Hello. I have been diagnosed with DCIS and after going through the schock, the fear of waiting for the test results and the relief that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been I am now almost crippled with indecision about which reconstruction procedure to go for.
I have to have a mastectomy as the lump is so big and was all for having an implant which the onco surgeon recommended but the plastic surgeon told me that it would be very hard to match the implant to my other breast because of its size and shape (on the larger droopy side!). I went for another opinion as I was so confused and the advice was that if I was just having one breast done to have the diep as it would be a much better match but if it was both breasts then have implants - having the BRCA gene test might help me make the decision. I’ve had the blood test but it’s now a 4 week wait for the results and I feel like I’m going mad with waiting and indecision.
I’m terrified of going into hospitaland having surgery so the thought of being in for a week and having major surgery terrifies me, together with the length of recovery time and the scar I’ll have afterwards. I have a very active 4 year old son so not sure how I’ll manage with him with such a long recovery as I have no family nearby to help. Also, even if the BRCA test comes back negative, I’m wondering what difference it makes as I’ve still got cancer. As did my mother (not breast) and her sister (breast, liver, everywhere).
I’m not thrilled by the idea of implants and am worried I’ll look very lopsided (is this worse than a massive great scar though?). On top of this, a couple of people have suggested having a double mastectomy ‘just in case’ and I’d get a matching pair, which I was vehmently against - why take off something which is fine - but I’m now thinking that I never ever want to go through this again so maybe I should consider it as an option?
My husband keeps telling me to slow down and look at it longer term but 2 weeks on I’m desperate to have the operation to get the cancer out as I’m terrified that any day just one cell could break through my breast wall, needing further treatment.
If anyone has any advice, or has had the diep and could tell me more, I’d be really grateful.
Welcome to the forums. I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis, the first few weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with your diagnosis and treatment.
As well as the support you will receive on the forums you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of the helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as provide information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
I have also attached a link to our publication on reconstruction
I am so sorry to hear of your deilemna - it’s such a lot to take in. Making any decision with all the emotional turmoil is impossible. Speak to your specialists and weigh up your options. The main thing is to rid yourself of the gremlins. Once you have the options then you will find loads of help here. Take care xx
Recently I met a lovely lady who 10 years ago opted for the full mastectomy on both as she had the gene too, had implkants and has not regretted any of it. Indeed has since had anoither baby. Inspiraitonal - but realistic too about asll the surgery, and had a very suportive husband/partner
I had my mx with reconstruction a week ago. I used an implant as well as muscle and skin from my back. I was in the hospital for two days. The first four days are very painful but then each day it gets better. I took the drains yesterday and that was a super relief. It is too early to tell how it will look good once it is healed. It is still very swollen and hard but both sides look the same even when I am only in my underwear even tough I only had surgery in one breast. I also have two very young kinds (2 years girl and 10 months boy). The had thing for me is not to be able to carry my boy but With my girl things have not changed much. She understands that I had surgery and we still play, caress, talk . The only difference is that I have to remind her that I am still not fully revolted so that she needs to be more careful around me. So I think you will work out a way to relate with your boy. I hope this helps. Isa
I had the same diagnosis as you. I am teacher and my son ins a lot older than yours. So I lead a physical life too. Initially i wanted something natural, from my body and was keen on theback op, but i am left handed and it is my left side, so it would have been my left back muscle. My husband was not keen as we do play tennis in our holidays - not seriously but for fun.
When the plastic surgeon looked at my back he said i was slender and wouyld need an implant too. What was I having both for? I was still going to have to have an unatural implant anyway.
In the end I spoke to the Recon Nuse, and she said, remember they will all feel different - none will feel the same as before. So I opted for the implant. I am really pleased as I have had a big struggle post-operatively with swelling and fluid retention over my implant and arm. It is all my dominant side so my left hand has been useless and can not still take much weight.
However, I have met a lovely lady who had the gene and opted for both done - she couldhad a mastectomy, replacing both with implants. after 3 children she was pleased to have normal looking boobs and not droopy ones. She wnet on to have a 4th child but is now conemplating a hystewrectomy due to the gene test
finally, my adfvice would be to wait until you get the test reuslts and then decide. My friend is the only surviving female member of her family… she wants to be around a lot longer for her children.
Just read your post , I just had a very similar diagnose to you - high grade DCIS need a full mastectomy . Trying to work out which is the best type of reconstruction for me and very worry about my other good breast
How did you journey pan out , what option did you go for How is it now nearly 10 months down the road?
One year anniversary on29th.
really pleased with mesh and implant. Could go topless on the beach if so inclined! Been on outward bound week with school kids, age 8, i managed it all. As no back mor tummy muscle cut, could do climbing, a bit crab like as left arm not as strong to pull up, could do archery- am left handed so big pull, could do canoeing, but life jacket felt really tight.
only discomfort now is when i do too much- either a job for too long (laptop) or too heavy(vaccuuming). Was chopping bushes in garden today and that can feel weird as branches can be thick and need elbow grease, which i have little of.
still trying to do breast cancer care exercise dvd twice or thee times a week, this seems like keep mobility and stop tightening.
what a long reply!
hope it makes sense
Helen