Is Reconstruction Right for Me?

SavingGrace
SavingGrace Member Posts: 30
edited November 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

I am newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I am waiting for my genetic testing results before making a final surgical choice. I am leaning towards mastectomy, even if my genetic testing comes back negative. I am willing to take 2 months off, but once I return to work I hope not to have to deal with surgeries for a while. My mom did not choose reconstruction. She said I should because of my age (I am in my 40's). I read about the complications from reconstruction and the high percentage of occurrence. For those of you who have gone through some type of flap reconstruction, how long after the initial surgery do you have to wrestle with these issues? Do any complication lead to long term health issue? I am meeting with a plastic surgeon next Monday. What do you suggest that I ask him?

Thanks.

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Comments

  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited November 2018

    I had DIEP surgery in July. I love the results. I had radiation that damaged the skin and so a flap was my best option. I never considered going flat, just wasn't right for me. I was out of work for four weeks. Everyone is different and heal differently. I had no problems. If you choose a flap surgery make sure your PS is experienced. it's a personal decision but there are good options available. Best of luck

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  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited November 2018

    This is such a broad topic. When I was diagnosed, I was working full time plus going to grad school part time and I delayed reconstruction for a year, because I was overwhelmed by it all and needed time to research, and also wanted to finish my studies before undergoing more surgeries. If you have the time, there's a book called The Breast Reconstruction book or something similar, and it was very helpful to me in weighing my options.

    I ended up having a DIEP, with zero complications.

    No matter what kind of surgery, there will always be a horror story out there about it. Choose a good surgeon at a good facility, follow your recovery instructions carefully, and before and after surgery, follow a healthy lifestyle - eat well, stay active, don't smoke.

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  • LiMa66
    LiMa66 Member Posts: 73
    edited November 2018

    I was dx with both ILC and IDC in my left breast. Had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders placed. Then due to 2 positive lymph nodes I had radiation, which caused skin damage. No PS would do the exchange to implants so I went with DIEP flap reconstruction. I found the perfect PS and am now 3 weeks post-op and doing very well. It was a big surgery but I'm so happy with the results.

    Many plastic surgeons will say implants are best. I personally disagree and am happy I went with the flaps. I considered going flat for about 5 minutes until I joined a group on Facebook and read about multiple issues with extra skin and other complications requiring multiple surgeries. Finding a DIEP specialist, not just a surgeon who does them, is important.

    Whatever you decide, do it for you. The plastic surgeon doesn't have to live with the results, you do. Best wishes.

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