[caya]

This is a very interesting topic.
I went in for a breast reduction in Oct. 2006 ( to go from a 36 DDDD to a 36D), and my plastic surgeon found my 1.7 cm. tumor, which had not shown up on a mammogram or ultrasound 3 months beforehand. I had those nice perky smaller breasts for only eight weeks when my right one came off with the MRM.
My original PS does not do DIEP, I went to see the a DIEP PS before the MRM for a consultation. She was very kind and went over all my choices, and in a nice way I think she was steering me into waiting until after my surgery and chemo to decide, as I was so emotionally and physically drained from the breast reduction and then learning about the BC. I am grateful I waited.
When I asked my oncologist about reconstruction, before my mast. ( we had the pathology before the surgery, which is unusual, but then my case is highly unusual) he said that being "a relatively young woman" - I'm 48 - he wouldn't be opposed to it. I decided to wait and see, as we did not have lymph node status, and this of course would determine if I would need radiation. I was luckily node negative, so no rads. I healed up very well from the mast., then did my chemo, now Herceptin until May 2008.
I have a great prosthesis, and a special one for swimming, both are great- very natural looking and feel like "me." My husband has been great, I think he is just happy that I am here, and like many of the other gal's DHs, is sorry that this this happened to me/us. But it is what it is...
I am still thinking about reconstruction, but have no plans to do anything until after I am done with Herceptin. I may leave well enough alone and be grateful I am okay. I will probably go back to the DIEP PS again next spring for a consult, so she can look me over again.
I think that whatever anyone does is good for them, there is no one perfect answer.