Going crazy! 1 week from bilateral mastectomy. How do you decide about reconstruction?
Comments
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Totally understand!
What works for one, might not work for another. It really has to be a personal decision with what YOU feel you want to do. I'll just share that for me, I was 45 diagnosed with BC and I chose to have the DIEP reconstruction at 47. The surgery was no picnic in the park but I don't regret it. I personally know people who chose implants and some that chose not to have any surgery as long as YOU feel comfortable with your decision. If you feel that you'll miss your breasts, than it sounds like you would benefit from having breast reconstruction.
Whatever your decision, make sure you listen to what you feel is best for you.
I'll be praying for you.
Hugs,
Sylvia0 -
Hi Sickerdoodle
The good thing about breast reconstruction is that if you are not sure now, you have the option of doing nothing now. You do not have to have reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy. I would make your list of pro's and con's and discuss it with the plastic surgeon, he/she can answer most of your questions.
I have met people on this board who have had it and those that have not, and as Sea60 says, it is a personal decision. I chose to have implants which were completed 10 months after my single mastectomy, I was 44. But honestly, did not make a final decision until a couple of weeks before the surgery.
Wish you the best on whatever you decide.
Carol0 -
Carol and Sylvia provided you great advice,camul said:Hi Sickerdoodle
The good thing about breast reconstruction is that if you are not sure now, you have the option of doing nothing now. You do not have to have reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy. I would make your list of pro's and con's and discuss it with the plastic surgeon, he/she can answer most of your questions.
I have met people on this board who have had it and those that have not, and as Sea60 says, it is a personal decision. I chose to have implants which were completed 10 months after my single mastectomy, I was 44. But honestly, did not make a final decision until a couple of weeks before the surgery.
Wish you the best on whatever you decide.
Carol
I went with immediate reconstruction and never regretted it. With that said my plastic surgeon operated on me 4 times. Are you ready for additional surgery? My first surgery with him was my mastectomy, he tag-teamed with my breast surgeon putting in my tissue expanders. Two weeks later I had to go back into surgery because one of my incision lines wasn't healing properly and he had to remove more skin. I then went through 2 months of inflating the expanders. This past November I had my implant exchange surgery and just last week I had extra skin removed and a little bit of fat grafting with donor cells from my abdomen. I am to the point where I think I am okay with the results.
My story isn't the norm, I was a large breasted woman. I went from a DD cup size down to C cup implants. Plus I lost a lot of weight, so my Plastic Surgeon earned his paycheck. I am 51 years old and I wanted to do this for me. I, like you like clothes and I didn't want to have the hassle of working with a prosthesis every day and having to buy and wear the special bras and swimwear.
The ultimate decision is truly yours and how much you are willing to endure. If you have a strong take the bull by the horns attitude, I say go for it.
Best of luck to you,
Lorrie0 -
Thank you all for your thoughtsbutterflylvr said:Carol and Sylvia provided you great advice,
I went with immediate reconstruction and never regretted it. With that said my plastic surgeon operated on me 4 times. Are you ready for additional surgery? My first surgery with him was my mastectomy, he tag-teamed with my breast surgeon putting in my tissue expanders. Two weeks later I had to go back into surgery because one of my incision lines wasn't healing properly and he had to remove more skin. I then went through 2 months of inflating the expanders. This past November I had my implant exchange surgery and just last week I had extra skin removed and a little bit of fat grafting with donor cells from my abdomen. I am to the point where I think I am okay with the results.
My story isn't the norm, I was a large breasted woman. I went from a DD cup size down to C cup implants. Plus I lost a lot of weight, so my Plastic Surgeon earned his paycheck. I am 51 years old and I wanted to do this for me. I, like you like clothes and I didn't want to have the hassle of working with a prosthesis every day and having to buy and wear the special bras and swimwear.
The ultimate decision is truly yours and how much you are willing to endure. If you have a strong take the bull by the horns attitude, I say go for it.
Best of luck to you,
Lorrie
I wrote a response but I can tell it is too late tonight and I sound very depressed. I think I will finish tomorrow. Thank you all for your thoughts. They really gave me a LOT to think about. Talk tomorrow.0 -
As others have saidsnickerdoodle said:Thank you all for your thoughts
I wrote a response but I can tell it is too late tonight and I sound very depressed. I think I will finish tomorrow. Thank you all for your thoughts. They really gave me a LOT to think about. Talk tomorrow.
it is a personal decision. I'm scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy on July 9. I cannot have reconstruction for various reasons, let me rephrase that: the odds are crappy for anything working _for me_ so I'm not doing it. I was devastated when I found out but the more I think about it, the more I'm OK with it. And later after I've healed and danced with NED, there may be other options. So you need to do what is right for you, not what others think you should do. Best of luck,
Maureen0 -
Its a hard decision for some
Its a hard decision for some to make. I had the option to have immediate or delayed. I am 41 with two young kids. I chose to have delayed so I can get the masectomy done sooner so I could find out if it was in the lymph nodes. Thank Goodness it didn't make it to the lymph nodes. I had the masectomy at the end of January and am going through chemo now. I won't make a decision on reconstruction until after I am done with chemo since it will be an additional two surgeries for either the flap or implant. I am leaning towards just getting a prothstetic since i'll have to have another quick surgery just to get the mediport out.
