I have finished all the tests and it is confirmed - cancer in right breast and I will need full mastectomy and lymphnodes removed. I have been offered reconstruction surgery at the same time as the op. I am not sure if this is the best course of action. Mean six hours on the operating tabe and all that entails. However I am a 36E and am wondering if a prosthesis will be comfortable and look ok? I know the final decision has to be mind but any advice would be great - thanks girls.
Beat-it
Morning to you ,
I know at the beginning of treatment we just want the Cancer removed and I did not want to wait for an appointment with the Oncoplastic Breast surgeon. I was prepared to have an old fashioned mx and cope with what was left BUT my BCN had different ideas. She wanted me to see the surgeon and discuss all my options. I was very reluctant as it meant waiting another week to see her, but I can honestly say that it was the best decision I ever made. I was never left flat chested as I had immediate recon with a tissue expander in place and was pumped up during the skin sparing mx. I think it helped me that I still had some shape. Also I am thankful every single morning when I get ready for work that I do not have to faff with a chicken fillet. However this is just my opinion and I am sure there will be other ladies along soon to tell you that they coped with the prothesis okay. Like you say it is your decision, so do a bit of research online and keep an open mind until you have considered it all.
Sending you love, hugs and positive vibes to get through this journey you are about to start on. Do what is right for you. I went to the recon app on my own as I did not want anyone else to make the decision for me, ie hubby or Mum. Let us know what you decide and when your op is . Love Tracy xxx
Thanks Tracy - good to hear that you have had such a great outcome. It is just so much to take in at one time when you head feels like cotton wool just having the diasnosis! Should get a date for the op on Tuesday and need to make a decision when I see my surgeon then. Am escaping to the country for the weekend to stay with a really good friend - feel I need a bit of space just at the moment. Take care xxx
Hi there,
I had an emergency mx and because of the rarity of my cancer i was told that I woul have to wait for a year before I could be offered a recon so therefore I had no choice but to come away with a comfiest. I am also a 36 G so the comfy wasn’t ideal as it was to light but it was only temp and I used scarves to hide lopsided ness ,If you do gofor a prosthesis make sure your breast nurse takes time to make sure you have the correct shape and size ,I appear to have pert boobs for a lady of my age ( so everyone kept telling me )and a fullness to the side so they ordered a few in for me to try over 1.5 hours later we got the best match then there is the nightmare of bras and I’m mean I still want pretty underwear ,I went to debs hams and seen a lovely lady who again took loads of time brought all sorts of bras and we found Freya fantasy perfect for me in the blue x cross sale they only work out at 20.00 each or 22.50 .so now I pop my bra on pop the boob in and sorted ,the bra holds it all in place,it will feel uncomfortable when you are hot but not unbearable .
i also have a stick on boob which works well and a swim form.
There are days where I think I would like the recon done my husband will support what ever I decide. But is it worth the risk of another 6 ops minimum (I would need a lot of fat filling ops to fill in the dent as I lost most of my Chet muscle ),so a free tummy tuck and free lipo and I don’t think even that can persuade me ,but. T the end of the day it is your choice
I hope whatever you decide that it all ill go well for you take care lizzy
Hi i had mastectomy & node clearance jan 2012 and have worn a prosthesis since then, my surgeon advised against recon at the time as radiotherapy can cause problems. although i hate having to faff on with it, it is a very good match to my other side albeit a bit heavy. I am going to have recon done in august and am now pleased i waited as i do have skin tightening caused by radiotherapy. Good luck whatever you decide xx
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer on one side over a month ago I had discussions with the consultant about having reconstruction at the time of surgery. It seemed like the best thing to me to get it all done in one go. However after cancerous lymph nodes were discovered we decided against reconstruction as I might need radiotherapy. So I had the mastectomy a couple of weeks ago. It was kind of a relief in that I only had to stay in overnight, and feel pretty good now apart from problems with my arm caused by lymph node removal.
I wasn’t sure how I would react seeing myself with only one breast, but I’m okay with it, so now I’m wondering also if I should have reconstruction. It does seem like a big thing because of the surgery time and recovery time. I’m not sure yet what I’ll do, but it’s interesting to hear all your thoughts on it.