Deciding what reconstruction to go for

Hello, I am a new member.

I was diagnosed with BC in the year 2000. I had 6 lots of chemo, lumpectomy and lymphnodes tested,then mastectomy, followed by radiotherapy. At the begining was offered reconstruction. At the time, I didnt even want to discuss it. I just wanted rid of this disease out of my body. I know it may sound daft, but I didnt want anything putting in my breast. Now 8 years on, I am thinking seriously of having reconstruction. I have asked friends what they think. They say go for it, girl if it makes you feel better. They dont know how I am really feeling. They have not been through it. I have a very good friend who has been diagnosed, she has had a reconstruction and is on chemo now. Her new breast looks fantastic. I am 47 years old, quite big busted 36C(In the one I have LOL). Can anyone advice me of what type of reconstruction to go for. I dont know whats the best.

Thanks for taking the time to read my dilemma.
Debbie x

Hi Debbie

Welcome to the forums. You may find it helpful to have a look at some of the other threads in this category, there is one in particular which has just started titled ’ Don’t know which type of reconstruction to go for’ . In addition to this it may be useful for you to read the BCC booklet on reconstruction as here you will find a lot of information on the differnet types of reconstructions. It can be found by following the link below:-

breastcancercare.org.uk//docs/breast_reconstruction_dec06_web_0.pdf

I hope you find this helpful.

Kind regards

Sam
BCC Facilitator

Thanks Sam I am on my way there now.

Kind rgards
Debbie j

Hi Debbie

Might be worth looking under another thread ‘Don’t know which reconstruction to go for’ which was started by KoolKat a couple of days ago.

I’ve put something on there about a diep and there’s a couple of posts about LDs. I’d echo your friends’ advice - go for it girl!

Lizzie xx

Thanks Lizzie,

I have read up on the different types. Now its making that phone call to start the ball rolling. I think I need to get the advice from the experts. Myself I always look at the bad side of things. The side effects the risks. So Monday morning I am on that phone.

Keep in touch.
Debbiej

I had a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction 4 years ago. I was and still am absolutely delighted with the results. I had no post op problems whatsover and it looks fantastic!! I did a lot of research before I decided for this type of recon and the reason I chose it was because the tissue failure rate was a lot less than the diep and the scarring was a lot less. In fact it has got better over the years.

Hi Coll43

I am having an LD reconstruction over the Christmas break at East Grinstead (I have posted separately on this under “reconstruction”).

I am heartened by your comment that you did not have any post op problems - how active were you sport-wise, may I ask? I do a lot of yoga (i.e. hands over head) and tennis (which my PS has warned will suffer), but just was interested in your view.

Bubs X

Deeborah

May I recommend a realistic book by Dick Rainsbury (surgeon); it is available on Amazon.