Breast Reconstruction options

[AKC1989]

My sister is scheduled to have a mastectomy (diagnosed with breast lymphoma and breast cancer, age - 45, mum of 3 children), and she has been presented with two options for breast reconstruction: the latissimus dorsi muscle and the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap procedures.

We want to make the most informed decision possible. We are searching for advice, insights or guidance from individuals who have personal experience or know of others who have had these reconstruction procedures

Please help, our world has crashed down since the diagnosis and we are just struggling to process all of this.

Thank you so much

Hi
Sorry to hear of your sisters diagnosis. I was in this position 14 years ago, aged 38.

I had the latisimmus dorsi procedure.

Originally I had a tissue expander, which failed.

The lat dorsi was the only option for me in the end. The plastic surgeon brought muscle round from the back to the chest. It's okay and gives me a shape, that's it. The whole thing is numb, which I struggled with for a long time.

Best of luck, it's a tough time.

I also had the lat dorsi procedure. It was 7 years ago. It was a huge operation but I recovered quickly. I was able to keep my nipple and it looks exactly like my breast did prior to reconstruction. I have some slight weakness and reduced mobility on my reconstruction side. It’s a huge decision to make but I’m pleased that I went ahead - I can wear normal bras and clothing. Wishing your sister the best of luck with her treatment.

I had a DIEP 4 years ago. Tummy fat was used to stuff and tummy skin was used for DIEP flap - now have hip to hip scar, same line as my c section scar. I needed skin graft afterwards as my breast reconstruction was slow to heal and I needed chemo. It's not pretty due to this. Skin graft was taken from my thigh so I have scars there too. My new tummy titty as we call it is weirdly numb. I'm now 4 + years post op so I guess it always will be. Like PP it was very weird and I didn't like it- took a long time to get used to it - it felt like I was carrying around a bum bag on my chest. Also my whole pubic area is numb which I really don't like.
I miss how I used to feel on my breast and pubic area but I'm here and alive and when I'm dressed no one would even know, even in a reasonably low cut top. I can wear a swimsuit with (some) confidence but I don't really give a fuck what people think anymore not that I often catch people looking! I was also persuaded to have the reconstruction whereas at the time I didn't care - I just wanted to live. In hindsight I'm glad I did but it was tough. Sending love to your sister. It is doable.

I was only offered the latissimus dorsi option, due to a lack of fatty tissue elsewhere.

I'm very active and in the end, I chose not to have reconstructive surgery because I didn't want to weaken the muscles in my back.

I'm two years down the line and the only impact it has on my life is I no longer wear tops that show my cleavage. But I was healed after mastectomy and back to doing everything I could formerly within a few weeks.

I have assorted bras and swimsuits with a breast form, most days I don't even think about it.

Yes, I forgot to mention that it can take a long time to come to terms with the the reconstruction. As the PP said, I also just wanted to live. My kids were only 5 and 18 months at the time and I was devastated!

Your sister may go through some kind of bereavement process in losing her breast and that's normal.

It is doable, but the journey can be long.

🌺🌹

Thinking about clothes, I tend to choose backless evening dresses and swimsuits now. I don't have any scars except the mastectomy scar, and I don't have any numb patches. I did lose my whole breast though.

I had the lat dorsi reconstruction 20 years ago when I was 49, no problems at all although I have no feeling in that breast obviously, but mine have never been that sensitive anyway.
I had the mastectomy and reconstruction all done on the Monday and was discharged on the Friday. I never think twice about it now, but it was devastating at the time.
Best wishes to your sister and her family.

My wife is about to have a mastectomy and is wrangling with the idea of a reconstruction. Think she’s going with the LD flap option. Does anyone have any advice for her and me? I’m a man in well out of my depth tbh. Being supportive but never quite know what to say or how to help. All advice really valued and appreciated. Thanks.