Mastectomy without reconstruction

GraceSalam
GraceSalam Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

I would like to hear from someone who's had a mastectomy without breast reconstruction and tell me how it was for them

«1

Comments

  • Sheila Mc
    Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
    #2
    You can always change your mind later

    I did have reconstruction, but I have met many women in the 20 years since my mastectomy that did not have it for a variety of reasons. Some women wait until they have completed any planned treatments and are completely healed before they decide. If you have ANY concerns, you should do the same.

     If you were recently diagnosed, you have more important things to worry about, save that decision for later.

  • wallis2
    wallis2 Member Posts: 56 Member
    edited September 2020 #3
    I had a double mastectomy and

    I had a double mastectomy and I feel great.  I decided not to do reconstruction for the following reasons:  I didn't want to be cut again, I wanted my body to heal. my breast was already huge and I am taking advantage of not having any breast at all, and finally maybe years down the road I might have one, but right now I feel better not having to be cut again.  You make the decision and according to how you feel.  If I change my mind, my doctor said to call him, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. 

  • Purple0501
    Purple0501 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2020 #4
    Single mastectomy

    I'm having one breast removed in 2 days How do you live a normal life with one breast I been depressed I would like to talk to someone that has had one breast removed 

  • Primavera
    Primavera Member Posts: 231 Member
    #5
    Purple0501 said:

    Single mastectomy

    I'm having one breast removed in 2 days How do you live a normal life with one breast I been depressed I would like to talk to someone that has had one breast removed 

    Are you having reconstruction?

    I'm taking chemo now, until next year, in March, when I'll have a left breast mastectomy. I hope someone answers you before you go to your operation.

    Because I had to rush into chemo, I'll have time to think about the mastectomy, and get used to the idea.

  • Purple0501
    Purple0501 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2020 #6
    Primavera said:

    Are you having reconstruction?

    I'm taking chemo now, until next year, in March, when I'll have a left breast mastectomy. I hope someone answers you before you go to your operation.

    Because I had to rush into chemo, I'll have time to think about the mastectomy, and get used to the idea.

    No reconstruction

    I won't need chemo my cancer is DCSI unvasive I have had to surgery in less then one month so my doctor thinks It's best to just remove it 

     

     

  • Primavera
    Primavera Member Posts: 231 Member
    #7
    Purple0501 said:

    No reconstruction

    I won't need chemo my cancer is DCSI unvasive I have had to surgery in less then one month so my doctor thinks It's best to just remove it 

     

     

    I was offered

    This went very fast. I saw a surgeon first, who recommended I should go into chemo first and then we'll do the mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and sent me over to the plastic surgeon, who'll be there at time of operation to start reconstruction (which is not so "immediate"; it will take a while). So I got all kinds of info all at once and I have time to figure it all out because I was unlucky by the fact that it's aggressive and we need to stop this on its tracks. I had uterine cancer last year and that went well, even if it was aggressive.

    I have a 3.2cm tumor of ductal invasive carcinoma, but it's on a top of an extensive area of ductal carcinoma, plus a lymph node is also positive for cancer.

    You will always have time later to see how you feel and opt for reconstruction, I think. I'm thinking of doing it because insurance pays for it and I don't want to miss that.

    You're lucky you won't need chemo. I know this is hard and scary, but I also feel lucky that unlike some other women I'm at possibly a stage 2, even if the cancer is grade 3. I just have to push forward and count my blessings. There are a million ways this could have gone totally wrong for me. This tumor grew from February to August to that size. I think what it would have been if there hadn't been a pandemic and I had gone to have my mammogram in March when it was due. But all I can do is think that I went in August and did not wait any longer. 

    I hope it all goes well and that you find peace with your decisions. Nowadays there are a lot of options. I'll be thinking of you. 

  • Sheila Mc
    Sheila Mc Member Posts: 20
    #8
    Purple0501 said:

    No reconstruction

    I won't need chemo my cancer is DCSI unvasive I have had to surgery in less then one month so my doctor thinks It's best to just remove it 

     

     

    One breast mastectomy

    I had one breast removed in 1999. There are so many options available now for reconstruction, implants (even breast augmentation for the unaffected one). Also available are inserts for your bra, they look and feel natural. 
    Recover from your Mastectomy then speak to your physician, or several physicians, to decide which is best for you. 

