DIEP Flap Reconstruction

Hey Spudburf...congratulations on getting the surgery done!

I was a lat dorsi girl so not the same surgery but if it any consolation I felt my new foob (and much of it was made up of an implant) was HUGH compared to the other post surgery. Apparently swelling is really normal with any type of surgery and for the one you have just had given what has been moved about, I'd say swelling is completely normal around the new foob. I cannot remember exactly but I think it can take up to 3 months for all the swelling to subside and the new foob to look "normal".

After my initial lumpectomy back in 2009, I got an infection - what was left of my boob filled up with fluid, got really big and somewhere along the line it got infected (internally). The boob was all red and I felt like crap. in your case the probability of an infection is really low but keep an eye out for redness. As you are going to see the medics tomorrow ask them their opinion. Are you on any antibio's post surgery?? Maybe ask if you should be. Better still see if they might prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic, given the weekend that is in it, so that if you feel there might be an infection you can fill the script and start taking something.

Are you still on pain relief?? Don't be a martyr if you are supposed to be taking stuff to ease the pain. You have had MAJOR surgery - no point in feeling awful if you don't need to!

Take it easy but it is probably wise to try to move about a little but be guided by your body.

LindyLu

Hi spudburf, i hope youre doing well post op. I will be 4weeks from diep next Tuesday so i am just about a week ahead of you i think? I dont have a huge amount of swelling on my new breast but there is definitely some. I also feel a bit puffy in general. How is your tummy feeling? I had nearly all my dressing removed except a few steri strips on my abdomen. Im still very tight in tummy but its improving day by day.

I just thought i would share as we are in similar circumstances.

Take care...

Thanks for the replies ladies. Unfortunately I have some necrosis on the new breast (underneath) and have to go into hospital again to have this sorted out but only as a day patient. It looks horrific and is extremely painful but I'm hoping after this procedure it should all start to heal properly. My tummy is healing well Iala but I'm still not standing straight as I feel I will rip it apart if I do but I know that will ok given time. Its now just over 3 weeks since surgery and my PS team are keeping a good eye on me so I'm in good hands. My new breast feels huge though and I'm so looking forward to it all healing and getting back to normal. To be honest this has turned out to be a much bigger operation than I expected and I did loads of research prior to it all.

And I'm taking my painkillers LindyLu - have no fear as I'm no martyr!!! But having the craziest dreams - someone mentioned I should write them down and turn them into a book!!! ha ha...

Thanks for sharing - it really helps to hear from others

Hi Spudburf,

Just wondering how you are doing? Ive had a couple of spots oozing on my tummy so ive been back to the clinic a few times. They dont think its infected and have said that sometimes this happens and it will close eventually. Sooner, I hope!

i had a drive on Tuesday which was 5weeks exactly from date of operation.

How is your new boob these days? any better?

L.

Hi Iala,

I had another operation on Wednesday to tidy up the breast and take away all the dead flesh. It now looks much better but is extremely sore and is bleeding a bit. I met my PS yesterday and he seems very happy with it but it bled again last night through all the dressings! Anyhow have the hospital on Wednesday again to dress it (not allowed do it myself) and then my PS next Friday again. Praying it all heals naturally now as its been nearly 7 weeks since surgery and its been constant trouble.

My tummy is fine - never gave me any trouble at all just tightness. I'm sure if yours is oozing its just some dead fat coming out and this will stop in time but make sure you don't get an infection. I'm still on antibiotics!!

I'm dying to drive again so think I might try next week (small drive). I hope it all heals well for you. Will you get nipple tattooing?

Hi spudburf, how are you doing now? Ive been back to clinic a few times since my last post, most recently yesterday. my tummy wound is still slightly open in two spots but the team think it will close in next couple of weeks. My new breast is doing great though thank goodness. I do think I will get the nipple done, as far as I know its not too big a procedure and I feel it will finish off the look of things for me. I am 7 weeks today since surgery.
I hope you are recovering well from your surgery last week.

L.

Hi Iala, I'm delighted you're doing so well. How does your tummy feel?

I'm recovering ok - the breast bled a bit over the weekend but I'm back tomorrow to have it all checked out so fingers crossed its healing ok. My tummy keeps filling up with fluid so I'll have to have that drained as well. I'm just hoping after I meet my PS on Friday I'll be able to drive again.

I'll be very interested in hearing about the nipple tattoing - I don't think I'll do anymore to be honest. I've have not had an easy time so I think once I'm healed that will be it for me!! 2 years of constant treatments, operations, reactions, etc are enough...I want to get back to being healthy and enjoying my life again

Please keep me posted on your progress though as you're the only person I know who has had this procedure and it's good to hear about the different things. How is your scar on your tummy? Mine is healing very well but I didn't expect it to be so large!!!

