DCIS- which reconstruction option - LD v Implant

Hi there- I am 44 and have been recently diagnosed with intermediate DCIS and have been offered mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. My current surgeon is recommending LD with implant and augmentation of my other breast to match. I have read quite a lot about the recon techniques and also read the national audit on recon methods - I feel I need to understand all my options and the pros and cons of each method open to me. My worry is that I am quite sporty and active and I have read that taking the LD muscle can weaken your muscle strength and also there is a risk of chronic pain. I am quite slim with a small chest and so I am leaning towards implants at the moment as at least my back will still be in tact with no risk of long term problems or indeed a scar and indentation on my back. I can accept that aesthetically an implant won’t look as good as recon with your own tissue and that there are risks of infection / rejection etc. but at the moment don’t feel that I can take the risk of having the back operation. It seems too big a price to pay to me. My breast surgeon is clearly very experienced and highly thought of and he is much more relaxed about the LD operation and part of me wants to trust his expert judgement. I am going to speak to another surgeon to get another perspective but it would be really good to hear from anyone who had a similar dilemma or what your thoughts are on the different recon options and how they worked for you. X

Hello Charlie70

Welcome to the forums, this must be a very difficult time for you but you have come to the right place for support from our experienced users who I’m sure will be along to support you soon.

In the meantime maybe you would like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.

Best wishes

June, moderator

That is what i had done.
one year on, pleased with result. As scar at the side, could sit topless on beach…just don’t look to closely at the nipple.
don’t need lipo filling either.
one year on still feels oodd when lifting heavy stuff, but if i,d ha back op possibly couldn,t lift much!

I had implant and mesh. Also quite sporty, small busted, but operation was on left side and im left handed.
year ago on 29th October. Just returned from outward bound week with school. Could climb as no back muscle cut. Could do archery, and canoe. Fab.
could go topless on beach as quite even just nipple lifeless, but would be with all 3 ops

Hi ladies,  thanks for asking that question charlie70. Ive been told my lump with involved tissue is too big for a lumpectomy, so I will lose my left breast.  They’re still deciding what order to treat me in, had another biopsy instead of results last monday…

But… this is a very interesting thread. I know its differant for everyone but the replies here are so helpful. its the first time ive dared think about surgery in sny depth.

I especially appreciate the comments on physical abilities, im a gardener with my own small buisness so the physical ability to do stuff is frightening me a little.  Your replies at least give me an idea of normal 

Thank you all . 

Hugs to you charlie xxxx

Xx