I have just recently undergone a wide excision and sentinel node biopsy. I have since been recommended a mastectomy to clear the cancer.
I must admit I have found it rather overwhelming not least the fact that I have been offered 3 different types of reconstruction.
I am trying to gather as much information as possible on all of my options as I really don’t know what I want to do. What I do know if that I can’t face the reconstruction where they take flesh from your back.
I have met with a lady who has had reconstruction from the stomach to the breast and she was really helpful and I have also met with a lady who has had a straight forward mastectomy who was particuarly helpful and inspiring. Having further investigated post-mastecomy lingerie and swimwear I have discovered that there is not much in an attractive range or bikinis is my small size of 36A. So that is putting me off that route somewhat.
As for reconsruction I have yet to find someone who has had the tissue expansion reconstruction where they put the saline bag in and then replace this with a silicone implant.
I am also struggling to get my head round the fact I have a serious illness when in myself, apart from recovering from surgery, I feel so well. I almost feel a fraud! I am grateful that apparently apart from Tamoxifen I will need no other treatment, but they told me that last time, and that the cancer is curable. At least I will be around for a while longer to nag my daughters!
I would be so very grateful to hear from anyone who could share their thoughts and feelings at the time of their diagnosis and how they went about making their decision on what to do. Also anyone who has had the tissue expansion or stomach to breast reconstruction to share experience, either good or bad.
Very best wishes to everyone
Maxine
Hi Maxine
Welcome to the forums. I am sorry that you find yourself needing our support but glad that you have found this site. You will be getting lots of support from users very soon, I am sure. In the meantime, you may find our publications on reconstruction helpful, please use this link breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.385, alternatively you might like to discuss this with our trained nurses and helpliners on our free helpline number 0808 800 6000, 9-5 Monday - Friday and 9-2 Saturday.
Best Wishes
Annabel
Hi Maxine. My story is very similar to yours. I had a lumpectomy and then a mastectomy in April 04. Two years later I decided on reconstruction following the tissue expansion method. One of my better decisions in life. I would recommend that you have the reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy, if posible. I am the same size as you 36A and was told that tissue expansion is good for smaller breasted women. I have one perfect breast having gone up a cup size and am now waiting for an implant in my good breast.
Any questions just ask. Lou
Thank you so much for this Lou. You’ve made me feel so much better already. I had a visit with the breast nurse yesterday (armed with and page and half of questions), she was very good but I came out very teary. I had asked to see photos of surgery and to me it was all so horrific as I am terrified of surgery. I was beginning to think the tissue exapansion would be best for me as it is the least surgery and to be honest looking at the photos the lease awful of the choices. The thought of having healthy parts of my body sliced open as well as the diseased bit, just sends me into the depths of despair.
Thank you again for this. Very best wishes
Maxine
PS I will be in touch again next week, as I am going to give my self a bit of break from info gathering for the w/e. Have a good one
Maxine
Hi Maxine,
I know you have said you have opted out of using the muscle from your back. I just wanted to give you a little of my experience with it. I had bi-lateral masectomy and recon done using the muscle from my back in dec 08 and to be honest with you i havent had any problems i had expanders fitted and went every 2 weeks to be inflated. The right boob which has the muscle looks and feels much more natural than my left boob which is just the expander implant. I go back in may to have my ports removed. My op lastest 5 1/2 hrs i came home after 3 days and was back driving after 4 weeks.
It is as you say overwhelming with options given to you, get as much info as poss before you decide.
If you have any questions, fire away.
Good Luck
Leslee x