Currently undergoing the dreaded chemo at the mo, but oncologist has told me that i should have a masectomy at end of chemo (instead of radiotherapy)as a preventative measure as i have unstable breast tissue. Even though i had the cancer in one breast i will be wanting a masectomy and reconstruction (at same time) in both breasts because they are a ‘pair’. What reconstruction methods are out there that gives you the best ‘natural’ effect and the least scarring? I’m still young and wear bikinis!!
Hi sweetpea01
Whilst you wait for the other forum user to reply with their experiences and advice you may find the BCC booklet on reconstruction useful to read. It outlines the range of reconstruction options available and gives information on the procedure and suitability. If you would like a copy just follow this link:-
breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.718/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/107
I hope you find this helpful
Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)
I dont know if this helps your situation sweetpea but I have had lumpectomy with immediate recon using my own tissue at the end of May. I opted for reduction in the other side to balance up and went from a e cup to a b cup. I am so much more comfortable no back ache at the end of the day etc. Sadly on the bc side they could not get a clear margin so I now have to have an mx next week, but I have opted for saline expander during interim period as next recon will be after chemo and rads. I was pleased with initial recon though and have been wearing bikinis and strappy tops since, obviously freezing in the process, but wearing them just because I can!!!
Denise x
I will be interested to hear ladies replies to this as im facing the same decisions.
However I have double j bust and am going for a double mastectomy with immediate recon from the tummy.
If they do this when does the radiotherapy take place as i have to have that also ??
sharon
xx
Hi Smallstar
I probably can’t answer your question fully, just pass on what my consultant told me. I had DIEP operation and it was not known initially if I’d need rads so there was some ‘umming’ and ‘arring’ as to whether I could have immediate recon. It was decided though that this would be OK (& in the end I didn’t need rads, just tamoxifen). There was some talk that the recon ‘may’ be able to withstand rads but you’d have to check this with your own consultant.
Good luck. Lots of love. Cathy x
hi there
I am 37 yrs old and am very confused! - I have just had a WLE with some node involvement and when my results came back they did not get their clear margins. in fact the whole of the sample was “pre-cancer”. I have been given a couple of options by my consultant, as to the next step, one of which is a double MX with recon. Starting with the saline bags to be “filled” to size and then sometime next year possibly in about 9-10months time when all my treatment is finished replaced with implants. I was given stats as to it coming bck on the left side and this obviously will negate an chance of that happening to me! I just don’t know what way to go - do I risk it and hope that it won’t come back and that they get their clear margins a second time or do I just go for it and get it all out and eliminate the risks??? I am currently a double D size - not that that is actually relevant, but was wondering if there is anyone out there with similar situations???
thanks
Soph
x