Haven't been on this for years, but this thread is amazing. I had mx, then immediate ld flap recon with implant for DCIS. Trouble is, the new beast was contaminated during the recon, so I got cancer in the reconstruction. Took me ages to be taken seriously by my doctor. Eventually had new cancer removed, so I have three quarters of a breast, with a hard implant due to the rads. It hurts all the time, my back hurts and my skin has stuck to my rib cage where the flap was taken from. Nothing can be done apart from taking the whole thing off and trying a diep. If I hadn't had the immediate recon, I would not have got cancer. No one tells u of the contamination risk, the 'glued' back etc. I would support a campaign for advised delay in reconstruction. No one should be scared of having no breasts. It gives the mind and body time to think. Removing the cancer is one thing, but making a decision about something you have to live with for ever is too hard all at once. I agree with everything that's been said before. Well done all of you for bringing this subject up. What I didn't read was the effect on the oh too. Mine never touched my new breast, even before it was disfigured. He's a kind man, but couldn't get over the strange feel of it. He did try. Very sad. x
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