DIEP reconstruction

Options
Catherine65
Catherine65 Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am considering DIEP breast reconstruction. Does anyone have any feedback on what to expect?
«1

Comments

  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #2
    Options
    Hi Catherine, I didn't do
    Hi Catherine, I didn't do the diep, I opted for the tram. I didn't want to be in surgery for that long and my doctor said there is a larger chance of rejection. I am very happy with the results of the tram. Hugs, Lili
  • Catherine65
    Catherine65 Member Posts: 12
    #3
    Options
    mmontero38 said:

    Hi Catherine, I didn't do
    Hi Catherine, I didn't do the diep, I opted for the tram. I didn't want to be in surgery for that long and my doctor said there is a larger chance of rejection. I am very happy with the results of the tram. Hugs, Lili

    Breast reconstruction
    Hi Lili, How long ago did you do the surgery and what was the healing like. I play tennis so I am concerned about losing too much muscle. What was the most difficult part of your experience. Thanks so much for your reply. Peace, Cathy
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #4
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    Breast reconstruction
    Hi Lili, How long ago did you do the surgery and what was the healing like. I play tennis so I am concerned about losing too much muscle. What was the most difficult part of your experience. Thanks so much for your reply. Peace, Cathy

    Tennis
    I had a tram flap 8 years ago .I returned to work (I'm a Physical Therapist in a Nursing Home)and back on the tennis court in 7 weeks playing like I never stopped. The only thing I really can't do is do a situp and I did notice I had a little trouble going backwards for an overhead shot. My balance was a little unsteady as I didn't have my abdominal muscles to stabilize me. You learn how to compensate for the muscle loss. One thing that is important is to be aware of your back. With weak stomach muscles comes a chance for back problems.I was terrified of the surgery but never once regretted it. Please feel free to e-mail me here and I will answer any questions I can help you with. HUGS!! Cathy
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #5
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    Breast reconstruction
    Hi Lili, How long ago did you do the surgery and what was the healing like. I play tennis so I am concerned about losing too much muscle. What was the most difficult part of your experience. Thanks so much for your reply. Peace, Cathy

    Cathy, I did my surgery this
    Cathy, I did my surgery this past February and was back at work 4 weeks later. I started power walking 8 weeks after my surgery. I also have to say I only did one side, so I still have muscle to compensate but my friend had both sides done and while she can't do sit ups she does exercise. If you need further info email here. Hugs, Lili
  • KSB
    KSB Member Posts: 3
    #6
    Options
    mmontero38 said:

    Cathy, I did my surgery this
    Cathy, I did my surgery this past February and was back at work 4 weeks later. I started power walking 8 weeks after my surgery. I also have to say I only did one side, so I still have muscle to compensate but my friend had both sides done and while she can't do sit ups she does exercise. If you need further info email here. Hugs, Lili

    Hi - I'm scheduled for TRAM
    Hi - I'm scheduled for TRAM Flap surgery in February. I'm SCARED TOO DEATH! I've heard good and bad. I don't know what to do. I'm almost ready to cancel the surgery because the fear is getting the best of me....BUT living with the alternative (prosthesis) SUCKS! I feel so unattractive I can hardly stand to look at myself anymore. I was diagnosed in May of 2006, endured chemo, mastectomy (left side) and radiation. My plastic surgeon is supposedly one of best in the city - that does give me some comfort. Please tell me what to do. Thanks
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #7
    Options
    KSB said:

    Hi - I'm scheduled for TRAM
    Hi - I'm scheduled for TRAM Flap surgery in February. I'm SCARED TOO DEATH! I've heard good and bad. I don't know what to do. I'm almost ready to cancel the surgery because the fear is getting the best of me....BUT living with the alternative (prosthesis) SUCKS! I feel so unattractive I can hardly stand to look at myself anymore. I was diagnosed in May of 2006, endured chemo, mastectomy (left side) and radiation. My plastic surgeon is supposedly one of best in the city - that does give me some comfort. Please tell me what to do. Thanks

    I replied to you in your
    I replied to you in your other post. Go through with it. and read my response in the other post. If you have more questions, email me here and I'll try my best to answer. Hugs, Lili
  • KSB
    KSB Member Posts: 3
    #8
    Options
    mmontero38 said:

    I replied to you in your
    I replied to you in your other post. Go through with it. and read my response in the other post. If you have more questions, email me here and I'll try my best to answer. Hugs, Lili

    Hello Lili! Thanks for your
    Hello Lili! Thanks for your response. Maybe I will go through with it - it may do wonders for my self esteem. I'll keep you posted!
  • Catherine65
    Catherine65 Member Posts: 12
    #9
    Options
    KSB said:

    Hi - I'm scheduled for TRAM
    Hi - I'm scheduled for TRAM Flap surgery in February. I'm SCARED TOO DEATH! I've heard good and bad. I don't know what to do. I'm almost ready to cancel the surgery because the fear is getting the best of me....BUT living with the alternative (prosthesis) SUCKS! I feel so unattractive I can hardly stand to look at myself anymore. I was diagnosed in May of 2006, endured chemo, mastectomy (left side) and radiation. My plastic surgeon is supposedly one of best in the city - that does give me some comfort. Please tell me what to do. Thanks

    Breast reconstruction
    HiKSB, I am scheduled for surgery next week and was going to choose DIEP. Another consultation with the doctor and learning I would have to wait at least another 6 months left me to decide to just go ahead now and do a gel implant. One surgery and we are done. The other reason is I am 65 and play tennis and don't want a lot of time down. I am very physically active with sports, garden and home remodeling, so I really need those muscles. Also if the cancer should come back and I use the muscle now, I will eventually have to use an implant for the other breast.

    The most important thing to remember is you are the one to make the decision and will have to live with it. So, choose HOPE over FEAR and do what you think you will be happiest with when all is done. I can change my decision anytime up to next week and also I can replace my implant if something goes wrong (of course we hope not because we don't want more surgeries). It is so difficult to be in the stage of decision before the surgery, but like I told my doctor, whatever I decide I will go into it 100% and not look back.

    I hope for you that you go into surgery with a good informed decision and an attitude that will give you the best results and quick recovery. The cancer didn't take you away, so don't let the fear either. As a survivor I send you lots of positive loving energy and peace. HOPE FOR THE BEST!
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #10
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    Breast reconstruction
    HiKSB, I am scheduled for surgery next week and was going to choose DIEP. Another consultation with the doctor and learning I would have to wait at least another 6 months left me to decide to just go ahead now and do a gel implant. One surgery and we are done. The other reason is I am 65 and play tennis and don't want a lot of time down. I am very physically active with sports, garden and home remodeling, so I really need those muscles. Also if the cancer should come back and I use the muscle now, I will eventually have to use an implant for the other breast.

    The most important thing to remember is you are the one to make the decision and will have to live with it. So, choose HOPE over FEAR and do what you think you will be happiest with when all is done. I can change my decision anytime up to next week and also I can replace my implant if something goes wrong (of course we hope not because we don't want more surgeries). It is so difficult to be in the stage of decision before the surgery, but like I told my doctor, whatever I decide I will go into it 100% and not look back.

    I hope for you that you go into surgery with a good informed decision and an attitude that will give you the best results and quick recovery. The cancer didn't take you away, so don't let the fear either. As a survivor I send you lots of positive loving energy and peace. HOPE FOR THE BEST!

    Catherine: Just wanted to
    Catherine: Just wanted to comment that the Diep reconstruction absolutely does not use any muscle from the abdomen. They cut out a flap and then use microsurgery to reattach the flap. This procedure can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours in the or. Tram uses the muscle and the flap is tunneled through inside your body up to the chest area. That's the surgery I had. I was in the or for 5 1/2 hours. I was very happy with the result. I then went back in August to do the nipple reconstruction, and I will now be going in on Dec 17th to tattoo the aureola and to do some fat injections in the upper chest area since it still is a little concave. Hugs, Lili
  • Catherine65
    Catherine65 Member Posts: 12
    #11
    Options
    mmontero38 said:

    Catherine: Just wanted to
    Catherine: Just wanted to comment that the Diep reconstruction absolutely does not use any muscle from the abdomen. They cut out a flap and then use microsurgery to reattach the flap. This procedure can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours in the or. Tram uses the muscle and the flap is tunneled through inside your body up to the chest area. That's the surgery I had. I was in the or for 5 1/2 hours. I was very happy with the result. I then went back in August to do the nipple reconstruction, and I will now be going in on Dec 17th to tattoo the aureola and to do some fat injections in the upper chest area since it still is a little concave. Hugs, Lili

    Did they put the flap behind
    Did they put the flap behind your breast muscle. How is your stomach now. I had surgery for cancer at 23 and have a scar on my belly that complicates things. Did you have any problems with scar tissue. I am not sure the silicone implant won't have it's own problems. I've heard of the "Gummy Bear" implant that is not supposed to leak because it is cohesive gel, but that is not offered under my HMO. I'm still thinking about this for another week.
    Hugs to you too, Cathy
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #12
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    Did they put the flap behind
    Did they put the flap behind your breast muscle. How is your stomach now. I had surgery for cancer at 23 and have a scar on my belly that complicates things. Did you have any problems with scar tissue. I am not sure the silicone implant won't have it's own problems. I've heard of the "Gummy Bear" implant that is not supposed to leak because it is cohesive gel, but that is not offered under my HMO. I'm still thinking about this for another week.
    Hugs to you too, Cathy

    Cathy: My stomach is
    Cathy: My stomach is totally flat, as if I would have never had kids. LOL. It does really look beautiful. The incision goes from hip bone to hip bone but low right above the pelvic bone. I don't feel I have too much scar tissue because my surgeon had me massaging both my stomach and breast about 4 weeks after the surgery so that the scar tissue wouldn't form. My breast is as soft as my other one (I only had the right side) but honestly, I don't have much feeling there. When I was looking for a plastic surgeon, I actually went to 5 different doctors until I found this one. They all recommended the silicone gel, I just preferred to have the tram done instead. If you were to choose the silicone gel, how much would you have to pay out of pocket? It might be worth looking into. You have to do what will work best for you Cathy. Personally, I think either one would look good. Today the doctors are great at reconstruction. Hugs, Lili
  • get_cured
    get_cured Member Posts: 1
    #13
    Options
    mmontero38 said:

    Cathy: My stomach is
    Cathy: My stomach is totally flat, as if I would have never had kids. LOL. It does really look beautiful. The incision goes from hip bone to hip bone but low right above the pelvic bone. I don't feel I have too much scar tissue because my surgeon had me massaging both my stomach and breast about 4 weeks after the surgery so that the scar tissue wouldn't form. My breast is as soft as my other one (I only had the right side) but honestly, I don't have much feeling there. When I was looking for a plastic surgeon, I actually went to 5 different doctors until I found this one. They all recommended the silicone gel, I just preferred to have the tram done instead. If you were to choose the silicone gel, how much would you have to pay out of pocket? It might be worth looking into. You have to do what will work best for you Cathy. Personally, I think either one would look good. Today the doctors are great at reconstruction. Hugs, Lili

    Free flaps
    I got diagnosed with Cancer on Feb 18th 2008. I got free flap reconstruction doubly maestectomy done on April 15th. My god it was so hard... I felt like I was hit by a truck.
    It took me 2 months to recover that with still some tightness of the stomach.

    However now after 6 months and 8 chemos, I am feeling better. I am at the gym twice a week.

    I have gained weight from chemo and tamoxofin but my stomach is beutiful and flat i have a huge iscision on my lower abdomen from hip bone to hip bone.

    It does get over ...
    Hang in there

    with lots of love and prayers.
    Mickie
  • Catherine65
    Catherine65 Member Posts: 12
    #14
    Options
    get_cured said:

    Free flaps
    I got diagnosed with Cancer on Feb 18th 2008. I got free flap reconstruction doubly maestectomy done on April 15th. My god it was so hard... I felt like I was hit by a truck.
    It took me 2 months to recover that with still some tightness of the stomach.

    However now after 6 months and 8 chemos, I am feeling better. I am at the gym twice a week.

    I have gained weight from chemo and tamoxofin but my stomach is beutiful and flat i have a huge iscision on my lower abdomen from hip bone to hip bone.

