reconstruction??

I had my reconstruction at the time of my mastectomy. I never went without a breast. I had the tram flap procedure.
I did not think that any breast tissue remains after the mastectomy so reaccurance in the area is unlikely especaially since you had a bilateral. Now metatacies is another issue all to gether but bc usually travels to the bone, liver and lung. After the mastectomy the only thing left up there is muscle and belly fat if you have the flap. But ..... I was very suprised when they did my first post mamogram. (results were good, thank God) They screened my fake boob as well. The tech told me they usually do it once but the picture is worthless because the muscle and fat tissue are too dense.

I understand about the more surgery. I've had a lot of problems getting my abdominal wound to heal and have had to undergo additional surgery and treatments. I now dread any kind of medical care. I see anyone coming at me with a needle and I instantly begin to cry. I was never like that before. The reconstruction procedures are usually highly sucessful. I have been told that the tram flap is the least likely to develope complications post op and down the road (can't judge that info by me) It is a big procedure so research and look at pictures of all options prior to making a decision.
But yes I would get reconstruction. You never quite feel about the new boobs like you did the old ones(familiar, soft, sensative ....) but it helps with dressing, makes clothes feel right again and the prostetics are heavy I am told.
Good Luck Beth

I opted for the prothesis. However I'm 56 and maybe I would feel differently if I were younger. I bought the prothesis from the TLC catalog, got the unweighted one and I'm very pleased with it. I'm small too and possibly that's why I'm comfortable with one. I have read where some women think they are too heavy and too warm for summer. Again I am pleased with mine. Ironically, I went for an exam today at the surgeon's office because there is a problem with my mammo from the 'good side'....and the nurse asked with side I had had the mastecotmy because through my clothing she couldn't tell. I guess that means my prothesis looks pretty natural.
Good luck with your decision. ...Judy

Hi Sue!
First of all, I dont have breast cancer. I am a leukemia survivor, and I am male. With that said, I would like to pose a question to help in your decision making. Isnt it possible that you ARE being positive in your remarks and Not negative? Isnt finding as much information before making such an important decision that will affect your life, prudent and wise? And isnt prudence a positive characteristic? Good knowledge helps us to make better decisions. And about being vein...
There is a difference between normal desires to be well groomed (however that is supposed to be for each person is different) and attractive, and the blatant desire to want to feel superior to everyone else. We ALL want to do the best we can and that includes making decisions about our appearance, which is also a survival tactic. And these questions and desires to gain as much information before decision making, and the desires we have to be attractive are all GOOD and HEALTHY. Besides that, can you imagine what humanity would be like without these wonderful desires. If we would not have the capacity to care for own person, then how can we possibly be able to care for others? In no way am I trying to make a decision for you. I just wanted to offer an objective insight. Thanks to God for giving us these gifts to help us survive *life*. And I agree completely with your belief that this is ultimately your decision, and what will make YOU feel great about yourself. God bless and Best wishes for however you decide to manage this situation.
-Michael

PS: In a nutshell, I see nothing vein or negative in your writing. Actually, quite the opposite! I believe you are well on your way to defeating this cancer!! Remember, bottom line: Do what will make YOU feel best about yourself.

I had my mastectomy a yr ago and at the time I chose to have tissue expander. I didn't want another incision or longer recuperative time that would be needed if I chose the tram flap. I have never regretted my decision. I woke up from surgery and already had a little bit of a breast. For me it made me feel better about all I was going thru. I just had my tissue expander exchanged for implant 3 weeks ago. At the same time I had a lift on the other side. Looks pretty good so far. Of course still swollen and the doctor said it would take several months to see final results. I intend to go on and have the nipple reconstruction sometime in the fall. I did not do this for anyone but myself. For me this was the right choice but everyone is different. As far as recurrence, all I know is that even without breast tissue there can be recurrence in chest wall muscle. In my case the radiation oncologist said without radiation I would have 25% chance of chest wall recurrence. Of course this is lessened since I had the radiation. I dont think having reconstruction affects this but dont really know for sure. Ask your doctor. Also I get checked by my surgeon every 6 months and oncologist every 4 months and by my pcp every 6 months. So there are alot of people poking around these boobs pretty frequently. LOL. Good luck to you, I am sure you will make the right decision for you!!!

Hello SweetOnion,
I have come thru the double mastectomies, breast expanders (you need to have them filled to your bodies tolerances), and reconstruction with saline round implants...after much, no lots of research. The nipple reconstruction, was able to use my own skin (which had been stretched by expanders) to allow a natural looking nipple. Permanent pigmentation (tatooing) put the proper color on the areola portion of the new nipple. If you didn't know I was reconstructed, you couldn't tell by just looking at me. The "Girls" are perky and a full B size. They need deep massaging to work the edges of the implant and stretch them so they do not build up scar tissue. This helps keep them supple and softer. I have a lot of sensation and had requested the skin saving mastectomy at the time that was done. It varies with each person. I am back to work full time and loving every day. I am a therapist (massage) so am very physical and can do the work. Good luck on whatever you decide.
Lots of warm fuzzies. Iris