Masectomy reconstruction

Going through breast cancer treatment Chemotherapy monthly threads
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Hi everyone first post :see_no_evil:
I’m having my double masectomy on the 4 th December but would like immediate implants so would be good for advice
Thankyou

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Hi Sammie,

I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders 12 years ago. Unfortunately for me my body wasn’t happy with them firstly my wounds kept breaking down. 2 procedures later they finally healed. Then after my first chemo I became really ill with Sepsis. The expanders were infected and my body was rejecting them. They had to be removed. Since then, I’m now allergic to silicone. I eventually had a diep reconstruction using all my own tissue and was really pleased with the results. I just wanted to really say look into all possibilities about having implants. Reactions are more common than you realise. Have a look at using BCNs Someone Like Me service and speak to volunteers who have had a range of different reconstructions before making your decision. Best wishes Jane x

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Hi sammie
When I was told I’d need a single mastectomy my first thought was immediate reconstruction to get it all done with. The surgeon told me that as I would need radiotherapy it would screw it up and I would need a replacement. So I agreed to delay reconstruction.
I had my mastectomy 8 weeks ago, and I’m glad I didn’t have immediate recon. I have time to consider which type to have. I was given a softie after my op. If you aren’t having more treatment after, once the scars have healed enough you can have proper silicone prostheses.
You can then give yourself time to consider which reconstruction to have.
X

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Hiya why are you glad you didn’t and what is a softy ? :see_no_evil: So new to this x

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A softie is a nice soft cushiony thing shaped like a breast for you to use whilst your wound is healing. Make sure you ask but you should be given one automatically.

May I reiterate other posters re choosing immediate reconstruction? I know the temptation is to restore your body to normal asap, but it is true that reactions are common. I was shocked by the numbers of people who then had to have further surgery to have implants removed. I’m not saying don’t, but do your homework first.
All the best

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I concur with what teddy says x