Anybody decide not to reconstruct??

Website recommendation
Beth, you might want to look at www.breastfree.org. It's a website for and by women who have chosen not to get recontruction. They are beautiful and certainly prove that there is a quality life without breasts.

I almost went that route, mostly because I run and I hate bras. Finally, I decided to get immediate reconstruction. The expanders are annoying, but I've found that I very much like having a shape. I'll get implants in July after my chemo is finished. I am 56.

Best of luck to you in this decision!

Christine Louise said:

A little warning, however
In supporting their decision, they do paint a bit of a negative picture about reconstruction. Be sure to balance this info by reading about women who have done reconstruction successfully. Talk to your plastic surgeon about this, also.

Beth, I opted not to
Beth, I opted not to reconstruct. had bilaterals Jan 5th this year. My grandmother, mother, and maternal aunt all had mastectomies with no reconstruct so it seemed natural to me to choose the same. I knew what it looked like early on and years later. I am not wearing any prosthetics at this time as just stopped building fluid up on the left side. I plan on wearing the prosthetics with some clothes but will go "commando" most of the time. My picture shows me at work and you can see I am nice and flat. I wear camisoles and love the comfort of those.
Whatever you decide, it will be a good decision because it is yours. But if you do decide not to reconstruct, know you will be as beautiful as ever.
Have a wonderful day,

Third_Generation said:

Beth, I opted not to
Beth, I opted not to reconstruct. had bilaterals Jan 5th this year. My grandmother, mother, and maternal aunt all had mastectomies with no reconstruct so it seemed natural to me to choose the same. I knew what it looked like early on and years later. I am not wearing any prosthetics at this time as just stopped building fluid up on the left side. I plan on wearing the prosthetics with some clothes but will go "commando" most of the time. My picture shows me at work and you can see I am nice and flat. I wear camisoles and love the comfort of those.
Whatever you decide, it will be a good decision because it is yours. But if you do decide not to reconstruct, know you will be as beautiful as ever.
Have a wonderful day,

Opted Out
Hi Beth!

I decided not to have reconstruction. I'm not nuts about doctors or hospitals - I had only had my tonsils out when I was 5 until I found out I had bc and had a masectomy two years ago when I was 57. Do I miss not looking "normal" - you bet! However wtih clothes on and wearing the fake boob, no one would know. I just don't want to risk an unnecessary surgery with complications or infections and have my life tied up not being able to do things after another surgery. Plus my husband is fine with me the way I am so that helps a lot. However, this is a very personal decision and one that only you can make. If I had been younger or if my husband wanted me to I may have made a different decision.

Hugs to you.

lynn1950 said:

I had a bilateral mastectomy
I had a bilateral mastectomy when I was 57 (I'm now 59). I am still ambivalent. I still have pain issues with my shoulders, so I wonder if more surgery is a good way to go when I'm not completely mended. Plus, I always wonder if I would feel a new lump if I was rebuilt. One thing about being flat, it's easy to do sbe. Still, every now and then I wish I had breasts. Whatever you decide will be right for you and whatever you do, do it for yourself! xoxoxoxo Lynn

at 59 I opted out, too.
Just felt that they had served their purpose: attracted my husband, breastfed 4 kids (2 to 3 years each!) and held up the test of time by providing the cleavage I needed in those low cut outfits! I'm feeling the same as the above stated, if I don't need more surgery/pain/doctor visits/ect. I'm not gunna do it! I also HATE anesthesia! I always wake up scared and sad. I've never regretted my decision. SURE I wish I had my boob back, but not a fake one! Good luck in your decision making.

BethInAz said:

So personal
Thank you everybody for your thoughts. It is a very personal decision. I think I'll probably just go with the flow and in time if I feel like it's something I want to do for me, I'll do it - but in the meantime, I'm going to be contented with my fake boobies and live my life!!
Beth

Living your life is the most
Living your life is the most important thing Beth! I had a lumpectomy, so, I wasn't faced with your decision. Whether you have more surgery or not is really just up to you. It is your decision to make. Good luck to you in whatever you might decide!

Sue