Hello to All,
I am new to this forum and would just like to see how any-one else has reached the decision wether to reconstruct or not.
I had bi-lateral W.E., with Sentinal node sampling on left side only on 12th July.Met with surgeon on 28th for results,anyway it is recommended by M.D.T. that I have bi-lateral MX.That was not the result I was expecting but, is fine (well anyway as much as it can be!!)I do not have a problem with this recommendation.What is getting me stressed is to reconstruct or not, one minute is for, the next is not.Am I just being vain ? Cannot picture myself being flat chested how are the prothesis when swimming,wear strappy summer tops etc will I cope with that.
I should perhaps mention that I work in an operating theatre so know the risks involved with the surgery and anaesthetic so that is not helping me in reaching my decision either !!
Hi!
I’m new too!
I’m due to have a mastectomy on the 26th August and I’m also finding it really hard making a decision. Like you, I have experience of working in surgery and also have a chronic chest condition which puts me off any extensive surgery. However, I would not want to feel that I had ‘chickened out’ on reconstruction and would like to feel that this time next year I can still wear pretty much what I like in the warm weather and not always be thinking about what I can wear. No, it isn’t vanity- it is just feeling that you have the freedom to be yourself.
I have spoken to people who have had reconstruction and feel very happy with it.
I would be interested to know what people feel about their decision not to re-construct please x
I didn’t get a choice re immediate reconstruction given the spread to lymph nodes and the need for both Chemo and Rads meant that it was’t appropriate when I had my MX.
However i have been offereed a reconstruction down the line - they say around 6/8months after I finish rads. I am going with the flow at the moment - am nervous about having more surgery and not sure what the results will look like but I don’t have to decide straight away.
I do have a prothesis. To be honest I don’t find it too bad. I wear it most of the time and I am 38D so going around without it is very noticeable. I am able to find nice lacy bras’s and I was never one for very low tops anyhow - haven’t really had to change anything in my wardrobe. My prothesis has been confortable to wear even during the hot weather and no one can tell or notices - its very natural looking and feeling. I have also bought one from the internet for Swimming which is a spongy one, but is weighted too and again is comfortable to wear.
I think the issue is around body image. As whilst I look ‘normal’ when I am dressed etc, I still don’t feel normal as i have one ‘flat’ side and one breast and I am conscious of that. I really would like to get back to having two breasts and that is what is the back of my mind when making a decision re reconstruction.
The other issue which does nag at me is re occurrance. I obviously don’t want to be doom and gloom, but whilst I have a ‘flat’ side its easier to spot/feel a lump etc, if I was to have reconstruction then something sinister may lurk beneath my breast that I am unaware of. So I too am in a bit of a dilema about this - shall I or shan’t I? its a really difficult decision to make I think.
xx
Hi
I was diagnosed on 27 May and had right MX and reconstruction last Wednesday 28 Jul. I was not sure whether to have reconstruction or not but the clinic gave us a DVD which gave options (stomach, back, or implants) and I discussed with my husband and we decided to go for the reconsruction from back muscles . I am not too vain but like you didn’t fancy swimming etc with flat chest one side.
I am pleased to say that it was a good decision for me, the op took 6 hrs. everything went very well, bit sore but not as bad as I expected so far. Op was last wed and I came home yesterday after 5 days. I still have a drain in and need to go back tomorrow for that taking out and next Tues for dressings to come off. I feel fine , a bit tired. I have been told that I must not lift my arm above shoulder height for 4 weeks and have some exercises to do 3 times a day, other than that I am already able to do a lot for myself.
My new boobie looks very good almost like before when viewed from above, my husband helped me shower last night and thinks it look good and thinks we made right decision too. it feels OK, I am wearing a good comfortable bra.
Once the swelling goes down etc the new boob might not be quite as big as old one so I will have the option of going back for an implant or some more construction from stomach muscles , however at this stage I doubt if I will do so as can see no point in more ops unless vital.
Hope this helps in any decision making
Best wishes
Carol
Hello legs
I also struggled with the decision whether or to have recon. I found that I needed to have left mx and thought at 49 it would be sheer vanity to have recon. As I had already had my chemo I was offered immediate recon. After much discussion with hubby and PS I opted for immediate DIEP flap recon. I had this on 6th July. It was huge surgery in terms of time and complexity for the PS … but I am recovering well and am thrilled with my new breast and flat tummy. I have had an infection which wasn’t pleasant, and the drains are a pain, and you really can’t do very much at all for first few weeks, but I am sure that I made the right decision.
Good luck coming to your own decision.
Jacqui
Hi Ladies,
I was dx last May, had several surgeries and ended up with mx in September. I was not given the option of having immediate recon as I was to have rads after chemo. I have managed with my prothesis fairly well but because I am a large busted lady I find that every time I bend forward everyone gets an eyeful of my chest and scars. Not pleasant for them!!! I have just seen my surgeon for my follow up appt and asked to have a prophylactic mx on the other side due to the lobular cancer that was found. He agreed but asked if I wanted recon as they would do it at the same time. Do I want recon??? That is the question.
I’m 52, got plenty of tummy for a nice pair of boobies, I knew I was letting it grow for something!! Do I really want to go through yet more surgery? Yes I do want the mx but would I be happy being flat chested and deciding when I want to wear a prothesis and what size I want to be?
I’m going away soon and looking for swimming cossies which don’t cost the earth and will look ok without showing too much and being able to use a prothesis which will stay put and not go swimming off on its own is not easy!!! Plus you have to take its box to put it in when you are not using it. Think I may be talking myself into recon?
Its so nice to go to the door and not have to worry about my wig now my hair has come back, it will also be nice to open the door and not have to worry about being lopsided too. I did forget once and went shopping without it!!!
It’s not always easy to find clothes this time of year. A lot of them are too low in the front and even with a lacy camisole underneath its not the best, not to mention how warm it gets wearing two layers. Tamoxifen is giving me wicked hot flushes at the moment!!!
I do also worry about the possibility of recurrence after recon and would I know but if it was that big a problem surely they wouldn’t do it?
Oh decisions, decisions…
I’m being referred to see a surgeon to talk it over with him so maybe that will help to make up my mind.
Good luck with your decisions ladies, its not an easy one!!!
Love
Jane xx
Everyone will have their own reasons for deciding whether or not to have recon … for me it was about being able to wear all the lovely underwear that I have and having a full choice of clothes … and I’m not even that interested in clothes! Strange really.
But I firmly believe that it has nothing to do with vanity.
Prior to my op surgeons believed that I would not be having radiotherapy, but having discovered a second tumor at mx, is now a necessity, so a bit worried about the effect it may have on vy lovely new boob!
Jacqui
I remember feeling really confused about whether to go for recon or not and I was scared too but in the end I wemt for it. I had MX and LD recon in November. Nobody can deny it is a big op and takes some getting over, but I am SO glad I had it done now. I had nipple recon in March and yesterday had the second session of areola tattooing. For me it isn’t just how I look in clothes, but how I look in the mirror each morning. Yes, I have a big scar on my back, but I don’t really see that and my reconstructed breast is so realistic looking that I feel really good about myself now. It’s so personal, but for me this was definitely the best option. Good luck with your decision.