Struggling to come confirm surgery type

I only had mine 6 months ago and had problems with fluid build up and cellulitus. At first I was all for reconstruction but now after the challenges I've had I've decided no more. I am content with knitted knockers as i couldn't get on with the large plastic boob they gave me. I can do what I want in them even swim. I have very black days but all in all. What the hell ! I do festival's and  walk round I sided  nobody notices most people are so wrapped up in their own worlds they don't notice yours. Do what is best for you and your feelings your the ones that matter  Xxx

Hi

Just wanted to say that I’m in a similar boat to you - I am having a mastectomy on 2 Jan too, and have also spent a lot of time in deciding whether to have reconstruction or not. When I went for my pre-op discussion with the surgeon, she automatically assumed I would want reconstruction and was keen to talk about the more complex options such as a DIEP flap.  However, as I have just completed six cycles of chemo and have been off work for six months already, my priority is to try to get back to a new normal as soon as I can rather than having a more complex operation which has a lengthy recovery time, and would necessitate further operations in future.  Although the chemo has dissolved my tumour, I also still feel that the affected breast is diseased tissue, and so I would prefer to have it removed totally without any efforts to reconstruct parts of it.  i had a one-hour discussion with my BCN, who showed me photos of the outcomes from all the different surgeries and also a range of prostheses, and then - like your team - gave me time to make a decision.  I am content with my decision not to have reconstruction, as I feel it is right for me.  I did look at the implant with expander option, but felt it was not for me. Hopefully someone who has had this procedure will add to the thread soon.

I know how difficult it is to make this decision, and wish you the best of luck in making your final choice.  I also wish you all the very best for the surgery.  I am getting a bit nervous about it now, but am hoping to enjoy the next few days over Christmas first.

Take care, and have a good Christmas.

Blackcat xx

Hi ladies I had mastectomy 24/10. No recon. 

It was a difficult decision in some respects but I wanted rid of cancer and whatever went with that. Which was my boob. 

In time I may have recon or I may not. But gets a decision I can come to after. I’m more interested in getting my head round the cancer and getting it gone. 

Happy to answer any questions

good luck for your ops ladies. It isn’t as bad as we think.  V pillow, dry shampoo lol xxx

Hi Jillbob

I am six months post op, (mastectomy). I made my decision as soon as I was diagnosed with BC not to have reconstruction. I felt I just wanted to get rid of the boob so that the cancer was out of my body, I am quite happy with my prothesis . I will be quite honest I get days when I don't feel good with just one boob, it kind of hits you what has happened. You have to decide what is best for you, My surgeon told me if I changed my mind I could have reconstruction later. I do not want to go through another operation if I can help it be honest.   

All the best whatever you decide to do. 

Rita

Hi Slats 

Thanks for the feedback, it’s really encouraging to read your experience.  I am feeling stronger about my decision and think I’ll feel better once I finally tell my BCN tomorrow.  I am sure I will have some ups and downs afterwards but in the long run I know it will be the right decision from a health point of view.

take care 

xx

Hiya I had a mastectomy and reconstruction straight away (5 weeks ago now) they used my breast skin with an implant they will fill with saline I think it looks good

I don’t think I would have like to have seen a flat area where my boob should have been 

i had a few weeks of discomfort but so pleased I made the right decision for me the reconstruction boob is fine but it’s definitely different to my other boob it’s higher then “mine” also (with my age 60) “Mine” is longer/lower  (about 3 inches lower) so I will need “my boob” worked on once I’ve finished chemo which my consultant said he can definitely do for me 

but only you can make that decision what ever you decide hope everything goes well ️ xx

I had my mastectomy without reconstruction back in May and still have no regrets.  I have a falsy which works fine and when I wear it I hardly notice any difference than before.  However I also try to go without quite a lot (and at the moment am having radiotherapy so have been braless throughout).  For me there are worse things people have to put up with and no one actually seems to notice. 

One thing to consider is cleavage (or lack of it) with no reconstruction you have to consider the neckline of your clothes and choose wisely.  It's one thing covering up with baggy tops but plunging necklines are a thing of the past.

Be gentle with yourself, it is a big decision to make so you take all the time you need.

XOXO

Hi Blackcat

sorry for delayed response as the Christmas and New Year festivities with family have been a great distraction.  I did finally decide on no reconstruction and am fully at peace with my decision.  I felt better once I had confirmed this to my BCN.  How did your surgery go yesterday?  I was ok until it was time to go down to theatre at which point I became very nervous as the op was imminent...That said it was over in the blink of an eye (having slept through it all ) and I felt so much joy and relief to know it was over and done with having waited almost three months to get to that point.  Managed to make it home last night so I could have a lie in this morning and am being well cared for by my family.  I hope all went well for you too.

take care

xx

Hi sending gentle hugs, glad it all went well. Now relax let others take care of you. You'll have good days and some not so good days. When you've healed find out what works for you. Me it's asda they have good post op surgery bras and swimsuits at reasonable prices. And my trusted knitted knockers., so take care of yourself. Onward and upward the big C can be defeated. Xxx

Hi

I had a Mastectomy last year and knew from the beginning that I didn't want a reconstruction. I am small breasted and don't wear a prosthesis, I get away with M&S Mastectomy bras which are comfy and look ok.  I recovered well from the mastectomy it was and is the sentinel biopsy area that gives me more discomfort, even now but I do a lot of lifting mucking out my horse every day, so guess that adds to the discomfort, but he's worth it! 

Wishing you all the best whatever you decide is right for you.