Unilateral breast reconstruction

Ummimo
Ummimo CSN Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi, I am a breast cancer surviver and I am trying to make my mind about reconstration or not. I had a radical mastectomy 2 years ago and i am 44yo. I am too thin so the only option would be using an expansor and silicone implants. The thing is, i cannot find any restimonials of people wjo are actually happy with unilateral reconstruction. I only find testimonials of unhappy reconstrutions or happy flat brave women. I have the feeling that go flat is being brave but reconstruct the breast is not. I have days i am sure i'll be flat forever and days i just want be breast back. Thhe rest of the day i am in limbo. Has anyone here be im my shoes? Thank you so much

Comments

  • LifeInBloom100
    LifeInBloom100 CSN Member Posts: 60 Member
    #2
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329367/unilateral-breast-reconstruction

    Hi there. I am so glad to hear you find yourself on the other side of treatment. This is wonderful news.

    While my case is similar, I hadn't had the unilateral mastectomy you had, but did have a BI-lateral, AND tissue expanders, AND radiation (no chemo; hormone blocker plus ovarian suppression). And I DID also weigh the choice you are now trying to make, myself, I was a bit older - 50 - but still a youthful woman and also pretty thin.
    I chose to do reconstruction with full B implants (about 295cc), and allowed my reconstruction surgeon to fat graft from my flanks (whatever he could get) and fill in around the poles (top portion where the implant meets the upper chest) during that transfer of expanders to implants.

    He actually did a pretty clean, nice job - minimal scarring, good healing, etc.

    I did however, 8 months later, undergo a revision to one breast, as it was the one that wasn't radiated and had more room for the implant to fall lower (no, I hadn't experienced asny capsulated contracture at that point, nor now - it's just that the skin is a bit tighter from having undergone radiation, so the implant placement rides a bit higher). They repeated a little fat grafting again, as your body can reabsorb up to 60% of the fat placed there (in many women). I will spare you the details of what they did to achieve symmetry.

    BUT - my point for you is - IF you are leaning toward having the single breast reconstructed, finding a reconstruction specialist in network with your oncology team that you REALLY trust and takes your confidence and goals very personally is key. Make sure they are aware of your aesthetic (and all other) concerns, and have them explain to you the options you have to achieving as natural looking result as possible.

    I don't regret my choice at ALL. I am quite grateful for my surgeon's care, and frankly, I think I'd admit I'd never know I had a double mastectomy or reconstruction EXCEPT for the scars - which will fade over time.

    That said - this is a very personal choice, and whatever you decide IS the right choice. Because it's YOURS.

    I wish you continued good health, and all the best with these upcoming choices.

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