Definately talk with your plastic surgeon again, the one I saw in Anchorage was super supportive of what ever decision I will make. I do feel pressure from friends on both sides, some say do it, some say don't do it. In the end it's what is best for you
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It really is hard to make
It really is hard to make all the decisions one has to make with a mastectomy at a time when most of us are still reeling from the cancer diagnosis. I elected to have a bilateral even though cancer was only found on one side. I asked for immediate reconstruction with silcone implants (no expanders were used). I wanted to do this one time and be done. All turned out well except for the implants became encapsulated and very hard. I had a revision done, cleaning out the scar tissue and reinserting the original implants. I'm doing just fine now and look good in my clothes which was my main goal. No nipples yet, and not sure I want to mess with it. I'm tired of surgery but I can always add them later if I want. I don't regret the bilateral, and would do the same thing again, the same way. Good luck with your decision. Hugs & prayers for a full, fast recovery.0 -
Do your research. You need
Do your research. You need to have a good understanding of what the different procedures entail.0 -
In my case, I did not have
In my case, I did not have the option. I was told no reconstruction for at least a year, since that time I have had two local recurrences. The first local recurrence was treated with an additional surgery which did not heal well, so I now have a hole and lots of scar tissue in my left chest. Reconstruction simply will not be successful (if even possible) for me.
I did however have several months (I did chemo first) to decide between a single mastectomy or a bilateral. After months of back and forth I chose the bilateral, mostly because I wanted to be even. So I do understand how difficult this decision is.
I do wear prosthesis. If you choose to go this route, do find someone to fit you. There are several options for shapes and sizes, and you will be more comfortable with a good fit. I can't say I like my prosthesis, because I would totally rather not have the need for them. But I can say that I have accepted the need, and I am content.
As for clothes with the prosthesis and bras... I have only had trouble finding sun dresses that I like and that accommodate the bras. (I could put a tank or tee under many of them, but prefer not to do that.) The shop where I was fitted had a large selection of swimwear, and they also sew pockets onto any bra. In fact, I found I am able to button jackets and blouses now (the DD originals always caused ugly gaps).
There is no wrong decision here. Do what works for you.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Tough decisions
Like said no answer is the same for all. I was kind of lucky because I could not have immediate reconstruction after my double mastectomy this past March, as I was also being treated for Anal Cancer and had too much on my plate. I have healed from the surgery and can honestly say I am 95% comfortable being "boobless". I am small framed and was small breasted before so look perfecly natural in a lightly padded sports bra. We don't have air conditioning, and I have to admit, it is cooler to just wear a light tank at night than it was in the past! I am not vain (well maybe a little) but I have always worked hard to stay in shape, and love stylish clothes...my sis in law owns a great boutique and I help out, so also was concerned about how things would fit. Sometimes I have to be a little more creative, but for the most part not much of a problem. There are a lot of great products out there, but like said, get a qualified person to help with fitting if you go that route. I am 53 and may still consider reconstruction in the future, but for now I am happy without. Good luck with this tough choice! As always, all in my prayers.0 -
Personal decisionGabe N Abby Mom said:In my case, I did not have
In my case, I did not have the option. I was told no reconstruction for at least a year, since that time I have had two local recurrences. The first local recurrence was treated with an additional surgery which did not heal well, so I now have a hole and lots of scar tissue in my left chest. Reconstruction simply will not be successful (if even possible) for me.
I did however have several months (I did chemo first) to decide between a single mastectomy or a bilateral. After months of back and forth I chose the bilateral, mostly because I wanted to be even. So I do understand how difficult this decision is.
I do wear prosthesis. If you choose to go this route, do find someone to fit you. There are several options for shapes and sizes, and you will be more comfortable with a good fit. I can't say I like my prosthesis, because I would totally rather not have the need for them. But I can say that I have accepted the need, and I am content.
As for clothes with the prosthesis and bras... I have only had trouble finding sun dresses that I like and that accommodate the bras. (I could put a tank or tee under many of them, but prefer not to do that.) The shop where I was fitted had a large selection of swimwear, and they also sew pockets onto any bra. In fact, I found I am able to button jackets and blouses now (the DD originals always caused ugly gaps).
There is no wrong decision here. Do what works for you.
