Out of interest, are there any statistics out there for the percentage of women in the U.K who have reconstruction following Mastectomy as opposed to those who chose to stay flat? Am interested in which is the more popular choice.
Hi I am interested in peoples experiences too, especially the DIEP reconstruction, having had a double mastectomy in Nov 22 and being a larger lady (size 20/22 ) I was advised against DIEP reconstruction at the same time but to to separate the operations and have reconstruction later.
I was ok with that as it would give me an opportunity to try living flat and see what life is like with prosthesis. I might decide not to bother. However my scars are awful, nothing like the neat and flat scars you see depicted on those TV adverts. I have hollows and lots of puckered skin across my front but also in folds under my arms which are ugly and uncomfortable. Even the softest of bras rub and the prothesis just sinks into my hollows !!
I have been told I need a tidy up operation anyway, but will need to make a decision about a reconstruction as I cannot have 2 ops. I am therefore very interested to hear of any larger ladies DIEP reconstruction experiences as I don’t want implants.
As a larger lady I understand there are risks to operations, as some of my size issues are due to lymphedema which I have on my thighs resulting from a previous cancer operation 30 plus years ago where they removed groin lymph glands and so its risky but my life now is not good, its uncomfortable and I am very self conscious especially in summer clothes and swim suits. I love swimming but don’t go publicly anymore.
I understand there will be alot of pain as there was with the mastectomy but what about the tummy area, are there drains in there too? how was healing managed, what were the practical issues I need to consider, given my tummy will be ripped open and stuck to my chest !!
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Hi brighton765,
Thank you for posting.
It’s understandable that you’re interested in how many people choose to have a mastectomy with breast reconstruction or to have a simple mastectomy (stay flat).
In 2022 a Breast Cancer Now report%20having%20delayed%20reconstruction2.) estimated that 14,850 of the 55,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK undergo a mastectomy – with around 3,119 (21%) of these patients opting to have immediate breast reconstruction, and 1,485 (10%) having delayed reconstruction.
We speak to many women who find it difficult to decide if breast reconstruction is the right choice for them. You may find our breast reconstruction booklet helpful to read.
It’s not clear if you are facing this decision yourself. If so, you may wish to talk to someone who has had a breast reconstruction or simple mastectomy. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling. @pearly1960 you may also find our breast reconstruction link helpful with your questions and this service useful to talk to someone who has had a DIEP reconstruction.
We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
The organisations Flat Friends and Keeping Abreast may also be of interested for you.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline
Do also call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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