bent slightly at the waist for 2-4 weeks typically but not a big deal overall. Obviously no implant with DIEP so no fills to go for every week until exchange, your breasts won’t be cold from the inside out and nothing to replace down the road. I would do DIEP again in a heartbeat. Where are you considering going for your recon? Feel free to ask any questions on here or PM me if you’d like to talk live.

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  • Falconer
    Falconer Member Posts: 1,192
    edited February 2018
    Traci, I had delayed recon w a DIEP. I'm overall pleased w the results. I haven't had stage two so the foob is still nipple-less. But it is fleshy and soft and warm. And my abs look good above the scar. As a mom of three I never thought I'd have a flat belly again.

    Now I do have some aches and pains but it's hard to tell what is from what. I think that the multiple biopsies, the MX, the rads, and a tissue expander all contributed to my pain. Along with the DIEP itself, which gives me pain above the ribs. I've been to PT, a chiropractor, acupuncture and haven't had success, so I guess I'd say if you're living a pain free life without recon, you're right to question whether to have it. Oh and there's the aromatase inhibitors that wreck the joints! For me it's hard to tell. It's a difficult decision I know, but it's one I'm happy I made.
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  • tlgio17
    tlgio17 Member Posts: 191
    edited February 2018

    Thanks ladies...appreciate you sharing your experiences.

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