Hello. I am new to this forum. I would like to have some contact with those who have opted for no reconstruction after a bilateral mastectomy. Although I do not have breast cancer, I have inherited the BRCA2 mutation from my mother who passed away just before christmas. The surgery I want will be preventative, hopefully. I dont want to offend anyone as I appreciate that this forum is for those with cancer diagnoses, so please remove this post if it’s not appropriate, but I was hoping to find out what other peoples experiences have been without reconstruction.
Hello wrigglymolly - firstly, please don’t apologise for coming on here to ask for experience or indeed support. It’s a great place to come!
A braver decision to go through what you’re going to go through in some ways - I had absolutely no choice (which somehow makes it easier). I also pass on my sympathies on the loss of your mother.
I had a mx and complete node removal last year. I had already had chemo and targetted therapy by the time I had surgery. After surgery I went on to have radiotherapy. I then continued with targetted therapy (herceptin) until June this year.
Because of my situation I can’t be considered for recon for at least a year from when the rads finished. This takes me to next February time.
During the time from surgery (Sept 17) to date I have been using falsies. I started with a knitted knocker (which are wonderful) - went to a softie from the BCN and finally was professionally fitted with a prosthetic breast which fits inside a special mx bra. To look at me once the bra is on you’d never know I only had one breast. Once dressed - again you’d never know. There are certain tops which are a no no now ie strapless and low cut - but hey at 50 I can deal with that!!
Obviously I haven’t finally made my final decision - majority of days I’m perfectly happy as I am - I do have the occassional day where I’d be delighted not to have to place my breast inside the bra so to speak and just get dressed and go. Another thing I do find bearing in mind my breasts are 38C is that the prosthetic is quite heavy but again you do get used to it.
At the end of the day I guess it’s a personal choice - I believe there is a flat friends page on facebook (not that I’ve personally been on there) and there are several links on this forum where you can gauge other ladies experiences.
Good luck with your surgery and your decision and well done on making the choice to have this life changing surgery in order to prevent this horrid disease.
Evening all. I would like to thank everyone that took the time to reply and comment on this thread. My local hospital have decided that they want to do a hysterectomy first, hopefully,this side of christmas. My chest is on hold, so to speak !
I am sure I will be back for more advice and info and would like to wish all of you my best wishes for anything that you are going through at the moment and in the future.