POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap REVIEWS
Double Mastectomy with DIEP - Fairfax, VA
ORIGINAL POST
Diagnosed with bi-lateral breast cancer in...
eileensloyanOctober 20, 2015
WORTH IT$71,000
Diagnosed with bi-lateral breast cancer in November 2014. Through the SOS program at Life with Cancer, I spoke with survivors who had no reconstruction, lumpectomy, implants and DIEP flap procedure. I chose the later because I liked being able to use my own (abdominal) tissue and also because I could have a mastectomy and DIEP at the same time. I went to sleep with breasts and woke up with breasts--I never considered how psychologically important this would be. Recovery was very difficult but this was the right procedure for me. Surgery at the end of May 2015 and I am feeling great!
eileensloyan's provider
Replies (5)
October 21, 2015
I had DIEP on 6/3, having my next tune up surgery 11/3. I also had a difficult recovery with complication of skin necrosis. Hope you will share more of your story. Good luck and good healing,
October 21, 2015
My complications were blisters from surgical tape, shingles, and a bad infection at the abdominal incision. Dr Rad, and his staff, were terrific especially with regard to the infection. They brought me in right away for an additional office visit, and I had several conversations Dr Rad and his medical assistant, Stacey, about wound care and pain management. I do think I brought some of this on myself though, by eating way too much sugar after surgery--it seemed like my dining room table became a dessert table and I did not hold back when I was feeling bad from the pain of shingles.
October 21, 2015
I am considering breast flap reconstruction. Have you found any info on people who had it and are 2-3 years post procedure? I am nervous because the only person I know who had the procedure eventually got fatter than before around the abdomen. I don't know this person well enough to start asking questions. It is possible she got fat for other medical reasons. I just don't want to go through all that just to feel good for only a short period of time.
October 21, 2015
I would check in with the Life with Cancer program in Fairfax, VA and ask for the SOS coordinator. These survivors, who have agreed to talk to patients going through treatment, are at least one year out from their own treatment. My mentor is actually five years out and had a single mastectomy with a DIEP and looks terrific; she also exercises regularly and is watchful of her diet.
Welcome to the community and thanks so much for starting your review.
It would be great if you could give us a little more detail about your experience, like why you had the surgery, your tips for getting good results, pros/cons, and info on the recovery process.
Our community members especially love seeing photos from before, during, and after — a realistic look at what they can expect. Photos grab the attention of the community and encourage more support for you.
As a community manager, I get requests all the time from other members who want me to to keep encouraging people to share their experiences, which are so helpful for others considering these procedures. So please accept this as a well-intentioned request from thousands.