    It does get over ...
    Hang in there

    with lots of love and prayers.
    Mickie

    I am going forward with a
    I am going forward with a silicone gel implant tomorrow and hope for the best. You are very brave and I am glad you are getting better day by day. I hope I am not doing more surgery several years down the road, but I do have that option if I don't like my results. My doctor thinks I will be very happy with the results. We'll see. I can only stay positive and take good care of my body.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Peace, Cathy
  • Joycelouise
    Joycelouise Member Posts: 482
    #15
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    I am going forward with a
    I am going forward with a silicone gel implant tomorrow and hope for the best. You are very brave and I am glad you are getting better day by day. I hope I am not doing more surgery several years down the road, but I do have that option if I don't like my results. My doctor thinks I will be very happy with the results. We'll see. I can only stay positive and take good care of my body.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Peace, Cathy

    Cathy, I got a nice after
    Cathy, I got a nice after surgery bra from Nordstroms for 28 bucks, cotton, closes in the front, recommended by my doc. My husband had to run out and buy it because I forgot to plan ahead and the underwires were forbidden. I also sent him out for some soft dressing pads. My doc. said I could use sanitary pads against the wound, but I didn't have the heart to make my husband buy me both a bra AND feminine protection in one trip! Also, this is a very small detail, but I have found that if I take a long, wide, ace bandage and make a sash (wrapped twice or more) for my waist with the drain held against my skin, I feel much more secure than having the dang thing dangling, and it is easier to dress around too. It is now four days since my surgery and I walked several blocks today and feel very much over the hump, though I am still quite tender and careful. I wish you an easy time of it! Take care, love Joyce
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #16
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    I am going forward with a
    I am going forward with a silicone gel implant tomorrow and hope for the best. You are very brave and I am glad you are getting better day by day. I hope I am not doing more surgery several years down the road, but I do have that option if I don't like my results. My doctor thinks I will be very happy with the results. We'll see. I can only stay positive and take good care of my body.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Peace, Cathy

    Good luck tomorrow Cathy, I
    Good luck tomorrow Cathy, I wish you all the best. I will be going in tomorrow also to finish my reconstruction. Hugs, Lili
  • Joycelouise
    Joycelouise Member Posts: 482
    #17
    Options
    mmontero38 said:

    Good luck tomorrow Cathy, I
    Good luck tomorrow Cathy, I wish you all the best. I will be going in tomorrow also to finish my reconstruction. Hugs, Lili

    I am so glad, Lili! Let me
    I am so glad, Lili! Let me hug you quick before the surgery and wish you every happiness and a wonderful feeling of triumph! Here's wishing you a quick recovery and a fun trip to Victoria's Secret. love and hugs, Joyce
  • Catherine65
    Catherine65 Member Posts: 12
    #18
    Options
    Joycelouise said:

    Cathy, I got a nice after
    Cathy, I got a nice after surgery bra from Nordstroms for 28 bucks, cotton, closes in the front, recommended by my doc. My husband had to run out and buy it because I forgot to plan ahead and the underwires were forbidden. I also sent him out for some soft dressing pads. My doc. said I could use sanitary pads against the wound, but I didn't have the heart to make my husband buy me both a bra AND feminine protection in one trip! Also, this is a very small detail, but I have found that if I take a long, wide, ace bandage and make a sash (wrapped twice or more) for my waist with the drain held against my skin, I feel much more secure than having the dang thing dangling, and it is easier to dress around too. It is now four days since my surgery and I walked several blocks today and feel very much over the hump, though I am still quite tender and careful. I wish you an easy time of it! Take care, love Joyce

    Breast Cancer
    Joyce, I am home recovering and have my new implant. I used your tips and got the open front sport bra. It was very helpful the first eleven days. Today I am able to wear my original bras and fill in the new cup with polyster fill for awhile. It is much more comfortable as my left breast is heavy and needs the support of a good bra. While some women want larger breasts, and that is fine, I am happy to downsize since my 36DD-DDD created to many uncomfortable problems for the small frame I have. At age 65, the boobs are really going south. So, I have this perky smaller breast (450cc) with the southern belle next to it. The difference is very noticeable. So my bra's that have the prostetic inserts work best now until I can get the reduction. Soft polyester works wonders for symmetry.

