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Diep Reconstruction

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bettendorf, IA

A yr.and a half ago after a mastectomy my husband pushed me into getting an implant,I knew I wanted it out about 6 months after because its so uncomfortable,Iv'e also been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder which,I believe is implant illness.I wanted diepflap reconstruction but my surgeon keeps telling me how difficult and long the surgery and recover will be.I would LOVE to here from anyone who has had diep flap reconstruction

January 9, 2020
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A MyBCTeam Member

I seriously looked into it but learned that repeat surgery was more than likely to have the results come out the way you want it (e.g., symmetry etc) assuming everything else goes right. I also learned that I did not have enough excess belly flap to use for the procedure although I am by no means small. Dr wanted to use my back shoulder muscles as it would be larger and more room to shape it right. This meant potential long term impact on arm range of motion.
While I was agonizing over the decision, my kids suggested I go for less surgery. My 8 yr old daughter at the time suggested that I stuff my bras and that I didn’t need reconstruction. ;-)
So I went flat and not regretting it. :-) but every person has a different situation so can’t say what worked for me will work for everyone. Hope you make a decision that you can make work for you!

January 9, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

Many people who do it, say it is worth it. It was too much recovery for me, so I went flat. It takes multiple surgeries and up to a year sometimes.

@A MyBCTeam Member had it done, perhaps she can tell you about her experience.

January 19, 2020 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member like my friends told me when I was thinking of going flat but couldn’t decide to get reconstruction if you can’t decide. Not getting my implants after having ‘spacers’ after mastectomy and then being unhappy would have been harder to change than having my implants removed. I would have loved using my own fat. I just don’t have the patience for recovery. I think if your on the fence you should go for it while you have the opportunity. That’s just my opinion. I’m happy I decided to be reconstructed. . But honestly I would have been fine flat too. But my implants don’t bother me. Like I said before I had them for 15 years before BC. My nephews mother in law is having hers removed because of an autoimmune disorder. She had one before implants. I don’t think her PS should have done them in the first place.

January 21, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks Catherine for your very informative story,I am going to a teaching hospital for reconstruction and am very confident with my surgeons skills,I just know I can't live with this implant any longer,I think it's making me sick as I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and was a very healthy person before all of this crap started.One day I'll wake up and think I want diep flap and the next I just want to go flat,I'll probably decide when I'm in the operating room!

January 20, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

I had the latissmus dorsi flap done, which I think is much easier than the DIEP flap, and it was a really, really hard recovery.

January 19, 2020

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