Hi everyone, I’m new here, have recently been scrolling through and this seems to be a lovely safe space to chat about stuff that only we know about! I’ll try to briefly explain my story - I’m now 55 and when I was 28, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and had radiotherapy. I was then told I would have to have yearly mammograms thereafter because the radiotherapy put me at high risk of developing BC. So every year I thought I’d be diagnosed and then last year I was! The only option was a mastectomy of right breast as I couldn’t have radiation a second time. I just wanted the cancer gone and to get back to my normal life- work, long walks, going out etc so decided not to have reconstruction due to the longer wait and surgery/recovery time. In fairness I was in and operated on within 6 days, and came home the same day as my op! I was signed off for 6 weeks but I was back at my desk in 4- just for an hour here and there and I gradually built it up- it was the best thing getting back to normal. I was also so very lucky that I didn’t need chemo as well so I really count my blessings! Now I’m 11 months on, fully back to normal apart from I’m missing a boob! I’m quite big- 40D so my silicone boob is massive and heavy and bloomin hot! I look completely lopsided when I’m not wearing a bra so I’m now seriously considering delayed reconstruction and would like to hear from others who have had this done? Sorry for the ramble but this is now overtaking my life- it’s all I can think about! Thank you all in advance xx
Hi,
I had delayed reconstruction approximately a year after my mastectomy and have never regretted it. I was able to talk to the surgeon first, who explained all the options and showed me photos of other reconstructions to give me an idea of the end result. I was also able to talk to other ladies who had been through it, via a charity run from the hospital with volunteers who had had all types of reconstructions.
It’s not the right choice for everyone, but I think you need to find out more, as I was adamant I didn’t want one until I got one!
Lisa x
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for responding with such a positive reply! I have an appt with my consultant in a couple of weeks which I’m looking forward to. I’m so pleased to hear that you’re pleased with your outcome and this fills me with hope.
Would you mind if I asked how long you had to wait for your op?- I’ve heard that you can wait months and months, and also, how was your op and recovery?
Thank you again xx
Hi,
My op was in 2021 so it’s hard to remember, but it was about a year waiting for the initial appointment with the surgeon, but then after that I think it was quite quick - maybe 6 weeks-ish? I’m guessing it would depend on the hospital and waiting list though.
The op went fine, no issues.
The recovery was quite tough - the reconstruction itself was never really painful, but the donation site (for me this was my inner thigh, but it’s often stomach) was uncomfortable for quite a few weeks.
My memory of it has faded a bit, but I’m always happy to answer any questions 
Lisa x
Hey, thank you for replying, that’s my goal- to be happy, comfortable and only have vague memories of it all!! My consultant said at the time of diagnosis that I’m a candidate for the Diep reconstruction on my abdomen at any time I wish to explore having it done - sorry, I’m not fully fluent with all the jargon! Anyhoooooo , sorry to drag it all up and really appreciate your words. Xx
I’m having a delayed reconstruction, but I had decided that from the outset so I have a tissue expander in at the moment (PS had said I’d get the best result that way since I still needed to have radiotherapy after my original surgery) so not exactly the same situation as you but there are a lot of ladies in the DIEP UK group on FB that have done a delayed reconstruction if you want to have a read over there: Diep Reconstruction UK
In the meantime you could consider a Boost prosthesis - much lighter and cooler than silicone nhs one and also waterproof so can swim in it. Please search on line as I struggle to put links into these forum posts.