Ladies with wound healing issues...try a portion of freshly juiced wheat grass for a week. It's not that easy to find but certain health food shops carry it (google it). It is GROSS but has amazing healing properties. I had horrid wound healing problems post mastectomy (having had a lumpectomy 4 weeks before hand). I am Dublin based but was travelling to the west for Easter and needed wound dressings changed. My fab PHN organised for me to get dressing changed by a Ballina based PHN who told me about wheat grass. Within a week my wound that was nearly 5cm long was virtually closed.

Oh and I had nipple recon done in Dec. still need to get the tattoo done but getting there! Have no feeling but at least I have a matching 'headlight'

Hi spudburf, how did you get on yesterday? My tummy is improving, but slowly and I am changing the dressings less often as per instructions. My tummy is still very tight but I think that will just take time... I cant wait to sleep on my side with just one pillow again!!

Hi Lindylu, thanks so much for the wheatgrass tip, Im gonna check that out today if I can. And thanks for sharing about the nipple, its great to get as much information as possible, especially from others who have already had experience!

L.

Hi Iala, Met my PS but he was rushing back into Theatre!!! I was not impressed. Anyhow he said that he doesn't understand why I'm bleeding and if it doesn't stop then he's going to take me back in to take a look!! I'm not happy at all about that - so I'm trying to take it very easy to see if the bleeding stops but unfortunately its still going on. The breast actually looks very good (except for the bleeding)! I'm meeting him next Wednesday(13th) for the decision. My tummy is great....never gave me any problems but I am getting fluid build up in the tummy (water bed effect) so I'm getting that drained on Thursday.

Ha ha like you I can't wait to lie on my side either!!!

Thanks Lindylu for that tip...I'll hit the health shops tomorrow to try and get some wheatgrass. I'll try anything at this stage!!!

Overall I think I probable had this surgery a little too soon as my immune system is still shot from chemo and herceptin. But apparently in a years time I'll be very happy!!!!

Hi spudburf

I hope all goes well for you. I'm wondering how soon after the chemo you had reconstruction? I too had a mastectomy , then had a direct implant put in at the same time, it failed as the skin was too thin, so then they put in ex panders with the idea of putting the implant back in. Now I am thinking about getting the diep surgery done instead as I found the implant quite hard and not natural. Just wondering is the big operation very traumatic and worth it. I'm afraid of going under the knife for that long. I have had c sections and ovarian cyst operations so I might not even be suitable. Or do I get the implant see how it goes and decide after that. The tissue ex panders aren't comfortable and will be there for along time if I decide to go for diep. Anyway I'm visiting the plastic surgeon next week and will see what he says. I only finished chemo two weeks ago but I want to know what my plan is for the next year and move on

Hi Dubmum,

Sorry to hear you had a failed implant. I couldn't have that type as my body tends to reject things, ie my port, so I opted for the DIEP Flap as my PS told me that this will have the most realistic look and feel to a natural breast.

I finished my chemo on 28th March 2014, had my mastectomy in May 2014 and continued with my Herceptin treatment until November 2014. I had my surgery on 19th March this year and to be honest I still think it was a bit too soon as my immune system isn't firing on all cyclinders. But I think I'm turning a corner now even though I've a long way to go.

Knowing what I know now would I have this type of surgery again - No! But I have been told in a years time I will be delighted I did so maybe I'll rewrite this post then!! It is major surgery and don't let anyone tell you otherwise and the tummy scar is hip to hip so don't be alarmed. Now that I'm slowly recovering I do love having a cleavage again!

If you're not suitable due to your c-sections then there is a Tug flap I believe or using a flap for your back. I would encourage you to do a bit of research before you meet your PS so you have questions to ask him/her.

Oh and congratulations on finishing chemo - its great!

Hi Iala,

Do you or did you have any problem with a build up of fluid in your tummy after your DIEP Flap?

Hi Dub mum, just wanted to say, both my kids were c section births, and 10 months before my diep recon, I had a total hysterectomy. The diep surgery, is, as the other ladies have said, a major surgery, and takes time to recover from. The results though are amazing! And if you can persevere through the more uncomfortable bits, you won't look back. I am 9 months post op now and even though it was quite challenging at times, I'm glad I did it. I also had a lift and reduction to the other breast, which by comparison was a doddle. Good luck with everything!
Best,
D x

Hi Mayfair, I'm delighted to hear its all been worth it. I'm now 8 weeks after surgery and only just beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel so I hope I'll be as happy 9 months down the road.

