Just been diagnosed and having mastectomy

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi Everyone,

I've just been diagnosed last week with calcification throughout my left breast and told that I have to have a mastectomy to remove the full breast. Hopefully, they think it is contained so I won't need to have chemo or Radiotherapy after the op. 

They have offered to reconstruct the breast from my tummy flap and will make it smaller as I don't want my breasts to stay large, have always felt they were too big.

Just a little concerned as to what will happen regarding my other breast, how long it will take before they realign that one as it will be much bigger? How do I get a bra that fits when they are different sizes on each side? Has anyone have experience with this op?

Thankyou

Sam

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Sam x

    I am two weeks on from my mastectomy. I had my lymph nodes removed at the same time and I had a 'diep' reconstruction too.

    I decided to stay the same bra size.....I originally wanted to go smaller because I thought I would find it easier to find any lumps in the future but listened to my surgeon and stayed the same size as she said that my breasts are in proportion to my body......but I understand this is your personal decision.

    At this time my 'tummy/breast' is higher than my other one so once I finish chemo I will have an uplift to make them look more balanced. When I wear a bra you cannot tell the difference. I will also be having a 'new' nipple made from a little excess fat from my thigh and tattooing for my aerola. My surgeon says that in a few months my new tummy/boob may settle down and I may not need the other one lifted but we need to wait and see.

    When I discussed going smaller I also asked what type of bra I would need if one breast was bigger than the other and was advised that it would be most comfortable wearing a sports bra as these will give the best support for my new tummy/breast.

    Please let me know if I can help you with any other questions if you are having the same surgery as me......with the best of wishes xxxx