It's six days before my DIEP reconstruction surgery. I awoke at 4am one day this week with the idea of blogging about my experience. I don't know the first thing about blogging, really, but here goes.
I had Stage 1 breast cancer in 2000 at age 43. I had a lumpectomy with radiation and took tamoxifen for 5 years. After 9 years of clear mammograms, a recurrence was found in late March 2009 at age 51. Diagnosis was DCIS with no lymph node involvement. In addition to a right side mastectomy, I decided to do a prophylactic mastectomy on the left side. This was done in late April 2009. At that time, I had tissue expanders placed in anticipation of having them replaced with implants in September 2009.
At the time of my mastectomy, I wasn't even aware that there was any other type of reconstruction other than implants. After much internet research, I discovered DIEP reconstruction. I found an experienced plastic surgeon who could do the procedure in Dallas; I'll call him Dr. S. In addition to the DIEP reconstruction, he will reconnect the nerves, as well.
I've read many discussion board posts from women who have undergone this procedure, but I've never seen a day-by-day accounting of the recovery period immediately following surgery. So, that's the purpose of my blog. I hope that my experience will be useful to other women considering DIEP reconstruction.
I wouldn't even be considering a surgery of this magnitude if I didn't have such a wonderfully supportive husband. In fact, he'll likely make the first couple of posts until I am able to do them myself.
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