Which reconstruction option (equestrian)?

[JaneB1955]

Hello, dear fellow members, I was diagnosed last week with Inv Duct Carc and DCIS.  All I know so far is that I will need a mast, rt side.  The Dr explained the 3 reconstruction options and, at first, I was convinced that I'd prefer the Lat Flap.  I am an equestrian professional and need lots of  core/ab strength and balance so don't think the TRAM is for me (neither does the Dr).  But after reading about the lat flap, I'm not sure that's a good option either.  Any advice will be most welcome.  Please help me figure this out.  Any riders out there with this experience?  

[Callygee]

Hi JaneB1955,
By the way,I was born in 1955! I was  dxed in 7/07.I've had chemo, lumpectomy,more chemo and I'm scheduled for a rt mastx with DIEP reconstruction same time, to be followed with radiation. I have researched the reconstruction options very thoroughly.For me, the DIEP is th eonly one I will consider. Implants make me nervous because I'm an organic gardener and also, it would be diificult to match my 53 yr old left breast w/implants, and,I can't imagine having a perky breast at 80 yrs old (I hope!!). The TRAM is out of the question. I'm very active. The DIEP will take some weeks of recovery, but no muscle is taken, only fat & vascular. I had a C section 15 yrs ago & was riding shortly thereafter. The lat flap leaves a more visible scar for me,and coupled with the threat of lymphedema from node biopsies, I;m afraid to compromise my arms which I rely on for strength and work.
So that'smy take on it all. My surgery is coming up soon, May 28th! I'm sorry you're joining this club and I'm beaming light, strength  and health your way.

[peekawho]

I had the same thing 14+ years ago, and had a modified radical mast on the L. I elected saline implant.  The tissue expander was implanted at the same time as the MRM.  

I was on a horse on my 10th post op day post mastectomy/expander placement (gingerly of course, and without my doctors approval).  I was not an equestrian professional, I only rode and jumped recreationally a couple times a week.  

I'm happy with my end result. I didn't want a TRAM, and the lat didn't seem a good choice for me, either.  This way, my recovery was fairly easy and smooth.  The explanting of the tissue expander and implanting of the saline implant was an easy surgery so far as recovery was concerned.