Hi Megan
Thanks for posting.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy is very difficult.
Deciding if breast reconstruction is the right decision for you can also be difficult, especially when you have young children to look after. It’s understandable that you’d like to know more about recovery after implant reconstruction to help you make this decision.
Recovery after breast surgery will be different for everyone. It can often take several months to feel fully recovered, but many women feel able to do most of their usual activities after about 6 weeks. As @yasmeink says, having a good support network to help with practical tasks and childcare while you recover can be helpful.
As you say, if you chose not to have a reconstruction now, there is an option to have this at a later date as a delayed reconstruction. Some women choose not to have a reconstruction (simple mastectomy) and use an external prosthesis which is worn in your bra.
As @isitreallyme says, it’s important to make the right decision for you. If you have not done so already, you may find it helpful to talk to your breast care nurse about how you are feeling. They can talk you through the options and help you come to a decision.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email for them to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen. You can ask to talk to someone who has had immediate reconstruction and someone who has had delayed reconstruction. We also have volunteers with young children.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We also have support designed specifically for younger women (20-45 years) with breast cancer. Which you may find helpful. We are currently running the Younger Women Together support events face to face and online. These events have been created to provide support for younger women.
The Younger Breast Cancer Network (YBCN) is a private Facebook group run by young women for young women (20- 45) who’ve had breast cancer. To join, go to Facebook and search ‘Younger Breast Cancer Network’ and send them a private message.
And @Jill1998 suggests you could also post in the younger women’s section of the forum.
You may find the websites Keeping Abreast and Flat Friends helpful for advice and support about reconstruction and simple mastectomy.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.**
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.