DIEP FLAP Reconstruction

Dear Greeneyedlou,
Thank you for posting on the message board hopefully you might hear from others soon. You are also welcome to call us here on the National Cancer Helpline if you wish to speak with a cancer specialist nurse. Our freephone number is 1 800 200 700 and our lines are open from 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Thursday and until 5 pm on Friday. I am also linking you to our breast reconstruction booklet if you have not previously received it. Hopefully you will get an admission date shortly.
http://www.cancer.ie/sites/default/file ... uction.pdf

Kind regards,
Cancer Information Services Nurse

Hi greeneyedlou,
Sorry I don't have any information for you on the diep specifically but I also am on a waiting list at Beaumont. I have to have a pap or tug flap which is where the tissue is taken from the thigh. I was told there is a difference between private and public waiting times but private still has a 6-9 month wait time. Public could be 12-18 months. I was told November for mine but nothing happening yet! I rang a few times but they can't really say anything g only that you're on the list! It's very frustrating as you would love to have a timescale.
Hope you get some answers to your other questions.
Thunderbolt

Hi Lou

I'm only after seeing this post now, so don't know if things have moved along since or not?

I had my surgery outside of the Pale, so unfortunately I can't offer any suggestions as to how long things take in Dublin, plus mine was immediate reconstruction so there was no waiting for me.

However, things to have with you:-
Front opening pyjamas
large nappy/safety pins - you might find them handy for pinning drains out of your way
A light little bag to carry the drains around in - I used a pouch type bag to put the drains into while I was shuffling around
Baby wipes/face clothes - easy use items to freshen yourself up with as it could be a while before you're near a shower
A notebook to write down any thoughts, questions or observations that may pop up.... or it could be the beginnings of your memoires!!!
I don't know what the protocol on having to put a bra on after surgery is these days, but if you do need to, Penney's do a 2 pack of cotton sports bras for €7/€8 that did me fine
Expanders for your bra - you may have to wear your bra continuously after surgery, and with swelling and bandages, having the expanders might make the ordeal of putting a bra back on a bit easier
Ear plugs!!! Hospital can be bloody noisy and the chances of getting a decent snooze can improve with these little things
I got very badly constipated after my first surgery (thanks to the anaesthetic) so before my revision surgery two years later, I drank water like it was running out of fashion and ate loads of fruit, etc., as well as taking a mild laxative the night before surgery
Also, if you can drink as much water as possible until you are told to fast can help get your veins in good shape for doctors being able to put cannulas in

I hope this is of help & the very best of luck to you

Encee, Thunderbolt and CIS Nurse,
Thank you so much for your replies and all your help, some great tips there for what to bring to the hospital. I had my mastectomy in Waterford and they gave me a little pouch / bag to carry the drains so better remember to bring one this time! Think it could be a long wait though

Hi Lou

Waiting for diep in Beaumont also, but I think I am probably after you. There is a good thread here on what to expect afterwards.

http://forum.cancer.ie/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=609

It all sounds rather unpleasant, but after all we've been through it's nothing we can't handle. And the thought of a nice new boob keeps me going.

In relation to your query on going private and using VHI, I don't think any of the surgeons will do this operation in a private hospital, the aftercare requirements are too high.

Best of luck with the operation, will be really interested to know when you get the call, I am hoping for January myself. Take care x

I operated for Diep Flap last year as I had undergone breast surgery. I also searched for a number of discussions about Diep Flap on different blogs. You can also read about Diep flap here : Diep Flap