Now 9 months since my mastectony, was looked gone out by specialist when I asked about reconstruction at same time, what are everyone’s views/expweriences about resconstruction?
hi sharon
i had my reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy. then went on to have thirty rads and had no problem with reconstruction. i had the ld flap done which involves taking the muscle from your back around to the front and im really pleased with the results.
take care
maria
Hi Sharon - I’m the same as Maria. Had chemo and 25 rads. I have a tissue expander in and not sure if the surgeon is going to swap it for an implant in the future. It has gone harder with rads but not too bad. I am really pleased with my results as when I have my clothes on you would never know. It’s still a bit uncomfie after 14 months but getting easier.
Liz xx
Hi Sharon
I had my diep flap recon done last Oct, over 2 & 1/2 years since my mastectomy. I took me that long to make up my mind. It was a major op with a long recovery so I had to plan for it. It’s now 9 1/2 months since the op. I had some problems with extreme tiredness which turned out to be low haemoglobin levels. I’m back on the iron and feeling much better. I am slim (10/12), and was told I’d need an implant as I didn’t have enough tummy fat. But I went ahead without the implant - I just didn’t like the idea of one. Everyone is different though. My recon boob is slightly smaller about 1/2 a cup size. In a bra it looks great and most women have different boobs. As the surgeon tried to get as much fat as possible, my tummy was very tight afterwards and didn’t heal properly. The scar has 2 small raised areas which I treat daily with dermatix gel and I have to say they are improving. Don’t underestimate what a toll a major op like this takes on your body, so give yourself enough time to recover, if you choose a diep flap. I am delighted with the results. I now feel more balanced, more whole and don’t worry about what to wear (I had to alter thin strappy vests so that my prosthesis didn’t show.) It’s great not having to deal with the prosthesis every night.
Good luck with your decision
fantan