Hi, I’m 57 and i’ve just been diagnosed with DCIS in the same side I had a lumpectomy 15 years ago. The diagnosis came after a really difficult 2024, so feels like a kick in the teeth.
I previously had chemo, radiotherapy, Herceptin & tamoxifen. This time I’ve been told need a mastectomy, and have been offered immediate reconstruction
We are off on a holiday of a lifetime on Monday, which I’m struggling to get excited about, so I will have a mastectomy a few days after we get back.
I’m struggling to decide whether to have reconstruction or not. My hospital only offer implants, so at least that narrows my choices. If I do go for reconstruction I’d initially have an e pander, with the implant a year later.
I know the final decision is mine, but I’m so confused and overwhelmed so I’d love to hear about the pros and cons of reconstruction or staying flat, and other people’s experience, as this may help me make a decision.
I had both breasts (bilateral mastectomies) removed in September and know I made the right decision for me. I’d had a lumpectomy 24 years ago and no radiotherapy etc. the consultant said I had a large tumour in the breast I’d had a lumpectomy so that was a definite for a mastectomy and the other side had DCIS.
Discuss your options with your family and decide what is best for you but listen to your gut feeling it’s usually right.
I didn’t want implants and went flat for the first few months felt right when it got cooler jumper weather I decided I wanted some prosthesis’s. Had the silicone ones given by the hospital but were so heavy I went to M&S and had theirs they call them inserts and they are soooh light as a feather I also bought. 2 bras with pocket inserts to
Put the prosthesis in. They’re amazing you can put them in the washer and go swimming in them too - I forget they’re there! The bras do run a bit big but the bra fitter was super helpful she even said how big do you want to go - I felt I didn’t want to shock the world with Dolly Parton sizes so kept to my normal presurgery size!
Hope you make the right decision for you and please ask if I can be if any more help.x
Thank you Elka.
I went to M&S to look at bra options, and I’ve discovered the bra shop in our tiny town specialises in post surgery bras. They were really helpful, showing me lots of options.
I’ve spoken to family & a couple of close friends, I’ve read all I can.
I think I’m close to making a decision.
I’m glad you’ ve spoken to family and discussed your concerns. They’re very good at M & S. I hope you can make the right decision for you. The journey is harrowing and hard to choose which way to go but you will be happier in urself once you make a decision and discuss with your Breast Nurse at the hospital and here. You will come out the other side and carry on with your life. Dolly Parton size? A bit dangerous falling in your soup! X
Hi Caroline,
My surgery was in August last year and I faced a similar dilemma as the surgeon left the choice of mastectomy or lumpectomy to me. I was able to talk to a friend who had had a mastectomy but I turned to Breast Cancer Now for their “someone like me” section to talk to someone who had chosen to have a lumpectomy. I spoke to a representative who was able to match me with someone similar to me and I had a very helpful, long chat with her which certainly aided my decision making.
I’m sure they will be able to help to match you with women who have been through the reconstruction or not dilemma to help you decide.
Have a brilliant holiday. I’m sure that being in a relaxed atmosphere will help you to calmly think through the decisions you need to make.
Very best wishes x
You’re very welcome! If I can help any more just get in touch.
I also was matched through Breast Cancer Now with ‘someone like me’ had a lovely lady who was similar age and prognosis we also had a laugh which reminded me we are just human!! And I needed that! Good luck with everything x
I’ve really struggled making this decision. I think I’m nearly there. The things I found helpful were talking to the nurses - both the breast care nurse and the recon nurse, literally feeling the prostheses and joining two forums - flat friends and the DIEP reconstruction uk forum. I have a large cup size with little back and a trapped nerve in my shoulder so that’s all in my decision as the long term impact on my back is important for me. Someone did say to me don’t think about the next 6 months think about 5byears time and what you will feel then. Agree it feels v overwhelming and a bit lonely as ultimately it’s your decision . Hope you find what you need
Thank you Sundowner and Flosk,
I’ve made my decision to go for reconstruction. What finally helped (on top of talking to friends and family, and reading everything)was seeing some before & after photos. It would have been good to just have the one op, then get back to life, but as Flosk says, it’s worth looking down the line.
I’m happy with the decision, so now I should be able to enjoy my holiday, before the op.
Thanks for all the help.
I opted for implant - the only form of reconstruction my hospital offer - I know it’s a very personal decision but for me having boobs makes me feel feminine - I’d lost a lot of weight before diagnosis and my boobs had shrunk lots and that had knocked my confidence - I went from d cup to a b although my consultant said I was more like an a cup (rude lol). Anyway I’m glad I did it - my mastectomy implant is definitely not the nicest boob as its total implant and you can see the edges of it - but they balanced me out and the other side is lovely - he gave me back d cups (well it was my birthday). Had my bra fitting last week and took my pics - you can see the implant as I’ve said but my breast nurse said give it 12 months and my consultant will look at it again and talked about fat from elsewhere etc - I’m honestly not bothered - my boobs look good in a bra and for me that’s enough - I’ve added a pic so hope no one is offended we had to go back and remove the nipple as it was too high risk after histology
That looks amazing jojey. I imagine, even without the nipple it would still look good under clothes.
The BCN is spoke to the other day has said I will have the option to have the good side made a similar size when they fit the implant.
When I first got told I needed a mastectomy last week, I was only told I could have an immediate implant. No-one mentioned that I’d need an expander and further operations. It was only when I contacted the BCN with some questions that this was mentioned. Was actually a bit of relief, as I didn’t know how they would even things up.
I could actually end up with better looking breasts (under clothes) than I’ve had since my lumpectomy 15 years ago
I had a breast implant a year after my mastectomy. This was 20 years ago.
Just be mindful that they don’t last a life time. Which i wasn’t told about this and was having pain only to find that i had a capsulated reputure and i had it removed.
Following that I’ve been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer on my lungs last year.
Good luck and wishing all the best for the future and in health.
I just want to know if any one is on Ribociclib and letrozole for secondary breast cancer.
I’m on my 5th cycle but I’ve got rash all over my legs and arms.
Just wanted to know if anyone else is experiencing this and if its a side effect from the medication.
The oncologist are not sure if its to due the Ribociclib.
This is something I haven’t had to face and I’m grateful for that. But I can say do what is right for you and I’m praying for good results and an easy surgery and recovery for you. Remember we are all here for you and we’ve all got your back. There are so many here holding your hand and giving you strength. Sending lots of love and a big gentle hug xxxx
I decided on bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction. I am 70 and small build. My breast were not part of my identity. Never really cared for wearing a bra. Now just organic cotton sports bras; very comfortable, or a silky tee.
