Breast reconstruction for or against?

Reconstruction which is done at the same time can be neater and mean less healing time than two separate operations. I don't know if  you are having radiotherapy,  but that can sometimes affect an implant  and you might need it replacing once everything settles down.  There is a booklet by Macmillan on different types of reconstruction, with photographs which you could take a look at. 

 My mastectomy was mid-April, and I decided on a delayed reconstruction and don't don't really mind being flat at the minute,  but my tumour was near the chest wall. My surgeon is a bit of a perfectionist so I'm actually concave (!) with the breast muscle on top still and normal non breast tissue in a banana shape underneath.  Some surgeons leave a little more tissue for a smoother shape, but he left what would be needed next year  whilst removing all ther breast tissue. It can be a bit annoying with ther mastectomy bras  and a softie/ knitted knocker inside, as it isn't heavy enough to stay level unless the bra holds it in place! You might find yourself pulling it down level quite a bit.  I spent lots of money trying to find the perfect bra,  then discovered that for me the perfect one is from Asda,  their post surgery one which has a sports back and closes with hooks at the front and comes on a pack of one white and one black bra.  They're only about £15 for two. 

Did they talk much about it with you?  Do you know what kind of reconstruction you'd like if you have it? 

Thank you Londonmumof2 for the info. What made you decide not to have both at the same time? I've contacted the hospital as i think it is to soon for me to have all the information i need and to get my head round it.  As i mentioned i only knew yesterday. I now have an appointment to see the nurse tomorrow to discuss reconstruction but i can still opt for one or both later. I was thinking DIEP. As i have read the booklet you mention..but really have no idea what I'm actually going to do. It's all very sudden, need more time and advise i think.  Thank you for bra info..really good to know.

Just lost whole reply as signal rubbish where i live!!

Thank you for info..especially the bra situation.

I think it was all to soon for me. I've  decided not to go ahead Friday as don't feel prepaired. 

What made you decide to have just the Mastectomy first?

I don't  know yet if i need radiotherapy till they operate. It's a lot to take in and so many options,  i feel i need a little more time and information first.

Still not sure if i have done the right thing, but finally got through to the nurse and have an appointment in the morning to discuss choices. 

Hi 

im newbie here too

you mentioned the speed of surgery date being given to you-here in east of England I was told they have to give you a date for breast cancer surgery within 31 days of diagnosis so for me was 6 days ago and was 16 days from results of ultrasound guided biopsy so may or may not have been a cancellation in your case-it appears a government edict which is adhered to 

anyway the decision to have one or both surgeries at the same time is obviously yours and if you are comfortable to wait for a date for both or prefer to get the unwelcome tissue out of the way ASAP -mine was diagnosed on routine mammogram and not palpable so I took the first date available but I’m not you and am awaiting results to see which path of treatment is next 

Hi

It’s a big decision to make quickly. You need all the info you can get and time to consider everything as calmly as possible. Are you able to have immediate reconstruction? If you are there are so many things on the plus side for this. What kind of reconstruction? Is a Diep an option??? If so, and you are prepared for the op and the recovery,  I would go for immediate reconstruction by Diep. One op, you wake up with a new boob that will look and feel very natural. You may wish to have further cosmetic surgery to have the final look. However, not all hospitals have the expertise for diep op. Again questions need to be asked and answers considered. For me, it was an easy decision (after being scared witless) as I didn’t want to go flat and wanted the best cosmetic appearance and was able to have the op in a nearby hospital. For me it was the best decision but I needed time to let it all sink in. Personally, delayed reconstruction would not have been as good cosmetically or my own well being.Xxxxx