Hugs,
Linda
You all said "it is a personal decision" and today, I realized that it is indeed, a personal decision and nobody's business what I am even thinking about regarding such a personal issue as reconstruction, mastectomy, etc. . I also realize that I am the only one who knows what my dreams are, desires, hopes but me. I realized today that up until now, each time I talked to people and they asked me what I had decided, I told them what I thought at that time and almost everybody told me why I should or should not do what I had decided to do. Now that was the crazy part I think but I wanted to hear many opinions and wow, I got them.
I told one friend today when they asked what I had decided was that it was really too personal a decision to discuss with people and I would rather not talk about it. She totally respected that and told me what her own mother did when she had DCIS at the age of 68. I am fine with people telling me their stories, just not directed at me. No more being like a big beach ball that each person takes a swipe at and hits back into the air to the next person.
I have an appointment with my breast surgeon on Wednesday and I will talk to my plastic surgeon as well to make sure I understand what she will do should I go that route.
You have all been remarkably helpful. I carried you around in my pocket as it were, all day, and thought of things you each said to weigh and measure. I know what I want to do and not do. I do not need to convince anybody either way.0 -
I am still going back and forth between recon and no recon. I had my bilateral mastectomy in march 2011!
I met with a surgeon today to discuss it again. I wish I could give you advice either way, but I thought you should know you are not crazy going back and forth. Some days I am totally fine with out boobs. Today, I was so sure I wanted recon. I still don't know. I am 48 and just recently it has been really bothering me how I look. My husband doesn't care either way so that helps but I still go back and forth.
Cindy0 -
I had a single mastectomy on April 11th 2012 and have decided to have the left one done in the fall even though there is no cancer in that one. I have a genetic mutation that would put my risk at 50% over a lifetime. I'm gonna go with immediate reconstruction following the left mastectomy bilaterally. I postponed the decision until after my right surgery, too much to absorb along with all the other stuff they throw at you. I was blessed enough to have to lymph node involvement so I'm doing the Femara for the next five years which is no picknick either.
Take your time and research the options. As for me, been heavy chested my entire life. Will be quite content with a nice perky set of "B"s when this is all done.
Good luck and hugs to you!
Linda0 -
Even if they're fake, they helped me feel better
I had double mastectomy with reconstruction - silicon implants. I read recently there is a procedure that doesn't require expanders, uses a sling instead. If I had had that option, it would definitely have made it easier - I think.
My take after having them - they are worth it. I like looking like a woman, even tho they are fake and feel differently.
It was the most difficult decision I had to make during the entire ordeal. Either way has it's pros and cons.0 -
personal choice
i think its a personal choice. i had a bilateral mastectomy no reconstruction..yet...still having herceptin treatment. my oncologist wanted me to finish all treatment first. i really wish i had of started the reconstructionat least, only because i do miss my breasts, or having breasts rather. i do have prostectics but they are heavy and uncomfortable, but they do help. i can't wait to have breasts again, to make me feel better in my clothes, lol. i yoyo about everything these days, but i do wish i had of started the beginning stages of reconstruction. hope this helps and best of luck! You will be in my prayers, God Bless! Jaime0 -
I too don't regret myjwood1176 said:personal choice
i think its a personal choice. i had a bilateral mastectomy no reconstruction..yet...still having herceptin treatment. my oncologist wanted me to finish all treatment first. i really wish i had of started the reconstructionat least, only because i do miss my breasts, or having breasts rather. i do have prostectics but they are heavy and uncomfortable, but they do help. i can't wait to have breasts again, to make me feel better in my clothes, lol. i yoyo about everything these days, but i do wish i had of started the beginning stages of reconstruction. hope this helps and best of luck! You will be in my prayers, God Bless! Jaime
I too don't regret my decision, I chose saline implants though for peace of mind later in life. I remember you stated you like clothes... Reconstruction gives you cleavage... And that always makes clothing look great. Just another something to think about...
Lorrie0 -
Just wishing you good luckBar_B said:Even if they're fake, they helped me feel better
I had double mastectomy with reconstruction - silicon implants. I read recently there is a procedure that doesn't require expanders, uses a sling instead. If I had had that option, it would definitely have made it easier - I think.
My take after having them - they are worth it. I like looking like a woman, even tho they are fake and feel differently.
It was the most difficult decision I had to make during the entire ordeal. Either way has it's pros and cons.
Just wishing you good luck with whatever you decide to do!0 -
I had a lumpectomy, but, Imamolady said:I am still going back and forth between recon and no recon. I had my bilateral mastectomy in march 2011!
I met with a surgeon today to discuss it again. I wish I could give you advice either way, but I thought you should know you are not crazy going back and forth. Some days I am totally fine with out boobs. Today, I was so sure I wanted recon. I still don't know. I am 48 and just recently it has been really bothering me how I look. My husband doesn't care either way so that helps but I still go back and forth.
Cindy
I had a lumpectomy, but, I have heard that with implants, you have to have them removed in 10 years or so and get new ones. Does anyone know if that is true?
And, good luck with either way you choose to go!
Hugs, Leeza0
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