POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap Reviews
Ongoing Nipple Sparing Reconstruction, DIEP Flap, Fat Transfer, and Possibly Implants - Mount Pleasant, SC
UPDATED FROM 50isnifty1
6 years post
Next Month Is 7 Years
WORTH IT$100,000
I am about to celebrate 7 years cancer-free. I am so very blessed, for without Dr. Beatty and Dr. Hahm, I may not be here today. I would have missed the birth of my 2 grandchildren, my daughter's wedding, she and her husband buying their first home, then their second, watching their love deepen and grow. I would have missed seeing my son start his own business and become the wonderful man he is. I would have missed meeting the amazing woman he is living with now, and missed them buying their first home together. I would have missed a tremendous healing and spiritual growth in my own life, leading to a path of certification in EMDR and as a CSAT, leading back to working with adult survivors of trauma.
I look back on some of my entries and I cringe. They are so self-centered and attention-seeking. I wish I could remove a chunk of them. The woman who wrote those is not the woman I am today. My recovery and healing journey has also led to healing so much in my past, and allowing me to find my authentic self. I love helping others, and if I could, I would re-write so much of this to be able to truly help those who are seeking information. I may yet find a way to do so.
Here is what I will say. Get your preventatives. They truly do save lives. Dr. Beatty and Dr. Hahm are fantastic physicians and I highly recommend them. They are kind, helpful, professional, and their work still looks wonderful after 7 years. I am healthy, happy, and healed - physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I am looking forward to the next 43 years of living - I do plan to live to be 100, God willing.
I look back on some of my entries and I cringe. They are so self-centered and attention-seeking. I wish I could remove a chunk of them. The woman who wrote those is not the woman I am today. My recovery and healing journey has also led to healing so much in my past, and allowing me to find my authentic self. I love helping others, and if I could, I would re-write so much of this to be able to truly help those who are seeking information. I may yet find a way to do so.
Here is what I will say. Get your preventatives. They truly do save lives. Dr. Beatty and Dr. Hahm are fantastic physicians and I highly recommend them. They are kind, helpful, professional, and their work still looks wonderful after 7 years. I am healthy, happy, and healed - physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I am looking forward to the next 43 years of living - I do plan to live to be 100, God willing.
50isnifty1's provider
UPDATED FROM 50isnifty1
1 year post
Another pic
Front view - I am only able to post one photo at a time. Not sure why. This is not the best outfit to show how nicely everything turned out, but hopefully, you get the idea.
Replies (4)
January 14, 2017
You're looking great!! I didn't see you did an update in November AND December!! I hope to see you back on sometime soon! :):) stop by my review if you get a chance. So glad all is well with you and that things turned out so great!
January 16, 2017
Thank you! I will check out your too. :-) Over one year later and they are still softening! It is amazing how they continue to change- all in a great way.
December 3, 2017
I am contemplating prophylactic double mastectomy due to my family history. What made you decide to do DIEP flap rather than expanders and implants? How are your scars? Do you have any sensation in your nipples? Are you completely numb in your entire breast area? I am a nervous wreck and i have small natural breasts right now and though I want bigger boobs like i used to have (i am 49), i never thought this is how i would go about getting them.....thanks for answering my questions. You look stunning and should be so proud of yourself!
December 4, 2017
Hi Happyeveryday!
I get what you are saying. I always wanted a better bust line, and never thought I would end up getting one through cancer. When I was diagnosed, I knew that I could not sit around and wait for the lobular carcinoma to metastasize (And a good thing too. If I hadn't, there is no doubt, after the biopsy of the material removed during the mastectomy that I really dodged a bullet. Nothing was normal. Nothing.). My breast cancer doc worked with a plastic surgeon, the fabulous Dr. Hahm. He met with me that day, and explained that a DIEP would be better. Even thought there would be steps to reconstruction, I would end up with more natural, warm breasts. If I had done expanders with a gummy type implant, that breasts would have looked nice, but they would be cold, and firmer - like Barbie boobs. He recommended since I was still in great shape, a non-smoker, and the fact that I could keep my skin and nipples, that a DIEP would give me more of a natural outcome. At first, I was not enamored with the idea of a scar across my abdomen, where my spare skin and fat were collected, but I am so glad I did it this way. Even though there was not enough of me to give me the cup size I wished to have, it allowed me to use a soft, squishy implant, and I only needed a 295cc one, which, I think, tends to be a smaller one. I was shooting for 350cc, but only a 295cc would fit, and that was okay. I ended up with a larger bust than I expected anyway - NOT COMPLAINING. Lol.
