Bi lateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction

[Freesia2802]

Hi Jackie, I've only just found your post.  I had right breast mastectomy and immediate recon - ~DIEP and although it is a bit daunting to think of a 10/12 hours op, as you say and I remember it this way, I knew nothing about it at the time from the first few minutes until in the recovery room.  Having said that I did ask a lot of questions, particularly as I was 73yrs at the time and was told by one oncologist at the time that it was the 'Rolls Royce' of procedures and as I thought it through, I decided that it would be much better, in my opinion to have both procedures done on the same day, as I was advised was best.  I have to say that apart from a few niggles with the healing process which could happen regardless, I was very glad that I made the decision and would be happy to encourage anyone else considering it.  Obviously if the medics didn't think it was right for you they wouldn't be suggesting it.

Hope this helps

[JETS]

If it helps - I was OK seeing the flat chest post op but didnt get much choice because my surgeon just popped round on his rounds and it was like whip out!! Focus on the cancer gone as it does help and many report a sense of relief (I know that I did and still do).  I felt very much like you at the time - in shock of the diagnosis and once I had decided to delay reconstruction decision, I knew it was the right thing for me & have never regretted the delay.  I'm still coming to terms with the health side as I have only recently finished chemo.  One thing that I have found since op is that I was very lucky with my neat surgery scars - as you are delaying decision it might be worth just having a chat with your surgeon before so that he/she knows that you want your chest to look as good as possible. My scars are not diagonal across the chest but more curved - looks good I think - kind of gives what I term a breast smiley face! It might depend if your surgeon can do your operation like this (a lot depends on the cancer tumours etc) but this was a whole arena that I knew nothing about until after my operation.  Dont worry about the operation though - it will be fine.  I had to have one drain so was kept in for a couple of days but this was then removed on day 4. Keep up with painkillers to help the nerve endings afterwards and take it easy at home post operatively/do the exercises when you are given go ahead. Ive been swimming without any form of prosthesis and its all been very positive. Good luck on tomorrow xx 

[Jackie53]

thank you

Carm for your kind reply yes you are right it is awful having knowlage as you cannot extract that from your thoughts my team at work have been very good and supportive I have even been told off for trying to be the nurse and instructed to be a patient for the time it needs I know they are right but I do wish I could switch my head off from the role that I do My surgery is Wednesday and to be honest as much as I don't want to have my boobs off I know I just want to get the cancer out a common thought I know  hope that you are well and thanks again for your support

Jackie x

[Jackie53]

thank you for your post it's nice to hear from someone in similar situation I am getting very nervous now as surgery is Wednesday. I am frightend about what my reaction will be when I see my flat chest I am only 34c cup but know that the surgery is to treat the cancer and I have to keep this in my head it was my choice to wait  for reconstruction and in my heart I know this is the right decision for me as it's been a shock. To be diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and I have only just started to come to terms with this now  I will look up flat friends post op thanks again 

take care

jackie

[JETS]

Hi Jackie

I just wanted to wish you well for your operation next week.  I had bilateral in january and postponed reconstruction when I realised what was involved - just wanted to deal with the cancer first.  Now Im not sure that I will do reconstruction at all.  There is a group - Flat Friends UK that have offered me huge support.  Just thought Id mention.  Lots love 

[Carmia]

Sorry about the typos, it's early and I'm using my mobile, big thumbs little letters, 😀

[Carmia]

Hi Jackie,
Im sorry you find yourself here, but welcome.
I am not s McMillan BN but I am a nurse who has looked after many ladies who have followed the path I now find myself on. I also know my BN very well on a professional basis, and I also know the surgeon should did my WLE.
It's been ok so far, at one point I did have to say to them, please treat me as a patient and not a nurse, because it seemed they were talking to me about someone else, you know like in a MDT. Also my partner was a little lost in done if the terminology.
You also will find your way about, I feel for you love because being a nurse, we sometimes know too much of the wrong stuff, I say that because we do t always need to know everything straight away, although feel we need to. We smash our brain a bit.
Good luck my lovely, hope the op goes well, when is it?
Car x

[Jackie53]

Hi Eve

Thank you for your advice it was helpful to hear from another person who has had to go through this horrible diagnosis. I am going in next week to have bi lateral Mastectomy and will consider reconstruction at a later date this has been my gut feeling from day 1 and after much deliberation have gone with this .

i wish you well for the future and Thanks again for your post

Jackie

[Jackie53]

Hi Ash

Thank you for your post after a lot of thought and discussion I am going to go with just bi lateral mastectomy and consider reconstruction at a later date as I need time to come to terms with diagnosis  this has been my gut instinct from day one so I'm going with this .,I too have access to prosthesis after surgery and being bi lateral I will get even symmetry so I will see how I feel further down the line and if needs be il have reconstruction at later date. I found it helpful getting advice from ladies who have been through this horrible disease as it's very different being a patient 

Thanks again for your positive advice

All the best

Jackie xx

[Ash66]

Hi Jackie

I wasn't in quite the same position as my cancer was only in one breast but I asked for bilateral mx and my surgeon agreed. I had it back in April. You say the advice is to go with immediate recon but is that what you want?

I chose not to have it as I wasn't bothered and I've gone flat ever since. I have fab falsies if I want to wear them but so far I never have. The op was a breeze. I was up at the loo within an hour of coming back from theatre and 4 months on have no pain or stiffness just a bit of annoying scar tissue and I can go back any time if I decide on the recon.

I'm not trying to dissuade you but just saying don't let yourself be railroaded into something you're not sure about.

You could try phoning up the helpline. I've heard 'someone like me' is really good. You can speak to someone who has been in the same position and see if that helps.

All the best x

[evelyn]

Hi  Having had a mastectomy on just one side 12 years ago - I now wish that I had had both breasts removed at the same time as I feel like a ticking time bomb and they both look so different.  For uniformity and peace of mind it makes sense to have both done.  I didnt have the choice of having immediate reconstruction and waited four years before having it done.  Now I am taking the huge step (for me) of having a breast tattoo - so that it draws attention in the right way - if I ever get undressed in front of anyone again - I am doing this to boost my confidence and cant wait - will be showing my body off to anyone who wants to look at it!!!

I hope your surgery goes well - whatever you decide.

Best wishes

Ev

[Jackie53]

Hi I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts lobular and ducal I have been advised I can have bilateral mastectomies with immediate Diep reconstruction . The whole surgery is going to take approx 10 -12 hours and it's frightening to think about The other Option is to have mastectomy and delayed reconstructions ' but advice is to get all the surgery over with in one go as I'm otherwise fit and healthy  I feel overwhelmed  with all of this as I was originally diagnosed with just cancer left breast but MRI showed lesion in Right that was also confirmed as Cancer and to make things worse I actually work as a McMillan Breast Nurse. And this does not make it any easier  . Please can anyone who has faced similar scenario advise how they made the decision as to surgery etc.