Ruth is one of over 2,400 global members of DiepCJourney Facebook group. I am honored to share her story here. The wait for her DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery has been challenging for Ruth on many levels. She tells us her personal story and what it means waiting for a DIEP flap surgery date.
Delayed DIEP Flap: The Wait Begins
It was October 2014 when I received my breast cancer diagnosis. I live in a small beautiful, city tucked away in the south east corner of British Columbia. Though I was able to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy locally, unfortunately our hospital does not have the facilities to offer either radiation or reconstructive surgery. It was decided having a mastectomy would be the first course in my treatment. Opting for immediate reconstructive surgery would have meant a delay as well as travelling over 500km to Kelowna or over 800km to Vancouver. I was so overwhelmed by my diagnosis, the need to stay close to my family and support system was very important. I choose to have a mastectomy with delayed reconstruction. Chemotherapy followed in January 2015 and in May I travelled to Vancouver, BC for 28 rounds of radiation. It was there I had my first consultation with a Plastic Surgeon and discovered I would be facing a long wait for reconstructive surgery as I was now considered “cancer free”.
Finding DiepCJourney
The Plastic Surgeon I met with was incredibly compassionate and thankfully honest in his opinion. It was the first time I was made aware of the fact, due to the amount of radiation I had received, implants were likely to be unsuccessful. He then shared with me his opinion that a Tram Flap would be a much better option though he himself did not perform this type of surgery. I returned home and began a year long process of searching and getting a referral to a Tram Flap plastic surgeon. In September 2016, I left that appointment feeling humiliated by his treatment of me. I was uncomfortable with the thought of him performing the surgery. Deeply discouraged I felt like I was back at ground zero. As upsetting as that appointment was, without it I wouldn’t have reached out to a local group of Breast Cancer survivors for support. It was there I first learned about the DIEP Flap procedure and pointed to Terri’s Facebook support group.
The Wait for DIEP Flap Allowed Me to Make an Informed Decision
I was surprised to find neither my family doctor, GP Oncologist or the Plastic Surgeon (who had performed my mastectomy) weren’t overly familiar with the DIEP procedure. Curious, I began to do my own research. I combed the internet for information and the more I read the more convinced I became moving forward with DIEP surgery was my best option. I knew at the time of my diagnosis I would want to eventually pursue a prophylactic mastectomy on my remaining breast. Having waited so long allowed me the chance to make an informed decision. Breasts made from my own tissue, ones that are warm, soft and natural and will age like real ones were important to me. Ones that, unlike implants, do not need replacement and unlike in a TRAM Flap I have a lesser chance of experiencing an abdominal hernia as there is no removal of muscle.
Knowing the Wait is Worth it.
Again, I was confronted with the reality of being placed at the bottom of wait lists as it would be considered a non-emergency surgery. I had no idea in October 2014 my decision to hold off on reconstruction would mean 4 years of wearing prosthetics, which I have a strong dislike of, trying to find clothes that didn’t show the dip on my chest, not feeling whole or entirely feminine, and moments with tears and brokenness. It has also been 4 years of being able to research, the chance to weigh my options, and to continue to heal physically and emotionally.
October 2018, almost a year from my initial diagnosis, I finally met with a surgeon in Vancouver who agreed to take me on for DIEP flap surgery. I brought my sister-in-law, who is a nurse, to my consultation. We both were blown away by the compassion, thoroughness, and professionalism I was treated with. I walked away from the meeting knowing without a doubt everything I’ve had to walk through and fight for to get to this point was worth the wait. I am still waiting to hear back for a surgery date but as I wait I do so knowing DIEP surgery is absolutely the best decision for me.
Thank you to Ruth so much for her bravery, sharing her voice, and her patience waiting for her DIEP flap surgery. I hope to hear from her again when she is on “the flap side” as we say on the Journey.
Such a touching story of waiting having the benefit of pushing us to discover our options and reach out for more resources. I too felt that while I waited a short time only 2 weeks for my results of BRACA testing that it was precisely because I was made to wait before deciding to follow my surgeons advice to do a simple lumpectomy and go from there that I discovered I wanted a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP as well. I’m thankful that my cancer Dx expedited my surgery date but I still marvel at the value of being told to wait when I didn’t want to and to take that time to educate myself and learn what was really in my best interest for my personal story and path. So glad you are finally seeing the light at the end of this very long and painful journey. For me it was still not over till I had the expert hands of Vinnie Meyers recreating 3D nipples with his artistic tattoos.
Thank you so much for the comment. This lady was kind enough to share her story with me. Like you, it was so familiar. I do believe taking time to do your research if so important in breast reconstruction. It is something most of us would not choose to do, go to a plastic surgeon to rearrange our bodies. Facing our risk, as in your case, and after a breast cancer diagnosis, lead us to make this choice. Finding the right surgeon, method, and support group is so important. Vinnie Meyers is a well respected tattoo artist and I’m glad to know you were able to go to him to complete your Journey. Best wishes! ~Terri