Hiya Spudburf , I have every confidence you will be thrilled when you're another few months down the line. I had weeks of dealing with a part of the abdominal incision which didn't seem to want to close....wasn't painful, just gross and a complete nuisance. And because, this surgery was my own decision, I was beating myself up for agreeing to it, not realising what an undertaking it was. But as I said, that was then. I love being able to shop for "normal" bras again and not being so restricted in the clothes I wear. Anyone who is considering the diep though, I cannot stress enough....take time to heal, and stock up on patience!!☺ oh and make sure your PS is well practiced in this type of recon, as it involves a lot of micro surgery, so, you want someone who knows what they're doing, obviously☺. Continued good health to all.....I think we're all bloody amazing!!! x

Hi ladies

I had diep my2012 and yes it was a tough recovery,spent many a day wondering if i had been right to do it!! Well perky pam was 3 years old on 1st may and i have never looked back.Im delighted with pam ( a little more so than slightly droopy dora!!!).I too wasnt sure about nipple as had had enough of hospitals operations and recoverys,but bit tge bullet last september and got it done followed by tattoo just before christmas.Best pressie ever,i now feel as thiugh i have closed the door finally on that chapter of my life.
My ps asked me when having my final app with him if id do it again and yes i would ( legs fingers toes and arms crossed i NEVER have to).It is hard and a long recovery but it is very worth it,i have come to forget that its not mine.Im just me again.

Best of luck to all you lovely ladies in recovery and keep well.
Any questions shout

Xx W

[quote="Mayfair":2vq7jz9n]Hiya Spudburf , I have every confidence you will be thrilled when you're another few months down the line. I had weeks of dealing with a part of the abdominal incision which didn't seem to want to close....wasn't painful, just gross and a complete nuisance. And because, this surgery was my own decision, I was beating myself up for agreeing to it, not realising what an undertaking it was. But as I said, that was then. I love being able to shop for "normal" bras again and not being so restricted in the clothes I wear. Anyone who is considering the diep though, I cannot stress enough....take time to heal, and stock up on patience!!☺ oh and make sure your PS is well practiced in this type of recon, as it involves a lot of micro surgery, so, you want someone who knows what they're doing, obviously☺. Continued good health to all.....I think we're all bloody amazing!!! x[/quote:2vq7jz9n]

Thanks Mayfair and I agree we ARE amazing!!!

Hi to all again, can I please ask some advice from any DIEP Flap survivors!! I'm 6 months down the line now and while the breast has healed and looks ok my tummy is still giving me a lot of trouble!! It tends to just seize every so often and goes rock hard!! Also swimming hurts it and I was told by my PS that is was ok to exercise again?! Is also looks very uneven - is that normal? I had a lot of trouble with the original surgery but it was just the breast and that has all settled but I feel that there is something weird inside my stomach. I really need to know if anyone has ever experienced this before I go back to my PS.

I would really appreciate any advice - thanks :-)

Hi Spudburf, long time since I posted here but its 4 years ago today since I started my Chemo and I just thought Id see how everyone is doing.... Its now a year and 3 months since my Diep surgery. I never went back for the nipple or the lipo filling, I had just had enough of pain in my tummy area at the time. I may do it eventually , never say never, but for now Im happy and relieved not to be in Patient mode. How are you doing these days, have you recovered well? Would you do it again? I still have some soreness but its not the worst thing. Anyway I hope youre well and happy... Ive just cut the grass and a year ago that would have been unthinkable!!! So onwards and upwards we go....

Ladies; it's been a looooong time since I was on this forum so hoping things are OK for you all.
I'm on looking for a consensus of having DIEP done. I had immediate reconstruction using LD Flap and implant which failed and then had further surgery to fix this which has also failed. So now my options are
a) deconstruct all my previous surgery and go flat chested on one side
b) go back and get another implant in (bawk)
c) get lipofill from tummy area done (apparently this is last resort; the jury is out on this for 2 surgeons I have visited)
d) DIEP flap.

What are your thoughts on DIEP since ye have had it done? Is it worth the surgery and recovery?

Looking forward to hearing from you x

Hi, I am on the list for the DIEP flap, I'm going for another consult with the plastics team next week. My history is, dx with triple negative bc at the age of 32, immediate surgery, removal of right breast reconstruction with saline implant then chemo and radio. After the radio the implant capsulated and was removed and replaced only to capsulate again. I am in constant pain and discomfort with it so it needs to come out and I am not risking another one going back in. The surgeon who initially did my surgery has left the country so I was referred to Beaumont and met Mr Ajhmal. He said the waiting list was at least 8 months, which is almost up. So I am hoping to get the surgery done soon. I have read some very helpful posts here but please if you can think of anything else, not them up. I have small kids and am somehow going to try and balance all this too.

