How Difficult is the Decision to Have DIEP flap Breast Reconstruction?

A Difficult Decision for Me to Have DIEP flap

It is very difficult to make the decision to have DIEP flap breast reconstruction. I had this surgery in 2014 after a second breast cancer diagnosis and losing my breasts after a double mastectomy. I want to share what other women go through to have this amazing yet complex surgery.

Who Might Consider Having DIEP flap Surgery?

I listen to stories from basically two groups. The first group are women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  It is not always the case, but the hope is I hear these women are given all their options for breast reconstruction. Otherwise, how could they even make an informed decision about their choices to reconstruct their breasts?

It is most important all options for breast reconstruction are presented after careful assessment of biopsies, various imaging procedures, that should include a shared decision-making conversation with their breast surgeon and oncology team. Breast cancer treatment should be discussed first. But there is no reason you can’t be provided information for reconstruction to provide a sense of hope to rebuild your breasts.  I was given all my options. I felt fully supported in my decision to have DIEP flap reconstruction.

Those at High Risk with a Genetic Mutation

The second group are those who are at high risk for breast cancer. These are women who are considering prophylactic mastectomy to greatly reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. We frequently hear of the BRCA gene mutation. However, with the advancement of genetic testing, a variety of other genetic tests are available for those carrying any number of gene mutations putting them at high risk of getting breast cancer. I always encourage those who have genetic testing to speak to a certified genetic counselor to understand the implications and results of the test.

Both groups, are put into a situation they would not even consider deciding about if they had not been affected by breast cancer. There is enough to deal with when you are processing the diagnosis or results of a genetic test. Tough decision, right? You bet!

What Makes the Decision Difficult?

I am a patient advocate for breast reconstruction now. But when I began researching the topic of DIEP flap, I felt alone, overwhelmed, confused, and frightened at times. It wasn’t until I began talking to others going through the same process I began to feel more at ease with my decision. I want to offer links I have written addressing the concerns I list in this blog. I hope it benefits those planning their reconstruction to take pause, take a deep breath, knowing there are many others who have gone before you and are facing the same challenges, emotions, and trepidation.

The Emotional Part of the Decision

It was so difficult for me to think about losing my breasts. Imagine the mental gymnastics women and men go through when they are going to lose a body part? Cry, touch your breasts the night before surgery, take photos of them before you lose them. Let your partner or husband embrace them. All of those reactions and actions are OK! I went through all of these emotions! 

Married women or those with partners wonder how it will affect their sex life. When sensation is part of your sexual arousal and pleasure, it is perfectly natural to ask how this surgery will affect your sex life. Ask your plastic surgeon if they perform a procedure restoring some sensation to the breast at the time of your DIEP flap. You and your partner can learn new ways touch can be part of your sexual arousal after DIEP flap breast reconstruction.  

How will I feel about the scars, especially the hip bone to hip bone scar? Scars are part of DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Finding a skillful plastic surgeon who can hide the scars well is the key to optimizing the outcomes.

Physical Considerations of the Decision

How will my body physically feel after using my tummy area to reconstruct my breasts? I have always been an active person. Continuing your physical activity level after any surgery is important to maintaining health. I chose DIEP flap breast reconstruction so my abdominal muscles would be spared. I wanted to continue the level of physical activity I had before surgery.

Those who have young children at home become concerned about the activity level required. How will this change during the 4-6-week recovery? It is a valid concern! It is important to monitor little ones crawling up to cuddle while those incisions are healing. You will need support! I asked other women what they did. You can read about it here.

When you are facing a mastectomy from a breast cancer diagnosis or if you are considering prophylactic mastectomy due to a gene mutation, you have choices. You can remain flat, have implant-based reconstruction, or choose DIEP flap breast reconstruction using your own tissue. All of the decisions require careful consideration and research.

It is a difficult decision to have DIEP flap breast reconstruction. After a great amount of research, giving it careful consideration and time before I made the decision, I have zero regrets. I wish the same experience for you.

What has been the most difficult part of your decision to have DIEP flap Breast Reconstruction? I welcome your story!

Disclaimer

References made to my surgical group, surgeon and healthcare team are made because they are aligned with my values and met my criterion after I did research of their practices and success rates. Any other healthcare provider that displays the same skill, compassion education and outreach to patients will be given consideration and recognition on this website.  The information contained on this website is not a substitute for or should be construed as medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician for medical advice.