Another Need reconstruction advice

Hi Starlight,

Firstly, congratulations on getting through all the surgery and treatments. Regarding, your query...I was making inquiries myself re breast reconstruction and Mr. Nadeem Ajmal was highly recommended to me by someone who went to him. He apparently was the first guy in Ireland to do the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap) reconstruction which is supposed to be the breast reconstruction of the future! You get a tummy tuck with this!!!! If you google DIEP reconstruction you should get more info on it. Obviously, you would need to discuss this procedure with your surgeon.

I hope this was of some help! I wish you the best of luck, let me know how it goes. Have been recently diagnosed with DCIS, have had wire localisation and back in again next week for a repeat! They need to get a clear margin, so there is a possibility of mastectomy if that doesn't happen. Would be really interested to know how you get on.

Take care and keep the positive out!

Hi starlight,

Congrats on getting this far.

I had all my treatment (except rads) in Beaumont during 2009 as well as reconstruction in - Aug 2010. I was under Mr Kneasfy in Beaumont who I was referred to but I also heard great reports about Mr Ashmal (sp?).

I had the lat dorsi where they used muscle and skin from the back together with am implant to make new foob. Am very happy with the results. It ain't what I had before but it is definitely better than a prosthetic. I am still nipple less as I can't decide whether to get the other one lifted and slightly downsized. They recommend holding off on the fake nipple until you decide if you are doing anything with the other boob as they want to try to get the nipples aligned.

I had my first apt with mr kneasfy at the start of my rads and he talked me thru the recon options. I met him again two months after rads and told him what recon option I wanted (actually I did not have that much choice, DIEP was not an option as I did not have enough tummy flab to make a D cup. Sadly enough I probably have enough now!!!!! I insisted on them putting my name on the wait list as I knew it would take at least six months on list before getting called. I did get a call at the six month mark but was heading on hols that weekend. I said no and got another call about ten weeks later. So if inhale one piece of advice it is to get your name on a wait list ASAP!

Hope this answers some of your questions. Happy to answer any other queriers you might have either on here or off line, just message me.

Lindylu

[color=#400080:3gqsspi7]I also need some advice on reconstruction, and would whole heartedly agree that it is so important to get your name on the waiting list a.s.a.p. I didnt realise that my name wasnt on the list until I had an appt with surgeon 1 year after surgery. I now have it delayed again because of bed closures and it isnt considered urgent. For me it is and I need it for some kind of return to normality and to plan my life and return to work. I am now considering transferring to Galway area and can anyone recommend a surgeon(plastic surgeon maybe) in galway.[/color:3gqsspi7]I would appreciate any suggestions as I really need to decide this week

Hi, and Well done so far. In June 2010 I had a mastectomy and Nadeem Ajmal did diep reconstruction for me. He did a fantastic job and is a gentleman. I will be having the second part of my surgery at the end of the year where he will lift the other breast to match my new one. Did not regret this for one second. Best of luck in the future.

Hi All

I am scheduled to have a mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction next Wed in Beaumont Hospital. Mr Ajmal is doing the reconstruction. Have completed 6 cycles of Taxotere and Carboplatin along with Lapatanib. Can anyone offer some advice on what to expect post surgery in terms of pain, healing etc. I just got the date today and needless to say, whilst I am happy that the op is going ahead I am really nervous about it as never had any major surgery before or even stayed in a hospital for more than one night.
All advice greatly appreciated

Hi Pattie
Got a notification that you had PM'd me but I cant seem to find it. Sorry!!!