  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    edited October 2020 #9
    Breast reconstruction

    I had double mastectomy and reconstruction the same day.  Recovery was easy...I love the new breasts.  You have the best results if you do it all at once.  I had radiation after 8 weeks and I did all the recommended protocols and it looks good.  

  • Geminidiva72
    Geminidiva72 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2020 #10
    Purple0501 said:

    Single mastectomy

    I'm having one breast removed in 2 days How do you live a normal life with one breast I been depressed I would like to talk to someone that has had one breast removed 

     

     

     

    I was also diagnosed with DCIS. I initially underwent a Lumpectomy in March, then unfortunately needed a mastectomy which I had back in May. I know how you feel. There were many days I didn't want to get out've bed. I decided to have reconstruction surgery. Thankfully my surgery date is finally approaching (next week). It's been a tough year but I know I'm blessed because it could've been much worse. That's what I keep in mind all the time.  

  • anniemshe
    anniemshe Member Posts: 91 Member
    edited October 2020 #11

    I had a mastectomy and reconstruction together then chemotherapy followed by radiation but after radiation about 6 months down the road my great new breast implant became hard and uncomfortable and I found it very uncomfortable to sleep face down as my hardened implant hurt. 
    I guess it's different for everyone! 

  • SnowLeopard
    SnowLeopard Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2020 #12
    Mastectomy w/o reconstruction

    Hello............I had the mastectomy in March 2020.  I chose not to have the reconstruction for a few reasons.  One, my age and Two...I was in no mood to go through more surgeries.  Going to physical therapy was my life saver.  My therapist actually specialized in this.  The exercises helped so much to gain the use of my arm back.  I'm struggling with the loss of one breast and wonder sometimes if I'm still in some sort of denial.  It's hard to see the scar but I am considering a tatoo down the road.  I was fortunate enough to be Stage 1 and did not suffer through chemo or radiation, but it's always in the back of my mind that it will come back.  I do have a prosthesis that I wear when I'm out, but.....can't wait to take it off when I'm home.  Maybe I'll opt later for reconstruction - however, I'm single, older, live alone so it doesn't bother me too much.  If I was younger I would do the reconstruction because I think mentally it would make me "feel" better.  

     

  • SnowLeopard
    SnowLeopard Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2020 #13
    Purple0501 said:

    Single mastectomy

    I'm having one breast removed in 2 days How do you live a normal life with one breast I been depressed I would like to talk to someone that has had one breast removed 

    Living with One breast

    I'm sorry to hear you are going through this.  It was a shock for me to even be diagnosed because cancer does not run in my family.  I was told, it's just "bad luck."  My mastectomy was in March 2020 so I'm new to all of this.  The physical rehab was the best thing I did to gain the use of my arm back.  I have a difficult time with the numbness in areas that will always be there, but I'm adjusting.  I didn't even want to look at the scar for weeks.  Now it's getting better, but in a way, life has changed physically for me.  Depression I believe is normal - It's a "loss" of part of your body.  Being alive is more important to me, but again, I'm still adjusting.  I'm single, so I only have me to deal with.  When you're down, thank the good Lord for your now better health.  Live the best you can and do it one day at a time.........that's what I'm trying to do.  I have days of depression too because I know things will never be the same.  I hope by now you are acclimating to the "new physical" you.  You're still a women, you're still the same person.

     

  • JayC10
    JayC10 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2021 #14
    Purple0501 said:

    Single mastectomy

    I'm having one breast removed in 2 days How do you live a normal life with one breast I been depressed I would like to talk to someone that has had one breast removed 

    single mastectomy

    Hi Purple,  I had a L mastectomy with lymphnodes removed May 2020.  The plastic surgeon kinda talked me into the tissue expander to stretch the skin for an implant.  I had complications and  had to have 2 more surgeries within a month of the first.   The third surgery I told him to take the tissue expander out !  Soo happy I did and I wish I had stuck to my guns and refused the dam thing in the first place.  Now monhts later still unable to return to work as an RN due to pain and other issues.  There are very comfortable non underwire bras and many different types of prosthesis.  You will find what you need if this is your decision.  I am new to the site.  If there is anything at all I can possible help with , please ask.  Best of luck to you. !  

