Date for reconstruction - vulnerable

[Smudgie31]

Hi Ana1

Nice to hear from you.

Yes I've had my reconstruction. It's been 3 months now. I went through the usual rollercoaster of emotions. I didn't really appreciate what an amazing job my surgeon had done till about 2 weeks after.  I'm a C cup so not a large lady, so when l looked in the mirror l just saw a small rounded lump which is a lot higher than my remaining boob due to the implant procedure. However by week 3 l realised what an incredible and wonderous thing l had been given.

In the right bra you really wouldn't know what I'd been through. Yes l look odd without my bra and can't wait to get back in for a lift in another few months.

I am glad l went through with the op. I just take it for granted when l put my bra on without my prosthesis now. For me, recovery was quick; but the first week was tough going.

No l didn't contact Someone Like Me. To be honest l can't remember seeing Dee's post unfortunately. In hindsight l wish l had done more research on the final results before l went in.

Wishing you all the best with your surgery. Xx

[Ana1]

I just wrote quite a comprehensive reply but hadn't logged in or something so my message is lost.

Just quickly - wondering whether you have now had the reconstruction and how it went.

I well understand the anxiety - am hoping to get a date for an autologous reconstruction on my next visit to the hospital mid-April. While knowing that a reconstruction is what I want, getting a date for it will, I'm sure, bring on (more) anxiety. I was told on my last visit that if I am given the go-ahead in April that it could be two months before the reconstruction - while glad about this I was also actually rather surprised, thinking that (not being a priority) it would be more like two years. Of course I will be pleased if this is confirmed in April, however ...

I'm also wondering whether you used the Someone Like Me service as suggested by Dee. I found it very helpful.

[Smudgie31]

Hi. I'm having LX and implants. My mastectomy was in 2016. My initial shock of seeing the surgery date in black n white is subsidising a little. However l think my anxiety is being projected to my good breast. Keep thinking something isn't right even though l check regularly and still have regular mammograms.

[Linda17]

Hi Smudgie31

I think the feelings you are having are perfectly normal.  I am 5 weeks post op after having mx and LD reconstruction and was very undecided as to whether have reconstruction or not.  Have you already had mx or are you having it all done at the same time and what type of reconstruction are you having?

[DeeE_BCC]

Hi Smudgie31,

I hope your get some responses here, and I also just wanted to let you know about our 'Someone Like Me service'. We have volunteers who could talk to you directly over the telephone (or email) about how they found reconstruction, including how they felt about it, and how they found it afterwards. Please feel free to call the team on 0114 2636490 if you would like to seak to us about being put in touch. We could also put you in touch with a volunteer who has had children and who could discuss with you how they negotiated their childrens emotions around this. 

In the meantime, best wishes

Dee 

Someone Like Me team   

[Smudgie31]

Hello ladies.

I've just got my date for reconstruction surgery. Other ladies I've talked to have all welcomed the news but I'm not sure how l feel. I think l want to go through with it but lt's triggered feelings of vulnerability. Part of me feels l should be grateful to be here and why make life more complicated. But l've not met one lady who has regretted their surgery (met some who didn't want it).
The negative thoughts are creeping in. 'What's the point if it comes back ' Will l feel it was worth it?' 'It's making my kids scared Etc.
Just feel l need to tell you guys how l feel.x