Hi everyone,
I have been reading messages on here for a few months when I was first diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer but this is the first time I have been brave enough to actually write a message. Compared to many of you I am one of the lucky ones. I was diagnosed on 7th October (following a routine mammogram) and had a left sided mastectomy and lymph node biopsy on 27th October. I had my results appointment on 2nd Dec and they gave me the all clear, it hadn’t gone into the lymph so I am cancer free. I am only 6 weeks post surgery and just feel I have been on a high speed train, unable to get off and now I have been allowed to get off I am a bit lost.
All my appointments have been during COVID adding an extra complication. I have not yet been fitted with a proper prosthesis as this clinic is currently closed. I was unable to have reconstruction surgery at the time of my op also due to COVID.
I am now wondering about reconstruction surgery (it may not even be available until later in 2021) or if I am happy with my ‘1 boob’. Unfortunately I am a bit out of proportion, a petite lady but with a FF cup size so when I get undressed and am without the softee I do feel very empty. I haven’t yet had experience of what a prosthetic boob feels like. I think I have decided that I am not willing to have the reconstructions using my own tissue as it just sounds too horrendous and I don’t think I can go through this amount of further surgery. The surgeon has already said that whichever reconstruction I choose they will certainly have to reduce the breast that is left to match.
I am wondering about implants (ending up with a smaller breast size) as it seems less invasive although everything I have read seems to suggest that it doesn’t work well to have done at a later date? I don’t know if there is enough skin left for it to be successfully expanded, or if it will look at all natural? I’ve read about mobility being limited after implants too. I just don’t know what to believe so thought I’d ask someone who might have some experience.
I know that I have time to think about all of this but wondered if anyone out there had been in a similar position and could offer any advice to me regarding implants fitted post surgery or whether I should maybe just embrace having one.
thanks x