Hi- anyone had DIEP on both breasts? I am considering double skin sparing mast w' reconstruction. If you have adequate belly fat, can it be done? I am waiting on my appt w' plastic. I have IDC and DIS on right breast, but have had a few scares on left. I am considering taking both for peace of mind. I was told that was not irrational, but I would like some opinions here as well. I've had a lumpectomy, and didn't get clear margins, so I have to have surgery again. Another lumpectomy would not leave me with much of anything. I had no lymph node involment, and was Grade 3, Stage 1, ERPR+, and HER2 neg. Thanks for any advise, comments.

Hi Chellie,

I had a TRAM, not a DIEP.....I had DCIS with 2 lumpectomies without clear margins, leaving nothing pretty behind! I don't know if you can do a DIEP for 2 breasts, but I just wanted to say that you're not irrational in taking the other one. I think you'll sleep easier not waiting for the next shoe to drop.... I hope it goes easy for you.

Hi Chellie,
Yes, having reconstruction on both breasts at the same time is definitely possible. I had it done last October, for similar reasons as those you are considering. I have no regrets! The flap of fat they take from your belly is divided into 2 sections and transplanted to make your new breasts. it is an extensive surgery...in my case it took 8 hours for the reconstructions (the mastectomies had been previously done. From my snooping around, it looks like bilateral mastectomy/reconstruction is also possible, as your surgeons will work as 2 teams to keep the procedure from being too long. It is major surgery, so be sure to do your homework and go into it informed. i would suggest the book on breast reconstruction available from breastreconstuction.com, and checking out the website at diepflap.com as good starting points. then you'll know more about what you'd like to ask your surgeon.
Good luck!
lisa

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. I had DCIS in my left breast and I chose to get rid of the right breast before the cancer showed up there. The pathology came back as one of the most aggressive forms and known to go to the other breast. I didn't even blink in my decision to have bilateral. They were able to reconstruct my breasts beautifully and it all looks absolutely amazing. They absolutely can do both breasts ... if you have enough belly fat to do the job! My surgeon is in San Antonio (about 330 miles from my house) and was worth traveling to. Having immediate reconstruction following my mastectomy was not an option in my home town. PRMA in San Antonio actually has 5 microsurgeons who regularly do the DIEP flap and they are all incredibly skilled. I could not be happier!! Hugs, Tammy

Hi Chellie, I had bilateral reconstruction done DIEP/SIEA using similar logic (a few scares on the non-cancer side). Have NO regrets. Originally had skin-sparing done, followed a few weeks later by tissue expanders which got infected and had to be removed. So several months later at the autologous reconstruction the "skin-sparing" part was not really helpful since the skin had shrunk so much. So I have rather prominent scars a couple years later outlining the grafts, though they seem to still be fading. The symmetry is not perfect and the nipple reconstruction didn't work out, so I'm no swimsuit model! However I didn't have a lot of fat for the surgeon to work with (5'5/ 145lbs). But my breasts are very comfortable and look fine under clothes. Bra optional, which is nice. Like the tight belly. Someday I may get a tweek, but it doesn't seem like a priority.
Hope this helps and that things work out well for you!