I have a good friend who had immediate reconstruction follow BC surgery a few years ago when she was about 62. Hers wasn’t exactly a DIEP surgery because she didn’t have enough abdominal tissue so they had to take it from her thighs. Her recovery was long and difficult and she has told me several times that she would not have done the reconstruction had she known what she knows now. The end result is asymmetrical and she has residual effects in her legs which of course wouldn’t be a risk if tissue is taken from the abdomen. She had her surgery at MD Anderson in Houston which in retrospect may not have been the best place for Plastics. Of course the cancer was her primary concern.

Everyone is different of course. I was talking to my neighbor about this friend and she said her colleague - similar age - was advised against reconstruction if she was on the fence about it. I didn’t get all the specifics but I inferred that healing and recovery can be more complicated the older you are which makes sense to me. She opted not to have it.

Good luck with your decision.

While we wait for those with more experience, I really feel for you.

Recovery for any extensive type surgery is always long and laborious.

I agree with 2Katz. As we age, everything is harder.

Why are you starting to second guess yourself?

My Stage 3 breast cancer was diagnosed when I was 56. I had a radical mastectomy with lymph node removal - chemo and radiation and 5years of drug therapy that caused debilitating pain and hair loss. Because I had previous, numerous abdominal surgeries and so much mesh to fortify incisional hernias I had no option for breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue. I lived for a year missing one breast and finally decided, for the sake of symmetry and physical comfort, to have a second mastectomy and I live breast-free. I don't regret my decision. I'm 69 now. I am so sorry you have to go through this. I hope you make a decision that keeps you healthy - physically and mentally. We are all very different and there is no one right answer.

Thanks for the kind words. I realize that this is a very specific surgery, that thankfully, most women won’t need to consider. El, it is an extremely difficult , long procedure, even more so than the mastectomy itself. The recovery is tough, and although I think I want it, I don’t have to go through with it. I think that it is understandable to be rethinking the decision due to the difficulty, but ultimately, I will most likely go through with the reconstruction. I just wondered if anyone here had any words of wisdom for me. Katz, my close friend had reconstruction at the same time as her mastectomy, many years ago. That isn’t really done anymore. Seagrass, I know your pain! Thank you for telling your story, and I am so glad that you are healthy and comfortable now.

@Jb1586 - interesting to hear that immediate reconstruction isn’t done any more as it hasn’t been all that long since my friend had it done. Perhaps her outcome would have been better if it hadn’t been done in her case. I hope all goes well for you.

No advice just want to wish you good health and happiness with either choice you make.

I had my first breast cancer at age of 32. I had a lumpectomy. 11 years later it was back in the same breast. We found a great cancer dr. at UAB in Birmingham. Also a well recommend dr. for reconstruction. Cancer dr. was not on board with the reconstruction. I went with the reconstruction. Worst choice. painful recovery and lots of scares. Also, one breast was still larger. Also, the new breast never felt comfortable. My now surgeon tells me he rarely sees this done. I would never go through that again. Long hospital stay. Please investigate.

RN, I already had my mastectomy in September, after getting several opinions. Radiation was completed in December. This plastic surgeon was recommended to me by my breast surgeon, and he is well-regarded by everyone I have asked. Thank you for your well wishes. Ron, I am sorry you had a difficult reconstruction experience, thank you for sharing. Roarah, thanks for the kind words!

No advice here either. Just lots of positive thoughts & prayers for you!

Check out the forums on breastcancer.org. They were very helpful doing my experience.

I had a bilateral mastectomy in 2014. I wasn't even offered anything but implants, I think because of my weight (healing issues). That's fine, though because after reading about the other options, Diep, Lat flap, etc), none of them were appealing to me. I was caring for my mother who had cancer, so I couldn't have all that extra recovery and such. So far so good!