Please share your experience with the Diep Flap Procedure

Hi @jenni17
I think you'll appreciate this discussion on Connect:
- Mastectomy and Reconstruction (or not) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mastectomy-1/
Fellow members @bomashisha @chamisa and @jlms talk about the Diep Flap procedure there. Additionally some members share why they chose not to have reconstruction.

Jenni, how long ago did you have the implants removed?

Thank you so much for this information. I had my implants removed in February of 2018.

I had a d flap in Mar 2018 due to total mastectomy on right breast, with chemo and radiation in aug 2016. I elected to have left Breast removal so both would match. Unfortunately had complications on LEFT . Right came out perfect. Lost left to poor blood flow and ultimately infection. Latismus flap to fix left . I am one big scarred mess but I’m one surgery away from “whole” again. I Still have trouble with abs getting out of bed but had first surgery gone with out a hitch I’d be a happy camper! Long story short find a reputable micro surgeon and go for it if the benefits outway the year or two of recovery. I tried for a year with prostectic and this pain was worth not dealing with my prosthetic ending up in my golf bag after the first hole😊 ps the bonus for this misery is no back fat or abdominal fat due to liposuction to make it work! Still looking on the bright side, best of luck to you! Prayers your journey is simpler🙏🙏🙏

Hi @jenni17, Did you decide to have reconstruction? How are you doing? It would be great to get an update.

@vivlaj, you mentioned that you're one surgery away from being whole again. Have you had the final surgery or is it in the future?

I had diep flap revonstruction on August 8, 2007, immediately after my bilateral mastectomy. Dr. Maurice Nahabedian performed the surgery at Georgetown Hospital after Dr. Shawna Willey removed my breasts. It
was an eleven hour surgery and the best decision of my life. He’s considered the leading expert in this field and actually was at Hopkins prior to Georgetown and is at GW Hospital, I believe ... at present. ❤️ this surgeon!!!

Dear Mellss, Tana here & I'm in Victoria, Australia. 11 years ago I was considering reconstruction but at the time here, they were suggesting using the stomach muscle or the relocation of the muscle from the back. I did not go ahead as it didn't seem right. The DIEP wasn't suggested nor had I heard of it. You sound very happy with the process & I think it's so much better than the option at the time. Melissa, did you have removal & reconstruction on the same day? Did you have two different surgeons at the same time? Here, I will have a plastic surgeon to remove the implant & reconstruction of the right breast only. The left breast has to be done by a cancer hospital surgeon (on the same day) although it doesn't have cancer. I have approvals to go ahead. Hospital systems must be different here & I'm going public. I'm on a waiting list. An issue I have is my age - I'm 68 this July. I don't feel it & age doesn't affect my outlook in life & having better health. Mentally or Physically. Knowing your history, but not your age, I would imagine you would have done a lot of research into DIEP outcomes. Your 12 years on from surgery & recovery is of great interest to me. Appreciate your comments & suggestions. Regards Tana.

Has anyone had died flap breast reconstruction surgery after previous (many years ago) tubal ligation? Was anyone denied this type of reconstruction? Was any extra precaution taken for the surgery? Any information would be appreciated.

Hi, @sandyjr - I wanted to let you know I moved your post here to an existing Mayo Clinic Connect discussion on the DIEP flap procedure. Hoping that you can meet others in this discussion like @tana @meliss @jenni17 and that they can let you know if they have had this reconstruction surgery after tubal ligation. If they had had a previous tubal ligation, they may have additional information on whether they were denied this type of reconstruction or if extra precaution was taken for the surgery. I'd also like for you to meet @bomashisha @chamisa and @jlms, who also may have some input.

Where are things at currently for you with a DIEP flap breast reconstruction? What has your doctor said about going ahead with this surgery?

<p>I have had breast cancer twice and have had bilateral lumpectomies at different times. After finding out that I have a genetic mutation I have decided to have the bilateral mastectomy and diet flap reconstruction. Both my surgeon and my plastic surgeon have been very forthcoming with what to expect. I still have a few questions for them but figured I would ask about personal experiences to find out if there are more things that I should address. Did anyone have to have blood transfusions? I have been told I will be in intensive care for a day or two. What should I expect in intensive care? When will I be able to feel like I am “with it”? How long was it before you were up walking around? How long did you have drains in and how many did you have? What is your experience good or not? How long after going home was it before you could get back to doing your normal stuff? When were you able to drive again? Are there any tidbits of information that will make my experience easier?</p>

Sandy, you asked some great questions. I'm tagging @amy11559 @bomashisha @betsyk @jlms who have experience with DIEP surgery so they can share their experiences. In addition to getting the experiences of others who have been there (so valuable), I recommend you ask these same questions to your surgical team. Also be sure to ask what exercises you should do and how soon.

When will you have surgery?