I’m new on here so hope I’ve do a this right x I knew some help and support. I’ve just had my first follow up mamogram and all clear now so looking at next stages /step…ive had my operation back in Sept15 and chemo up until april16. Has anyone had any of the types of reconstruction that could help me with sharing any experiences. Good or bad as I want to build the bigger picture before I make any decisions. .
No one had or looking into reconstruction? any help would be greatly appreciated… I’m in my 30s so really could do with any support anyone has to offer.please. … been finding things a little too much x need a bit of a shoulder of support x
Hi Charlie,
I’m sorry I don’t really have any advice for you but you may find more info if you do a search on the main forum page for reconstruction advice and see what others have written. I am looking myself after my lumpectomy and radiotherapy and an ever shrinking boob which I was told could continue shrinking…so similar in that am looking for options before my appointment comes through.
I hope this helps and don’t be put off posting on here, maybe try the search and see what you find.
Also the MacMillan site may have info as well.
Do you have any appointments comi g up as ypu could have questions ready such as what the options are and then you could do a more specific search. Or contact your breast care nurse?
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
Take care of yourself
Kate x
Thank you for your reply mate. I had a left mastectomy so got lots of different options been offered to me. Was my consultant last week and seeing my bcn next week. Just looked at all the options and leaflets and feel bit like omg what do I do… what route is the right route. Thank you for your support. Someimes it helps just to tell someone else.
Hi Charlie. I had a left mastectomy in September 2014 and finally got my reconstruction 3 weeks ago. My surgeon recommended I went to an information evening held my the charity Keeping Abreast. They hold them nationwide and I thoroughly recommend going to one even if you do have to travel for it as I got so much out of it. On the evening you get to go into a small room and chat to ladies that have had all different types of reconstruction. These ladies are amazing as they start with their bras on and then take them off so you can have a good look at the results. We saw ladies that had had diep, TUG, LD flap and implants. What I took from the evening is none of them had any pain and all were delighted with the results.
this led me to take the decision to have a TUG reconstruction rather than use an implant. The ladies were right and at no point did I feel any pain. I did so well I was able to come home after 2 nights in hospital. My surgeon has done the most amazing job and I have a 34DD new booby which is warm, soft, squidgy and very much part of me. It looks amazing compared to my droopy remaining breast which he will uplift and make symmetrical in 3 months plus do some lipo sculpting to give a little more volume to the top of my new breast. I have had some problems with my thigh wound healing along with an infection which has set me back a couple of weeks but it is now starting to heal and I can move forward. I have no regrets having this surgery although I had plenty of wobbles beforehand wondering if I was doing the right thing. What has made a difference is waking up every morning with 2 boobies means the first thought through my mind is no longer “I had cancer” and I now feel able to move on in life. I’m happy to send you pictures of my new boobie and leg scar if you would like to see. PM me for my phone number if you’d like to talk.
good luck. X
Hi all,
Posting another perspective - I am now living a flat and fabulous lifestyle - my original surgeries were 2014, matching surgery 2015, but then in 2016 out of the blue I had x4 episodes of horrific cellulitis / mastitis (x3 in original treated side x1 in matched side). These episodes led to missing a planned trip abroad (far to sick to travel) and the last 5 days in hospital having IV antibiotics. Discussed with my surgeon & requested bilateral mastectomy - carried out & now cracking on with my life without the fear of these debilating infections reoccuring. The BCN said i was very unlucky to have these episodes, I have much in my life (as we all do) I wished to regain health. Door is open for reconstruction - but this would be major surgery with no promises issues would not happen again. I was also eager not to be having multiple operations in the future to rectify issues. No thanks… Flat and Fab & member of closed facebook groups with others who made this choice & living this lifestyle. (Flat friends is the UK group). Good luck with your deliberations x
LL xx