I have had DIEP flap surgery. I had a good experience with surgery and immediate recovery, but like every surgery there's chance for complications and I had some wound healing issues. I am in need of some further surgery (as initial DIEP is usually just to remove cancer and get a flap placed, not the prettying up or cleaning up of things). The trouble I am having now is getting it scheduled. It was scheduled, then anesthesia decided no, cancelled my procedure and now I am sitting eternally waiting for an answer from the scheduler. I hear so many complain that once the cancer is dealt with, you get dropped like a hot rock and that is truly how it feels. So, if your friend does it, be prepared for a long road, potentially. Would I make the same decision if I had to do it again? Yes, not a doubt.