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My initial experience was a lot like Joan's. My surgical oncologist, who I absolutely loved and trusted, also explained the TRAM vs the DIEP. She recommended the DIEP for my lifestyle and recommeded who I should go to for the procedure. She set up the apt for me while I was in town (CA), and after the consult with that plastic surgeon, I knew that is what I wanted.
My surgery which was a bilat mastectomy and the DIEP flap reconstruction took 17 hrs! It took a lot longer because I had radiation in the past and that complicated the procedure somewhat. But it all turned out very successful in the end.
Maryanne
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*** MARYANNE *** aka HARRIECANARIE
1993: right side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads
1999: left side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads, tamoxifen
2006:
BRCA 2 positive
Stage I, invasive DCIS (6mm x 5mm)
Grade: intermediate
sentinal node biopsy: neg
HER2/neu amplified 4.7
ER+/PR+
TOPO II neg
Oncotype dx 20
Bilat mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction
oophorectomy
2007:
6 cycles TCH (taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin)
finished 1 yr herceptin 05/07
Arimidex, stopped after almost 1 yr
Femara
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