BRCA1 Mastectomy & Reconstruction Advice

Hi there, I am totally new to this too, this is my first posting, best thing would be to probably ring your insurance company and find out exactly what they cover I think you will need an outline from your consultant.I wish you the very best of luck with it.
I was diagnosed with early breast cancer, Oestrogen pos in Jan no lymphs affected, had mastectomy in March, chemo and rad therapy so all done and dusted but now looking at reconstruction for next Spring. I attended Vincents Private I am looking at the DIEP Flap type anyone out there had it, any advice.
Best of luck to you

Hi there!
I can't offer advice on the insurance and I can only half advise you on mastectomy with LD reconstruction (i only had one breast affected). In my opinion, the surgery wasn't as bad as I expected. It's been six and a half months since my surgery and I'm laughing to myself because I'm struggling to remember it in detail as I have moved on so much. I had nipple sparing, skin sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the Latissimuss Dorsi muscle and an implant, along with Axillary lymph node clearance. There's a mouthful for ya!

Have yourself in peak condition going into surgery - get loads of good-nights sleep, eat well and get fit. I found this discipline helped greatly in my recovery - it allowed me to have bad days when I wasn't able to do much. They will give you exercises after surgery - keep them up. I haven't been a good girl and got lazy recently and I can really feel myself stiffening up:-( On the real positive, my surgeon is delighted with my surgical sites and my boob. That really meant the world to me hearing that! Im better at specifics if you ask me direct questions. I hope it all goes well with you

Hi Star
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 27. I had a Mastectomy with LD reconstruction. I had the reconstruction done the same time as the mastectomy and the radiotherapy damaged my implant so had to get it re-done a year later. The result was great both times. For a good recovery make sure you have plenty of help and dont be lifting unnecessary as it might shift the implant before it has time to settle, and make sure to do your exercise. The muscle can feel tight and I found the numb/dead feeling hard to get use to but after a few months it will feel normal.

I had all the operations carried out in Tallaght and my insurance company covered everything. Your hospital should be able to tell you what is covered as well as the insurance company.