Hi I was diagnosed with breast cancer last December I’ve finished my treatment. I have been advised to have a double mastectomy because I have the PALBA 2 gene. I don’t know what to do. I’m slim so only have enough tummy fat for my breast which had the cancer. So the other breast would have to be an implant. I would like to hear from someone who has decided not to have reconstruction. As I’ve spoken to someone who has reconstruction but I would like to know how someone feels choosing not to have reconstruction. Thank you
Please forgive me @Corpus3
In that I’m not answering your question about NOT going for reconstruction. But am more to asking, and not understanding, why you haven’t been offered a double “implant” recon to ensure a more EVEN/matching result. It being that much more difficult to “match up” a “self tissue” (tummy or any other) reconstruction of one boob to the second being an “implant”? Than having a bi-lat mastectomy with the option of TWO implants and a much more likely EVEN result??
Have you considered this option??
My own considerations of recon, were very much based on how I personally felt about losing my boobs (call it vanity if you like - I had a good body and “liked” having boobs!), and my still being single. If “I” personally wasn’t happy with my body being boobless, in the intimate bedroom department, I was never gonna be happy with someone else looking at it, despite ANY number of people trying to reassure me, that I would “find” someone who loved me as I was!! Made no difference whatsoever. Annoyed me in fact, that they had no understanding of how “I” felt about MY self!
Its very much down to how you feel about yourself, AND where you are up to, relationship wise, life etc. How it’s going to effect you in that sense.
You haven’t mentioned whether you are single or not??
I hope me suggesting an added alternative to where you are, recon wise, is helpful.
Delly XXx
Hi! I did no reconstruction and I’m happy with my choice. Sometimes I wear a soft prosthesis, sometimes I wear loose clothing and no prosthesis.
My body is different, but it’s still my body, and I don’t miss what’s gone. I’m just happy to be alive, cancer-free and getting my strength back.
It really comes down to how YOU feel. If looking at a flat chest in the mirror would cause you a lot of distress, go for the reconstruction. If having breasts isn’t important to you, there’s no need to endure more surgery just to hang on to them.
Hi! I was told I needed a single mastectomy but chose to go with a double. I’m waiting on a surgery date - hopefully soon!
I chose a double because I have spoken to several people who had a single and afterwards wished they had had a double. They said they always felt lopsided and it oddly affected their balance and they had to get used to it.
I chose no reconstruction because I’m sick of being poked and prodded (I’ve already done lumpectomy, had 3 lymph nodes removed and did chemo).
I also don’t want any more surgeries to deal with and heal from. I just want this over with!
I also have to take inti account that I still have a 16 year old son at home who is struggling with his mental health. I know this is hard on him as he worries and I don’t think it’s fair to him to have to help care for me after surgeries.
The difference for me I guess is that I’ve been married for 18 years and my husband is supportive - frankly he just wants me alive!
hey and I’ll never have to wear a bra again if I don’t want to! Mind you I may get 1 bra with prosthesis if I want to dress up or look different. I’m not sure how I’ll feel but I’m trying to keep an open mind about it.
I hope this helps a bit!
Matilda