Hi Cactus Queen, Before covid disrupted everything I was planning on having immediate reconstruction, then it had to be skin and nipple saving with implants for delayed reconstruction but then ended up having to be a straight mastectomy with plans to have reconstruction a couple of years after radiotherapy. I think I've gone full circle though and I'm hoping to have a mastectomy on my other breast next year some time when covid allows. I'll miss my surviving breast (and I'm slightly worried that I'm taking it for granted right now especially as it probably helps me ignore my mastectomy side) but I'd like to be symmetrical. Right now, I feel like I've got none of the benefits of a pair of breasts nor those of being flat chested so everything's a compromise. Luckily I tested negative for the known breast cancer genes so it wouldn't be considered risk reducing surgery but there's always the niggle that they haven't discovered all the genes yet so removing the other breast, lowers the risk. Right now can't bear the thought of going through abdominal surgery (or from elsewhere) to create the new breast, I just want to get on with life. Although a mastectomy is still an operation with its risks, I feel it's more of a known quantity that I could handle. But that's just me. I think (I may be wrong so check with your consultant) that you have to wait at least 18 months after having radiotherapy before you can have reconstruction, so if you're undecided, you can keep your options open by still planning for reconstruction and then you can always change your mind nearer the time. I found having the mastectomy quite traumatic at the time so was referred to an oncopsychologist and have since talked it through which I found really helpful. I don't know if that's an option where you live. There's also the Someone Like Me support and they may be able to put you in touch with someone who may have had to make similar choices a few years previously and be able to give you a different perspective with the benefit of hindsight or help you talk and think through it. By the way, was it you that was having the bone strengthening tablets? I'm not sure if I'll be having any bisphosphonates, but I know that my hospital offer another type called zoledronic acid which is given through a 15 minute drip but only every 6 months. Again, I don't know if it's an option in your NHS area or if it would be suitable for you or if you can switch once you've started on the tablets but I thought I'd let you know that it maybe something to investigate if it means you could get a lie in (or do early morning yoga)! Finally, re bras, one of my nurses said that Asda had a really good range of mastectomy and post surgery bras. You'd probably still have to buy them online at the moment as I don't know if changing rooms are open anywhere (maybe I'm wrong) but at least you could take it back to a real store if you wanted to. Good luck. Tabs
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