Reconstruction after mastectomy

Good morning I opted for a delayed reconstruction as I wanted the cancer out quickly,  I didn't want implants and needed time ro get my head around a Diep operation,  which is major surgery.  It also (in my mind) made it easier to see that everything was gone as my tumour was at right back of my breast near my chest wall (but clear margins).

Hi 

i had my mastectomy last week. I have opted for delayed reconstruction. Few reasons for this: 

im not great with needles and hospitals so first instinct was get everything done so I don’t need further ops. But my consultant explained if I have reconstruction and then need radiotherapy, the radiotherapy will distort the implant so I will then need a further op to correct. So my logic of 1 op was out the window. 

Also recovery and op for immediate is much longer. I took the gentle approach cos of my needle phobia and I don’t like being away from home or being out of action too long. Also knowing I can have the op later reassured me. 

I had a lot of wobbles and in the end saw 3 different consultants. It was reassuring tho that each one said to me I had made the right decision in their opinion. 

Its hard as I think we want someone to reassure us of things and make the decision for us. 

What is your gut instinct? Try writing pro and con for each option? 

I hope this helps - feel free to vent off anytime

love xxx

Hi julus

i had diep flap mastectomy in June and have just finished 12 weekly Paclitaxel chemo. For me I don’t think I ever considered not having immediate reconstruction. Yes it’s a big op but I just wanted to get it done and move onto the next stage of recovery. I felt I would really have struggled with one side being completely flat but I know everyone feels differently. I think you have to go with your gut. Think through what would feel right for you. It’s not easy but I’m very pleased I did what I did and am happy with the results. Good luck with everything and stay strong if you can xxx

Thank you for your reply I spoke to my care nurse today and said I think I’d go for reconstruction straight away but she has said that there was another doctor wanted to speak to me about radiotherapy  so it might now be a problem Which sort of took the wind out of my sails    But she is going to book me in to speak to the consultant so I’ll know more then 

once again thank you for your answers xx

Thank you for your reply I spoke to my care nurse today and said I think I’d go for reconstruction straight away but she has said that there was another doctor wanted to speak to me about radiotherapy  so it might now be a problem Which sort of took the wind out of my sails    But she is going to book me in to speak to the consultant so I’ll know more then 

once again thank you for your answers xx

Thank you for your reply I spoke to my care nurse today and said I think I’d go for reconstruction straight away but she has said that there was another doctor wanted to speak to me about radiotherapy  so it might now be a problem Which sort of took the wind out of my sails    But she is going to book me in to speak to the consultant so I’ll know more then 

once again thank you for your answers xx

Hi julus. Havent posted here for ages. I had Right mastectomy and immediate Diep at end of march 2018 then 4 months of chemo and 3 weeks of radiotherapy. I just wanted to get it all over with. If you do delay reconstruction it will not then be an emergency’ and could be quite a delay. I didnt want that but thats a personal decision.Diep is a big operation but gives a good cosmetic result and of course a flat belly.  I am wishing you love & best wishes with whatever you decide. 

Thanks for your reply I’m interested that you say you had radiotherapy after you’ve had your reconstruction I’ve been told that I may not be able to have the  immediate reconstruction if I’m going to have radiotherapy as it could damage the reconstruction 

you have just put a spring in my step again   I will have to speak to my consultant about it I’d really like to get it over with rather then wait to have it done at a later date 

mum speaking to my care nurse tomorrow and I’ll bring this up with her too 

hope everything is going well with you take care Julie xx

Hi some surgeons will do reconstruction pre-radiotherapy and some won’t. It may depend on the radiotherapy site etc.  My surgeon wouldn’t and the radiotherapy did in fact damage my temporary expander implant, so he was right.  I’ve since had permanent reconstruction with muscle from my back.

Thank you for your reply I’ve seen my consultant today he says he’s going ahead with the reconstruction  which makes me happy xx