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The other difference between a TRAM and DIEP is that with the TRAM the vessels are tethered up to the breasts. There is no cutting and reconnecting of the vessels. And you are correct, the TRAM includes the use of the muscle which the DIEP does not and therefore the rehab is much faster with the DIEP. Getting back to the vessels... the DIEP is based on the deep inferior epigastic artery and vein. This artery and vein is cut and reattached to supply blood to the reconstruced area. It is a very highly technical procedure that not many physicians are qualified to preform.
My plastic surgeon did an amazing job. If you know of anyone in California interested in the DIEP, I would recommend a consult with him without hesitation.
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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