  • Red Corvette
    Red Corvette Member Posts: 114 Member
    edited January 2021 #15
    Purple0501 said:

    Single mastectomy

    I'm having one breast removed in 2 days How do you live a normal life with one breast I been depressed I would like to talk to someone that has had one breast removed 

    Purple

    Mrs. Red was diagnosed with DCIS and had a single mastectomy with reconstruction last August. The reconstruction was by a modified flap proceedure which created a new breast from her tissue. The reconstruction went very well, no complications, and she is very pleased with the result. if you choose to go that route, find the very best plastic surgeon you can who has lots of experience with microsurgery and flap procedures. Good luck!

    Red Corvette

  • Jazz88
    Jazz88 Member Posts: 13 Member
    edited February 2021 #16
    Purple0501 said:

    Single mastectomy

    I'm having one breast removed in 2 days How do you live a normal life with one breast I been depressed I would like to talk to someone that has had one breast removed 

    Hi Purple0501

    Hi Purple0501

    Wish I would of seen your post earlier.  Hope you are doing well after your breast was removed .  I had one breast removed in 2011 and decided not to have reconstruction surgery.  I

  • jrjoanofarc
    jrjoanofarc Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2021 #17
    Surgery 2.5 weeks ago

    Hi,

    I am 2.5 weeks into recovery from double mastectomy. I am feeling better than I had thought. I chose not to do reconstruction because of my age (64) and did not want any complications.

    Trying to keep it simple.

    Same with me, if I was younger, I would have probably done the reconstruction

  • jrjoanofarc
    jrjoanofarc Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2021 #18
    SnowLeopard said:

    Living with One breast

    I'm sorry to hear you are going through this.  It was a shock for me to even be diagnosed because cancer does not run in my family.  I was told, it's just "bad luck."  My mastectomy was in March 2020 so I'm new to all of this.  The physical rehab was the best thing I did to gain the use of my arm back.  I have a difficult time with the numbness in areas that will always be there, but I'm adjusting.  I didn't even want to look at the scar for weeks.  Now it's getting better, but in a way, life has changed physically for me.  Depression I believe is normal - It's a "loss" of part of your body.  Being alive is more important to me, but again, I'm still adjusting.  I'm single, so I only have me to deal with.  When you're down, thank the good Lord for your now better health.  Live the best you can and do it one day at a time.........that's what I'm trying to do.  I have days of depression too because I know things will never be the same.  I hope by now you are acclimating to the "new physical" you.  You're still a women, you're still the same person.

     

    Double Mastectomy

    I just had my surgery 2.5 weeks ago and feeling better every day. I do feel the same way. Loosing 2 breasts is difficult, Its part of who you are. but.....Living life free from any cancer coming back is the trade off.

    I choose life! Want to be here for my kids and granddaughter :)

     

     

     

  • jrjoanofarc
    jrjoanofarc Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2021 #19
    Feeling so tight in the chest

    I would like to hear from someone who understands and had the tightness in the chest. Like the skin is pulling!

    I just got my steri strips off and the dr. said to use lotion. It helps to an extent. When will this feeling subside and should I go for therapy?

     

    Any help would be appreciated !!

  • rona morrison
    rona morrison Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2021 #20
    jrjoanofarc said:

    Feeling so tight in the chest

    I would like to hear from someone who understands and had the tightness in the chest. Like the skin is pulling!

    I just got my steri strips off and the dr. said to use lotion. It helps to an extent. When will this feeling subside and should I go for therapy?

     

    Any help would be appreciated !!

    after my radiation the doc

    after my radiation the doc suggested vitamin e they sell it in oil form at walgreens it helps keep the skin elasticity

  • CMC123
    CMC123 Member Posts: 3
    #21
    Flat but Cute

    I chose to have both my breasts removed even though only one was affected. I told my surgeon that I wanted to look like a 14-year-old boy because I knew I didn't want to get reconstruction. Unfortunately, she left my unaffected breast with extra skin, for which I was extremely pissed at her, but now that I'm 35 pounds heavier thanks to the anti-estrogen pills and I'm on, it doesn't look so bad. There was no way in hell that I wanted to go through this again, which is why I had my second breast removed. I also didn't want reconstruction because it seemed very painful; plus, for some reason I don't mind being flat. I am attractive, and I wear prostheses that look great. I was 51 when all of this happened, and I had lived a pretty full life romantically; and I have no sex drive anyway thanks to these pills, so it didn't seem to really matter. Now after seven years, I am going off the pills. I hope my sex drive does not return, but if it does, I'll just have to be with somebody who likes me for me, and who finds me attractive regardless. 

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