    So, how are you doing. Are you happy with your decision and is all going well for you. I sure hope so.
    Peace, Catherine
  • Catherine65
    Catherine65 Member Posts: 12
    #19
    Options
    mmontero38 said:

    Good luck tomorrow Cathy, I
    Good luck tomorrow Cathy, I wish you all the best. I will be going in tomorrow also to finish my reconstruction. Hugs, Lili

    Hi Lili, I had the silicone
    Hi Lili, I had the silicone implant and am recovering and adjusting. I was a little disappointed to see how much smaller it was once the bandages were removed, but I am getting used to it. I think I will be satisfied when the other one is downsized and I have a match. I am finally in my regular bra which supports the heavier breast. I fill in the smaller breast side for now for symmetry with soft polyster into the insert where I used to put my prostetic. It works for now. However, when I lay down at night I embrace my new breast so we can become friends. I am soooooooooooo glad to have a breast back. It is worth the pain and discomfort. And eventually, I'll have no more heavy breast problems. I still have the reduction surgery ahead of me, but I think I will be a new woman, hopefully by summer.

    I don't know yet if I will do any nipple work. They have pasties if needed. I'll decide probably after the other breast is reduced.

    How are you doing, I hope you are done and happy with the results. Peace, Cathy
  • Joycelouise
    Joycelouise Member Posts: 482
    #20
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    Breast Cancer
    Joyce, I am home recovering and have my new implant. I used your tips and got the open front sport bra. It was very helpful the first eleven days. Today I am able to wear my original bras and fill in the new cup with polyster fill for awhile. It is much more comfortable as my left breast is heavy and needs the support of a good bra. While some women want larger breasts, and that is fine, I am happy to downsize since my 36DD-DDD created to many uncomfortable problems for the small frame I have. At age 65, the boobs are really going south. So, I have this perky smaller breast (450cc) with the southern belle next to it. The difference is very noticeable. So my bra's that have the prostetic inserts work best now until I can get the reduction. Soft polyester works wonders for symmetry.

    So, how are you doing. Are you happy with your decision and is all going well for you. I sure hope so.
    Peace, Catherine

    Glad to hear you are doing
    Glad to hear you are doing well. Sounds like the surgery wasn't too tough. It does take time, doesn't it? I laugh at how I thought plastic surgeons were able to make everyone into Victoria's secret models over night. And I also laugh at the new sizing - cc's. I am at 100 after the expander was put in. How does 450 translate in cup size?
    Thank you so much for writing, your enthusiasm was good for me to hear.
    love, Joyce
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #21
    Options
    Catherine65 said:

    Hi Lili, I had the silicone
    Hi Lili, I had the silicone implant and am recovering and adjusting. I was a little disappointed to see how much smaller it was once the bandages were removed, but I am getting used to it. I think I will be satisfied when the other one is downsized and I have a match. I am finally in my regular bra which supports the heavier breast. I fill in the smaller breast side for now for symmetry with soft polyster into the insert where I used to put my prostetic. It works for now. However, when I lay down at night I embrace my new breast so we can become friends. I am soooooooooooo glad to have a breast back. It is worth the pain and discomfort. And eventually, I'll have no more heavy breast problems. I still have the reduction surgery ahead of me, but I think I will be a new woman, hopefully by summer.

    I don't know yet if I will do any nipple work. They have pasties if needed. I'll decide probably after the other breast is reduced.

    How are you doing, I hope you are done and happy with the results. Peace, Cathy

    Hi Cathy. I am glad
    Hi Cathy. I am glad everything has been going well for you. I'm happy with my results for the most part except for an indentation above the breast which the doctor has filled in with fat. This last procedure was the tattooing of the aerola and to fill in that indentation again. I like you was just a little disappointed that there is still an indentation there so when I went for the post op even the surgeon said we need to fill in again. I guess my disappointment was the fact that I wanted everything finished with since it's been 1 1/2 years already since I started this journey I never wanted to embark in and I didn't want to start off the New Year facing another surgery. But, it wasn't in the cards and I will once again have to go in for one more procedure. I am hoping to be done by March 2009. The important thing for me was getting some semblance of normalcy, which I have accomplished. I hope you are doing well also. May 2009 bring you health and peace. Hugs, Lili

Discussion Boards