So have seen surgeon today and because of previous chest radiotherapy when I was younger he said there is a high ish risk of implants breaking down as blood supply to area won’t be good. So a 40% risk of having to have them removed and wounds not healing etc. so am wondering now whether to just go for the bilateral mx au naturel without any recon. Any ladies out there who have chosen this option and are ok with it and could advised??
Thanks xx
I had bilateral mx no recon last Thursday. Never wanted any recon. Not sure I can give any further insight into life ‘flat’ but that’s where I’m heading!!!
Hi Brewster.
Me again, another Hodgkins surivor. I had my bilateral masectomy 9 weeks ago, with immediate reconstruction, strattice and silicone implant method. Like you previously radiated skin to mantle field. My surgeon and I discussed the risk of my radiated skin and said that as I had good quality skin and it had been 29 years since radiation she believed it would be ok. I had to go quite a bit smaller than my natural breasts as couldn’t risk stretching skin too much. I am having to get used to being pear shape after being an hour glass, so looks like a shopping trip is on the cards!
I am pleased with my new breasts and I haven’t had any real problems other than the normal expected recovery. I was on anti biotics for about a month after op as preventative measure, and steri strips were on for 6 weeks. My boobs are very hard still and I have only just started to be able to sleep in my normal position.
I am sure I made the right decision for me and I personally didn’t like the idea of waking up flat. I am just waiting now for nipple reconstruction but have recently received some silicone ones to use meanwhile they look good although feel very plastic.
Good luck with your decisions.
Wendy
Hi
I have had double mx & have chosen to live breast free. Personally I didn’t want further surgery & actually find it quite liberating. I have adjusted my wardrobe and sometimes wear false boobs, but mainly go flat. There is a private Facebook group called Flat & Fab ( UK) which is a great resource plus the BCC Someone like Me service can put you in touch with someone similar to talk too.
S x
Me too
Annie
Annie, have you had bilateral without recon?
Left mxt only; not planning on any recon. If I was 20 I might feel differently ! Early days - had surgery last Wednesday but I feel going flat in baggy tops will be fine and I will use prosthetics for posh events .