What are my breast reconstruction options after invasive ductal carcinoma?

Hi my name is Mary and it’s extremely natural to feel that way. I chose to have both breasts removed because even though there was no guarantee that the right one wouldn’t develop it I wanted it done so I wouldn’t have to go through it. However I also chose not to have implants. So I’ve walked around flat chested for 14 yrs. What a blessing! No bra and no worrying about clothes. 25 yrs ago I had a breast reduction and took the surgeon 51/2 hrs. I wasn’t about to do that again after what I went through the first time. Ur choice . Good luck! Let me know what u decide! Mary❤️

Facing these reconstruction decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when you're still processing your diagnosis. DIEP flap reconstruction is one option that many people consider, and it's great that you're meeting with a plastic surgeon to explore what might work best for your situation. This community has many members who have navigated similar decisions and can share their experiences with different reconstruction approaches. Feel free to ask specific questions about the DIEP procedure or other reconstruction options - there's a wealth of knowledge here from people who've been through various paths.

Ductal carcinoma is a DISEASE. I wish I had a double mastectomy years ago when it first appeared insitu. I didn’t understand it and unfortunately it really wasn’t explained to me. Nine years later I had ductal carcinoma stage 1B grade 3. I opted for a double mastectomy and glad I did…they found irregular cells in some of the ducts on the non cancerous breast. If it’s a disease it’s only a matter of time til it reappears. Not knowing enough and failing to have that mastectomy years ago is my biggest regret. I dislike regrets but here it is.

Hi Berna. I am currently in treatment for DCIS. Is that what you started with? Do you remember anything about the grade of DCIS you had? Thank you.

Hi! I’m Melissa. 47. Diagnosed with triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma, in my right breast. With lymph node involvement. My diagnosis was on 12/22. After further testing I had more biopsies done and found out I have Ductal carcinoma in situ in my left breast, no lymph node involvement. After the additional finding, I decided for sure that I will be doing a bi lateral mastectomy. (Before then, I was going with just a lumpectomy on the right). I met with the plastic surgeon on 01/29. It was ALOT of information. I left feeling like I am doing the diep flap. I just worry about all the scares I will have. My husband and I spend a lot of time traveling to tropical destinations. I am in bathing suits alot. The implants seemed “easier” I just don’t want implants. And I feel like the maintenance is greater with that option. I just started chemo on 01/30. Should get my last cycle on 05/15. I’m trying to take that time to solidify my choice for reconstructive surgery. It’s so hard, just like everything else with cancer there isn’t a straight line to the answer ): I can’t predict the outcome. Will the scars be bad? Is my choice the right one? How painful and how long will this phase of the journey be? I’m just praying on it. Trying to research what I can and go with my gut 🩷

They told me the DCIS was not even cancer.. no grade no stage. Even all these years later my understanding comes from a great deal of research. Wish I had known. I did no reconstruction afraid it might mask future cancer.

My original DCIS was not invasive.

Thank you

Did you have any other treatment besides surgery?

For the dcis?

Marci what area do you live in? Only asking because of Plastic surgeons are usually not easy to find around here. But I went with Implants first the first one busted and caused an infection so I had to have that and the other junk out!! Now I just wear breast inserts in my bra. I can also by shirts that have a space to insert the breasts for summer strapless shirts 😁

Hi Marci, I’m sorry you are on this journey that I just started for Triple Negative, Stage 1, grade 3, T0,N0-no node involvement at 62. There is so much info to process and you will make the decision that works for you. I’m including my treatment & reconstruction plan. Sorry if too much. My team recommended neoadjuvant chemo but said I could start with surgery or chemo and shared that colleagues were split which surprised me. I had second opinion with Johns Hopkins oncologist to review with fresh eyes. She confirmed my treatment plan. 2/4/26, I started neoadjuvant chemo dose dense AC-T,2-4week cycles, then 12 weekly ones. This provides more options, if there isn’t complete response. It will be followed by bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction. As understood my PS, if removing one breast, to achieve symmetry in donor area (tummy tuck), they discard unused tissue. Aesthetic Flat Closure is an option with fewer scars. Please ensure your PS is experienced in your selected procedure. This isn’t anything we choose to go through but remember you aren’t alone. All the best to you & your family.

I took Reloxifene for 5 years for the DCIS . That was for ‘future prevention’.

I had a lumpectomy with reconstruction on my left breast in January for DCIS & they found IDC on the pathology report. I'm electing for a bilateral mastectomy w/o reconstruction next time after chemo because I cannot imagine going through this again. My focus is on living and I plan on having a bra burning party with all my supporters after everything is said and done!!! Look up a lady called Bold and Breastless on FB, she has the best looking surgery scars I have ever seen!!!

I agree with u . It’s so much easier. I’m going 13 yrs without and it’s great! I love it. ❤️

You are not alone & everyone's journey is different. Each person has to make the decision that is best for them. Unfortunately, you get overwhelmed with the amount of information they throw at you so make sure you get all the info you need, ask many questions, and get a 2nd opinion if needed.

U are so right! Everybody has to do what’s best for them! This whole situation is overwhelming it’s horrible! “One Day At A Time” as my husband says! Mary❤️