Now, for scars. They have healed and are flat, white lines, that will continue to disappear as I age, like my C-section scar did. I was reopened on my stomach, due to hernia repairs. I thought it would never heal, but it is finally fading to white. I will be honest, it has taken 2 years for that done to fade. It was higher than I expected - guess that is how I am built, but my retro, high waisted bikini bottoms cover it anyway. My husband does not notice the scars at all. :-) I am his pin up girl. My waist has remained 25", and I got rid of the loose skin from having two babies - bonus feature.
Now, about numbing. Each person is different. I know I teared up when I heard I would lose sensation in my breasts, as mine were very sensitive. I regained some of the sensation in my breasts, but not all. I have regained more over time My nipples do not feel light touch, but they still respond to it, and cold. Go figure. Also, lately, I have been having nipple sensation, but, it is felt underneath the skin and in my belly. It is not a bad sensation at all, just different. When the upper third of the breasts are touched, I feel it underneath the skin, and in my lower tummy. Weird, but hey, I am not complaining, especially since some women lose all sensation. The other 2/3rd's of the breast have regained sensitivity. The scar across my stomach has a numb region of about an inch on both sides of the incision. I do not know if this is normal or not. It may be because the the opening up to repair the hernias.
I hope this helps, and thank you for the compliment. I am very grateful for the great docs I have had, and that I made it through looking better than when I went in - at least, I think so. I know that is not how it ends up for others. I feel like I have been given a gift, so I am trying to maintain it through diet and exercise. And may I reassure you, I just turned 53, and I think the 50's rock. I feel all of 30. Please feel free to ask any other questions that come to mind.
I get what you are saying. I always wanted a better bust line, and never thought I would end up getting one through cancer. When I was diagnosed, I knew that I could not sit around and wait for the lobular carcinoma to metastasize (And a good thing too. If I hadn't, there is no doubt, after the biopsy of the material removed during the mastectomy that I really dodged a bullet. Nothing was normal. Nothing.). My breast cancer doc worked with a plastic surgeon, the fabulous Dr. Hahm. He met with me that day, and explained that a DIEP would be better. Even thought there would be steps to reconstruction, I would end up with more natural, warm breasts. If I had done expanders with a gummy type implant, that breasts would have looked nice, but they would be cold, and firmer - like Barbie boobs. He recommended since I was still in great shape, a non-smoker, and the fact that I could keep my skin and nipples, that a DIEP would give me more of a natural outcome. At first, I was not enamored with the idea of a scar across my abdomen, where my spare skin and fat were collected, but I am so glad I did it this way. Even though there was not enough of me to give me the cup size I wished to have, it allowed me to use a soft, squishy implant, and I only needed a 295cc one, which, I think, tends to be a smaller one. I was shooting for 350cc, but only a 295cc would fit, and that was okay. I ended up with a larger bust than I expected anyway - NOT COMPLAINING. Lol.
Now, for scars. They have healed and are flat, white lines, that will continue to disappear as I age, like my C-section scar did. I was reopened on my stomach, due to hernia repairs. I thought it would never heal, but it is finally fading to white. I will be honest, it has taken 2 years for that done to fade. It was higher than I expected - guess that is how I am built, but my retro, high waisted bikini bottoms cover it anyway. My husband does not notice the scars at all. :-) I am his pin up girl. My waist has remained 25", and I got rid of the loose skin from having two babies - bonus feature.
Now, about numbing. Each person is different. I know I teared up when I heard I would lose sensation in my breasts, as mine were very sensitive. I regained some of the sensation in my breasts, but not all. I have regained more over time My nipples do not feel light touch, but they still respond to it, and cold. Go figure. Also, lately, I have been having nipple sensation, but, it is felt underneath the skin and in my belly. It is not a bad sensation at all, just different. When the upper third of the breasts are touched, I feel it underneath the skin, and in my lower tummy. Weird, but hey, I am not complaining, especially since some women lose all sensation. The other 2/3rd's of the breast have regained sensitivity. The scar across my stomach has a numb region of about an inch on both sides of the incision. I do not know if this is normal or not. It may be because the the opening up to repair the hernias.
