Hi all, I had a mastectomy 3 years ago this month on the right side only. I didn’t have reconstruction, it was offered but at the time my head was all over the place. I have been thinking about it lately though and just wondered if it would be worth it. I cope pretty well with the stick on thingy (I cant spell the word prostesis or whatever it is) and the only drawback really is I cant wear skimpy tops anymore.
The surgeon told me I would need to have an implant as I had surgery on my stomach years ago therefore he wouldnt be able to use the muscle from there.
Has anyone had an implant and did you have any problems with it and how was the surgery.
I had DIEP reconstruction. Initially I was offer LD with or without implant. But you probably know that implant must be replaced every 10 years or so. The other aspect is that they need to put an expander under your pectoral muscle to stretch it and accommodate the implant. Some people able to stand it, some find it painful. There are positive outcomes but there are also many unhappy results or complications.
I could not have thought about reconstruction at the time of diagnosis. I just wanted to get rid of the cancer. But during my long waiting time, I had the opportunity to do some research and obtain a lot of informations. The factor which made me decide to have the DIEP reconstruction was that my consultant told me that I wont require chemo or radio therapy and that I am a suitable candidate for immediate DIEP reconstruction.
I would not have opted for a reconstruction and was prepared to go flat chested, if I could not have DIEP. I spoke to some other young women who are happy without reconstructed breasts but free from cancer.
All recon surgeries have risks and complications. So do your research and decide what you are prepared to put up with, i.e. the major surgery, the recovery, the possible complications, time off work, etc. What if the result does not meet your expectation?
There are so much to think about, I understand how you feel. Good luck. Xx
Today is my first anniversary of diagnostic. I won’t be celebrating, that is for sure.
I was told I could not have reconstruction at the time of my mastectomy and would have to wait one year.
I really do not know what to do either.
I don’t want implant as I feel awkward about having silicon in my body.
I am scared of recon as it is a 10 hours of surgery and the risks of infections are high. The recovery can be long.
I am not sure whether I am true with myself when I say that my odd shape does not bother me.
But there again, I have never worn low cut dresses in my life.
Is double mastectomy the solution?
I don’t know. The more I read, the more I am confused.
hi i had recon 3 months ago and its worth every thing to me . all i say is my life feels repaired now i have the 2 boobs after 3 yrs of thinking about it
xxx sue
Glad thing went well for you. Im thinking about it as now due to family history need another masectomy but its the thought of a few operations to give me two boobs and I am a wimp but the lopsidedness does bother me - like some of you I never wear low cut tops but my scar and caved in bit is quite high so I find myself so restricted and uncomfie never mind the thought of going on holiday so… i think I am going to do it but sooooo scared.
To everyone thinking of having a reconstruction - just to say my breast care nurse said ‘it will be worth it’ before the op to calm my nerves, and it really is worth it !
It is FAB not an easy ride to have the op but really worth it - it makes you feel repaired - for those unable to have it I was satisfied with prosthesis, but really nice to get up in the morning and not have to think about heavy silicone in bra !
Hi all, many thanks for your replies. I guess it is a personal choice but I am such a wimp where surgery is concerned. My mastoctomy op took over 5 hours, obviously I know nothing about it and was fine when I woke up but the thought of going to theatre again… yikes.
I am due a check up next month and I know my surgeon will ask me again about the reconstruction, he always does at my check-ups and I always give the same answer, maybe later, haha.
If he was able to do it the normal way, ie. muscle from my own body and stuff I would probably go ahead, but the thought of an implant really doesn’t appeal to me, you read so many stories about people who have problems with them it kind of puts me off.
I’m starting to ramble on now so better I go, thanks again all, and I wish you all continued good health.
I had an immediate LD reconstruction 3 years ago and I found the whole procedure relatively painless, I was able to have an immediate one as it was second time round for me so I couldn’t have radiotherapy again.
I had to have an implant but have’nt found that to be a problem, I do get some discomfort from my back scare from time to time but its something I can live with (not that I have a choice). Everyone seems to have a different experience with the same op, all we can do is speak as we find, I do appreciate it is a big decision, my op was 8 hours, but overall I am pleased with the results.
Hi everyone
I had bilateral masectomy and recon fitted with expanders in dec 08 and for me it has also been relatively painless. I think my back was the most painful, but my surgeon did a fantastic job and my surgery was about 5 1/2 hrs and 2 hrs recovery i was petrified going down to theatre but im glad i did it.