Hi there, I was wondering if anybody else has had bilateral reconstruction with implants. I have DCIS in the Right breast and have been told that as it’s extensive Mastectomy is my best option. Now an MRI and biopsy have shown Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia in the Left breast which could turn cancerous in the future. My options seem to be wait and see or have a Bilateral Mastectomy. How much sensation is there in the breasts after having implants?
Hi
I have no sensation in my recon breast with implant. It isn’t a problem and I got used to it very quickly. I am having my other breast removed and recon next month and I believe I will be happier with the symmetry. The only slight problem I have had is not being able to feel when a bra is too tight or has moved out of position.
Good luck with everything. Do you know what type of recon you will be having and that an implant is required?
Jackie x
I was originally thinking of having an immediate reconstruction with DIEP flap but have been told that I only have enough “tummy” to make one new breast. Now the ALH in the opposite breast is making me wonder whether I should have bilateral mastectomy or just wait and see what happens, if the ALH does turn cancerous? My Surgeon said that if i wait and have already had a DIEP flap then symmetry will be a problem as if I need another Mastectomy it would be difficult to make the breasts match, if you see what I mean?
Trudie.
I had a mastectomy july 07. I have decided to go for a bilat, and have matching implants put in - it will be done next monday.
I had large breasts all my life - I am delighted to go for a small set. Also, I MUCH prefer an operation, rather than facing chemo again. The problem is that if cancer comes back, not only you need an op, but also chemo and rads… Plus, in that way the new boobs will be matching, and I definitely don’t want to have further scars on my body, tummy, back, or anywhere.
I am 42 years old and was first diagnosed on 8th April 2008 following a routine mammogram at the “High Risk Clinic” I had been placed on the high risk register for two years after becoming totally obsessed with lumpy breasts after my mother’s death in 2006. My consultant was happy with my right breast that I had gone to see him with but found abnormal shadowing in my left breast, I had a biopsy and the result was normal.
As my Grandmother died from Breast Cancer, My Mother from Breast Cancer secondaries and my Aunt is in remission following mastectomy, my consultant offered to place me on the high risk register at the age of 40 for 1 yearly mammograms. Last year my mammogram was normal, this year I was asked to return for more tests!
I was diagnosed with Grade 1 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. My knee jerk reaction when hearing the news was just to point to my breasts and say “take it all away!” My consultant was concerned because although they had seen the site on the mammogram, had it confirmed by biopsy he couldn’t see it on Ultrasound and couldn’t see how large the tumour was. I was therefore booked into have a MRI. which also proved to be inconclusive but showed 3 sites of enhancement in my left breast.
When it came to making my treatment decision, I had a confirmed tumour in my left breast, maybe 3 more in my right and a High Risk family history so I opted for a “bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy, skin and nipple sparring with immediate reconstruction”
I had my surgery on 18th April and apparently my words when I came out when someone asked me how I felt when I came out of surgery that I felt like my chest had been trampled by a herd of elephants. When I saw the consultant in recovery and told me that they were happy with the surgery and initial feeling was that it hadn’t spread to my lymph nodes and they had managed to save my nipples.
I’ve been returning to the hospital for regular “pumping up” of my implants as had temporary fillable type to stretch the muscles via ports on my sides . Didn’t know anything about reconstruction but know more now…
My breasts are now virtually back to the 34DD I was before the op, although they are a different shape, flatter and higher. Now they don’t flop when I remove my bra! I would recommend you get a good bra for post op what ever you decide as this has been my biggest friend…
Last Friday I was discharged from the post mastectomy clinic and given an appointment for pre-surgery check for the replacement of my temporary implants with permanent bags 1st week of September. I was offered the tummy fat replacement option but don’t want more scars… so will probably go for silicone implants, after all they are good enough for all the film stars.
As for feeling: If you can imagine this, draw a line under your arms and across your chest. I have no feeling from there downwards, I know that I am rubbing the skin but cannot feel it. Also my back under my arms where the muscles have been pulled from feel like they are waking up after have an aesthetic. Like when you’ve been to the dentist and you rub your cheek, it’s you but isn’t.
Hope this helps answer your question but I think that in all probability everyone will be different!
I wish you well whatever you decide.
Sarah-Jane