Hi Spudburf!
Just wondering how you are doing now and hoping all of this horrible journey is behind you? I am still to have reconstruction Diap being what I am leaning towards. Can I ask if it was Dublin or Cork you had surgery in?...I am really hoping for a recommendation of a plastic surgeon in Cork from anyone that may have ...God sometimes the more research you do the more confusing it becomes! xx

Hi Encee!...just read you post and wondering if you have made a decision on which way to go re reconstruction?...I am hoping to have Diap too and am researching big time but can be so daunting....am really looking for names of Cork Surgeons?

Hi Wings 11, I'm currently researching Diep Flap surgery also. I'm in Cork and attending CUH. I had immediate reconstruction and the implant failed so dont want to go down that route again. I would really love to hear from any ladies that have recovered from this surgery, before I make my final decision.

Liddylou, Wings11, Cathy61;
I feel so bad that I haven’t been back on this forum, especially when I got so much support from many people – and I haven’t really contributed much in the last while! Just wondering if you have had surgery or where things are at for you.
There were many reasons why I was reluctant to go for DIEP which is why I was asking for opinions on this forum...
So far away from home, out of my comfort zone, where would I get help if there were post-surgery complications?
How would I feel if it failed (bearing in mind I already had two failed reconstructions), not wanting to be out of action for months again while recovering, could I ask my family to go through the process again, care for me, etc.?
Anyway, after long deliberations (like a year!!) I bit the bullet and decided to go for the DIEP surgery. I’m five weeks post-surgery. I was EXTREMELY anxious in the lead up to the surgery so I guess I was on a high when I came out of surgery in one piece, and was released from hospital as scheduled. And I was absolutely flying it when I got home. Possibly doing too well. And with the highs, come the lows so I had a couple of wonky days – more to do with having the odd bad night’s sleep (I’m like Satan when I don’t get my sleep!) So I guess I could measure it as 14 steps forward, 2 steps back.
I have had practically no pain since a few days after surgery, just contending with the discomfort and tightness from the surgical sites. And having to walk stooped-over like Quasimodo certainly didn’t do much for my shoulders – in fact, my initial biggest problem area was my “good” shoulder – I had serious pain, probably from minding my surgery side and doing everything with the other side. Paracetamol, Voltarol and hot-water bottle eventually took care of that. Like a lot of other people, I have had some wound breakdown on my abdomen so I’m getting it dressed in between clinics a couple of times a week by my Public Health Nurse.
The biggest thing this patient had to learn was patience!! I’m so independent, that having to ask for help again goes against every fibre of my being. But I’m looking at this as being a very small part of what I hope will be a long and healthy life. To stop me from being tempted to do stupid stuff, I’ve organised for someone to come in twice a week for an hour to vacuum, clean cobwebs, clean bathrooms and tidy the kitchen (otherwise I just close my eyes and think happy thoughts when I see something that needs to be done!), and I’ve organised someone else to come in to give the garden a once-over – cut the grass, get at the weeds, clip the hedges). And I’ve stopped being the genial hostess. I’m leaving my backdoor open and if someone wants to visit me, they have to trot into the sittingroom or bedroom. And if they want tea or coffee, they are told to help themselves. Unless I’m actually up and about... then I might bother my arse and get the milk out, lol.
If I do feel a bit of an itch to chance doing something, I go back to bed and read or watch a movie. Or just think about life and congratulate myself on all I have done, and think how lucky and grateful I am to have my fabulous, fabulous husband and daughters, and have sisters, brothers, friends and neighbours who are so kind, thoughtful and generous.
And today, it feels like I have shifted from 1st gear to second gear – I can lift my arm much easier than I could last week, and I just feel a bit different, something I can’t put my finger on. I’m afraid to be optimistic in thinking that maybe this surgery has been successful; I am only 5 weeks post-surgery so I’m so conscious that it’s early days yet. I also started taking a wheatgrass blend last week (it is the powder blend from Holland and Barrett with other stuff in it too), the smell reminds me of tea-leaves. I mix it with orange juice – I have never eaten ashes in my life but I’m guessing if I did, they would taste like this crap, lol. But it hasn’t done anything wrong to me either – maybe this is what is making me feel different.
I’ll check in here next week – if you have any questions, feel free to ask xx