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Breast Reconstruction with DIEP FLAP

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Posted 2/8/2005 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Please share your experience if you have had a DIEP FLAP. I am seeking to spare significant loss to my ab muscle and this sounded like an option, but not  many PS are in my state are using this technique. I saw many in Lousiana, but that would my mastsecomy would have to be done there also, cause the PS wants to do immediate reconstruction. Thanks all.
Posted 2/8/2005 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
I had the tram flap done so can't help you much here, but just thought I would wish you luck on your decision.

L&H
Sara
Posted 2/8/2005 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
If you click on Cindy802's name you will see a webpage of hers. In the information there under Doctors you can find information about this procedure. She had it done and you can also contact her through her profile and webpage. She still posts here but may not see your question as quickly as you hope. Hope this will help you. Hugs Mary K.
Posted 2/10/2005 4:12 AM (GMT 0)

Hi BMarie. I had diep. As gma stated, you can go to my website www.truefacesofbreastcancer.org/diep.htm and find info on diep regarding things to evaluate, when seeking a Plastic Surgeon. There is also info about preparing your body for surgery. Don't forget that when you do have your mastectomy to request a skin-sparing mastectomy. It allows you to keep your breast envelope. Good luck.


Posted 2/10/2005 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Cindy802,

Thanks so much. Dr. D's Q&A was so informative. Do you live in Lousiana or did you fly in for the surgery? Did you have any problems getting insurance coverage if this was out of town?
Posted 2/10/2005 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
I live in California and flew in from here. I have PPO insurance coverage, so I get to choose my docs.
Posted 2/10/2005 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
How long after mas, or did you have the mast in Lousiana alos. Did you have a skin sparing mastectomy? Did you have to fly back to Louisiana for follow-up? Thanks.
Posted 2/10/2005 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
I had bilateral skin-sparing mastectomies, prophylactic on the left. I didn't have to go back for followups, but I went back for stage 2. That's were you get your nipples and lipo of abdomen and sides, etc. My breast look like normal breast. The scars are fading. I went back for stage 2 about four months after stage 1.


Posted 2/10/2005 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
Did Dr. D. recommend the breast surgeon in Lousiana? How did you like the hospital? I know they are performing the state of art breast reconstruction, but I am wondering about the quality of the breast cancer center. My concern is that I have complete confidence in my surgeon at U of Mich, but the plastic surgeons not utilize DIEP Flap in breast reconstruction. So I keep asking myself what's most important: Ridding the cancer or having the most natural/normal looking breast.....
I did read Dr. D's Q&A and he did noted that immediate reconstruction provides most optimal outcome. Thanks for all of your input.
Posted 2/10/2005 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
He was my PS. 


Posted 2/10/2005 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
What an informative discourse between you ladies. Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you will continue to share information with us as you go along in your quest, Marie. Most of us here are past this stage but it is good for newbies who are reading and wondering what to do. Also it helps inform us should we need to share with others, too. Thanks so much. Hugs MK
Posted 2/12/2005 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
I am so optimistic today. I met with a ps at the U of Mich and she noted that no in the state was performing DIEP. She said she would be going to Germany this year to complete her training. I let her know how blessed cancer patients in Michigan will be to have more options for breast reconstruction.

I spoke with the nurse educator at Dr. D's office. She was very informative. I have made a decision to go to John Hopkins for surgery and breast reconstruction. I have been communicating with the director of the breast center there and she had a delayed bilaterial diep flap in 2002 after 10 years and she was "thrilled" and finds it "far superior to doing the tram flap" because it spares the muscles. I hope to have a consult by month's end. My node status came back negative with the needle biopsy. I will still need to have a sentinel node biopsy with the mast, but I am so encouraged. I have a long road ahead of me, but reading about all the tough times, successes, and comforting words shared by all healing well, helps me get through another day. My love and prayers to all. Stay strong and encouraged.
Posted 2/12/2005 6:41 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sure you will do fine. The two diep docs that I know of at John Hopkins are Dr. Chang and another doc, whose name starts with an "N"...I can never remember it. If you go to John Hopkin's website, you can go to "Ask the Expert" and in the breast cancer reconstruction section, you can post your questions and someone will email you the answer, within 48 hours. They will also answer to your online post. Good luck. Take care of you.

Posted 2/12/2005 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Marie and Cindy, quite a few of us have been together since 1999 when we were on another breast cancer site. In May of 2000 I went to my grand daughter's graduation in Cincinnati area and suggested meeting the girls in that area for lunch. Women from all over the eastern US decided they wanted to come, too. We had about 20 there for our first get together. Then some who didn't come wanted to have another group meeting so they could meet everyone, so in October we held another group get together in St. Louis, MO. We had nearly 40 there. We have had many more group meetings, the last being held last May in Louisville, KY. If you look under my second post in the roll call you can see pictures.

I think you can find help with many different situations, either by experience of those posting here or from their memory or knowledge of other's experiences. It is great having new women coming to post and share their stories and questions. We have learned even more from the two of you.

Hugs, Mary K.
Posted 2/12/2005 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary K. My bc motto is "Knowledge Is Power". I strive to learn all that I can learn and in doing so, I try to pass on what I can. I am glad that anything I may have posted was helpful. Blessings.

Posted 2/13/2005 3:51 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Marie,

You might also want to check out FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, at:

http://www.facingourrisk.org

The organization is for people affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, but many of the women there have had DIEP flaps and GAP flaps.  Also there are photos in on our reconstruction boards. 

Everyone that I know who has had a DIEP has been happy.

Warm regards,

Sue

Posted 2/14/2005 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks veggievet I will check it out.
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