Finishing chemo in two weeks and surgery will follow 4-6 weeks after with some radiotherapy then, I am wanting some advice about whether to have reconstruction or not. Still waiting on genetic result, but currently it’s one breast being removed. Although I think I will feel bereft to look down and see nothing, flat chest when I wash and have radiotherapy, the thought of an alien body that has no sensation and the intense medical procedures involved too, doesn’t appeal either. Although facing the world with two boobs feels better. Big emotional dilemma as don’t really want to put my body through big proceedure either. What has helped others with similar emotional make up, decide ? Thanks Kali
Dear Kali, wishing you well with your treatment. A bit decision ahead for you, was wondering if you have a breast cancer nurse at the hospital, they should be able to help you, from what you a feeling, maybe a straight forward reconstruction would be the way forward, however this is easy for me to say.
wishing you lots of luck, keep well. Big hugs Tili x
My treatment followed a similar path to yours. In June 2018, I started six rounds of chemo, followed by a single mastectomy in October 2018, and then radiotherapy.
I found the mastectomy initially daunting, and I really didn’t like the look of it, but the breast prosthesis looked amazing, and no-one would ever have known I only had one boob, when clothed.
However, I had a diep reconstruction in July this year, and though I haven’t had the symmetry operation and nipple reconstruction yet ( which is a simple operation), I am absolutely thrilled with the results. Even though I am quite slim and they wondered if there was ’ enough of me’ to provide the reconstruction, the result is great. It feels like part of me, warm, and natural looking, and it will change size like my other breast if eg I lose/ gain weight.
I would say the first few days were very painful and it is definitely a major operation ( eight hours in surgery) but I could not be more thrilled.
I hope it helps to hear about the experiences of others. I wish you well with whatever you decide.
Hi Kali - reconstruction is a very personal decision, and you are doing the right thing by getting as much info as you can to help make the right decision for you. I’ll try to explain my thinking.
I had chemo first, followed by mastectomy and an immediate implant at the same time, and radiotherapy afterwards. I didn’t want to be flat, and I chose implant option as it was a shorter operation and recovery time, and I’m very happy with it. It doesn’t quite match my real one, but I use a partial prosthesis to even things up so you would never know when I’m dressed.
One thing I would say is that plastic surgeons can be reluctant to do implant before radiotherapy as there is a risk of it hardening, but I had an implant on top of the muscle in a Braxon sling which I was told is supposed to reduce that risk so my surgeon was happy to go ahead.
Have you asked your surgeon to show you photos of the various options?
I hope someone will come along who chose the flat option to give you a balanced view, otherwise I’m very happy to answer any questions you may have. You might also look at some previous threads about staying flat and the other reconstruction options. My very best wishes to you, whichever option you decide on. Evie xx
I had a mastectomy without reconstruction in August. The thought of the ten hour operation and that I would have to wait a few more weeks before it could be scheduled made me decide to just go flat.
In theory I could request reconstruction surgery if I wanted it but I don’t think I will. I don’t wear particularly tight fitting or low cut tops and am fairly small breasted. The women I work with say that it is not obvious that I have had surgery (I don’t wear a prosthetic either). My husband has been fine about it. The only person going on about reconstruction is my dad. He seems very bothered by my decision.