(Diep) Deep Flap surgery

New Flower said:

Welcome
http://csn.cancer.org/node/176577
http://csn.cancer.org/node/135326


Cindy,
I had DIEP Flap surgery 14 months ago. You can rite me a privet Message with specific question. Please check these two discussions, I found them very useful.
Good Luck

I've copied a post that I
I've copied a post that I did to a question about whether to have a bilateral or single mastectomy with reconstruction. It contains some informaiton about the DIEP surgery. One of my breasts was a DIEP reconstruction and the other a TRAM flap (same as DIEP but some muscle used). I'm very happy with the results, but it can be difficult to find someone who is trained in this procedure: it is very delicate micro-vascular surgery.

I chose a bilateral for a couple reasons: I had been treated with a lumpectomy and radiation in 2000 when I was diagnosed with a small amount of invasive lobular cancer, DCIS and LCIS. When DCIS was found in the same breast this year, I knew that I would have a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (using DIEP), since that was the only reconstruction that a plastic surgeon would do near me on someone who has had radiation. I had had several sonograms and MRIs on both breasts during the nine years, so I knew that I would probably continue needing them on the other breast. Also, I was told that if I needed to have the other breast removed, I would not be able to have the DIEP surgery again, since they would have discarded all of the extra tummy tissue in the first procedure. I wanted to 'get it over with' and be as much back to normal as possible, as quickly as possible.

The recovery from the DIEP was long: eight weeks for me. And, my primary complaints were related to my abdomen, not any restrictions due to the mastectomy. But, the breasts seem quite real, they are my own tissue, and they'll age as my normal breasts would. Unless you have to have a short recovery period, for some reason, I wouldn't let that be a determining factor. I considered what would be best in the long term, and I knew that by doing them both at once I would avoid another recovery period, if the othe breast needed to be removed.

As an aside, I was able to control the pain with Advil within two days of the surgery, and I was able to drive short distances within three weeks. (I think that the restriction on the driving was more due to the tummy tuck than the mastectomy).

Joyce

Dr3amline said:

I've had a double masectomy
I've had a double masectomy and spacers installed..LOL Because of 2 infections, my left breast has rejected the spacer.

My plastic surgeon recommends the Diep flap as my last resort. Not sure if I should have 1 or both reconstructed..Any suggestions??

difficult to suggest
what is you plastic surgeon opinion?
I had only one side, I am not on the position to advice....
Probably do both if your plastic surgeon agree
It is very personal decision.
Good luck,
New Flower

jk1952 said:

Your DIEP plastic surgeon

Your DIEP plastic surgeon should be able to make a recommendation, or at least, tell you what's possible. As you can see from my prior post, I chose to have the bilateral done so I could have both done using DIEP because I didn't want to have two different types of reconstruction. The DIEP has a relatively long recovery period, but you don't have to go through the fills, implants and then replacement implants down the road. I did have one additional surgery, to reduce one of the breasts to the size of the other, but normally, the only other thing that my surgeon does post-DIEP is nipples and tattooing that are done in his office.

I wish you well.

Joyce

Good luck
I haven't had this surgery. I had a lumpectomy with rads. But, I wanted to wish you good luck!

Sue

Had DIEP Dec 22, 2009
Hi, I had a DIEP flap surgery on Dec 22, 2009 on one breast. It was a very difficult decsion about whether to have bilateral or unilateral. I read lots of research articles about the risk for cancer in my other breast and spoke to lots of people and finally chose to have unilateral. I am very happy with the outcome in spite of the slower recovery - due to the abdominal surgery. However, I still wonder if I should've done bilateral so I would not have to worry at all about my other breast. I can't go back now, and my family was very insistent about getting unilateral - so there was a lot of pressure on me to go unilateral. I'm now 2 1/2 weeks out and am now able to drive, though still having trouble sleeping on my back. I can lean to the side a bit more each night so my recovery is improving measurably each day. My reconstructed breast feels just like my other breast - soft and warm - like I said, I am very pleased with the results. I look forward to seeing my stomach flatter as the swelling continues to go down. I was diagnosed with early DCIS and was given every option available. It truly is a personal decision and I hope and pray that you will be confident and at peace with the decision that you make for yourself.

diep flap

Hi, I noticed your email from 2010.  I live in northern wisconsin and have chosen a suregeon at froedert in milwaukee for Diep flap...did youhave surgery and if so could you update me on your choices.  thanks maryg

diep flap

Hi, I noticed your email from 2010.  I live in northern wisconsin and have chosen a suregeon at froedert in milwaukee for Diep flap...did youhave surgery and if so could you update me on your choices.  thanks maryg