Hi
I’m about to have a risk-reducing mastectomy, although after a couple of cancers already it’s not exactly … anyway.
All through this process I’m feeling I’m finding new bits of information very late. And now told op could be as soon as 3 weeks, so panicking a bit.
What will they feel like after reconstruction? Although today I’m told there could be no sensation as I’m having to get implants (previous scarring makes tummy unsuitable, wasn’t wiling to carve muscle out of my back esp. since it’s bilateral although now I’m wondering if it’s worth it for some feeling??) and now wondering if it’s even worth half the planned hassle to e.g. hang on to my nipples if they’re just going to be numb lumps of flesh stuck on the front of me.
Any words of wisdom, any advice, very gladly received (please, no horror stories - I know all that, it doesn’t help!)
Hi Bookish
What a dilemma. I had a large fibroadenoma removed in the 1980s and was cursed with a numb nipple ever after. It’s coincidental that my breast cancer developed in the same breast almost 4 decades on but my instinct was just to get rid of the breast so I might stop worrying about it coming back (admittedly, I was a bit naive at that stage). Added to which, the only symptom I had was two tiny new bumps on my areola so, numb or not, that nipple was my lifesaver.
You need to think carefully about your sense of self, your body image and your sexuality. A breast with a numb nipple can still have great significance. For me, it was a no-brainer - I just wanted rid. But we’re different people. I’m happy with a monoboob and barely notice my scars. My husband doesn’t recoil at the sight of my scars. You may be a very different person. I do hope you get a lot of replies to help you get a balanced picture x