I hope this helps, and thank you for the compliment. I am very grateful for the great docs I have had, and that I made it through looking better than when I went in - at least, I think so. I know that is not how it ends up for others. I feel like I have been given a gift, so I am trying to maintain it through diet and exercise. And may I reassure you, I just turned 53, and I think the 50's rock. I feel all of 30. Please feel free to ask any other questions that come to mind.
August 18, 2020
Thank you for your post, I found it so helpful! I was diagnosed with Invasive lobular carcinoma, stage 3 almost 2 years ago, I had 6 months of chemo, 46 radiation sessions and 8 surgeries. I had a double mastectomy with expanders.
My surgeon has suggested I have a DIEP, I'm 40. Prior to being diagnosed, I had a very healthy and active lifestyle, so learning I had cancer was a punch in the face.
Before I make my decision about having this invasive surgery I been doing research on the pros and cons of this surgery. I greatly appreciate the details of your outcome.
My surgeon has suggested I have a DIEP, I'm 40. Prior to being diagnosed, I had a very healthy and active lifestyle, so learning I had cancer was a punch in the face.
Before I make my decision about having this invasive surgery I been doing research on the pros and cons of this surgery. I greatly appreciate the details of your outcome.
August 31, 2020
Wow, what a beautiful result. I went right to implant I get capsular contracture and that balled look. with a DIEP your breasts aren't cold, right? Mine get cold because I don't have a blood supply there. I regret not getting a DIEP flap. Yours look so natural and beautiful. So happy for you.
UPDATED FROM 50isnifty1
1 year post
A Bit Over One Year After Final Reconstruction
Well, the final reconstruction was December 3rd of last year, so it has been a bit over one year. My boobs had their first birthday. LOl So, 2016 has been the year of healing and leaving breast cancer in the rear view mirror. I am delighted with the results. Here is a quick photo of me today. It is not the greatest outfit, but I thought it might be helpful. I appreciated all of the ladies that came back 1, 2, and 3 years later to share their journey. Maybe this helps someone.
I love my new breasts. They look wonderful and real. I love them so much, I am splurging on beautiful lingerie. I have two Simone Perele bras on the way as a celebration. I have stayed a 32F. After surgery, my band size decreased. Some was the 35 pound weight loss, but I think some was surgery too. My waist has stayed at 25", and my stomach flattens more each month.
The scar on my stomach is now starting to turn white, which has made me really smile. The scar is from DIEP. It stayed a deep pink for the longest time, and now it is quickly changing color. The scars under each breast are slowly fading too. All scars are lying flat. I have full reach and flexibility. I think stretching really helped, so I do not have frozen shoulder and my arms go all the way above my head without issue. Exercise has not been negatively affected. I work out 4 - 5 days per week. I have not had to give up any equipment. Overall, I feel great, have my stamina back, as well as strength, and feel like I can take on the world.
If anybody has a question I have not answered, please feel free to ask.
I love my new breasts. They look wonderful and real. I love them so much, I am splurging on beautiful lingerie. I have two Simone Perele bras on the way as a celebration. I have stayed a 32F. After surgery, my band size decreased. Some was the 35 pound weight loss, but I think some was surgery too. My waist has stayed at 25", and my stomach flattens more each month.
The scar on my stomach is now starting to turn white, which has made me really smile. The scar is from DIEP. It stayed a deep pink for the longest time, and now it is quickly changing color. The scars under each breast are slowly fading too. All scars are lying flat. I have full reach and flexibility. I think stretching really helped, so I do not have frozen shoulder and my arms go all the way above my head without issue. Exercise has not been negatively affected. I work out 4 - 5 days per week. I have not had to give up any equipment. Overall, I feel great, have my stamina back, as well as strength, and feel like I can take on the world.
If anybody has a question I have not answered, please feel free to ask.
Replies (2)
January 6, 2017
Wow you look so amazing. I was diagnosed in March 2012 and I've had 2 reconstruction appts and both were a no go!!! So disappointed but I'm now with a new PS and she comes highly recommended. I. Hoping I can have a DIEP flap. I'm hoping g with everything crossed that it goes ahead in March. Just wanted to say how great your new girls look. Xx
January 9, 2017
Thank you!! It is hard to believe my diagnosis was 2 years ago, and my anniversary of my mastectomy is coming up next month. Good luck and keep us abreast (no pun intended) of your progress!
January 9, 2017
Thank you. I'm nervous but very excited at the same time. :)
January 11, 2017
I completely understand. It is a big surgery. Make sure you have great upport and you need to rest. You will live in a recliner for weeks. Listen to your doc.
Replies (2)