Decision on breast reconstruction

Hi Chaburr,

I'm going for immediate reconstruction too, probably early Feb just awaiting the date. I did a lot of research and have decided to go for the DIEP flap recon. Lots of pros and too many cons to choosing other methods.

What type have you considered or decided? 

Sam xx

Hello,

I had a single Mx 3 weeks ago and decided not to have immediate reconstruction. I just wanted to deal with the cancer first without added complications. I decided to live with it for a bit and then make a decision. 3 weeks post surgery and I’ve pretty much decided I’m not going to have reconstruction. I think it possibly depends a lot on your age - if I was younger I would probably have gone for it.

x x x

Hi Chaburr

I had a right side mastectomy  a year ago and had reconstruction using an implant. I would have liked to have full reconstruction at the time but would have needed to wait a lot longer to have my mastectomy. I just wanted the breast remove as quickly as possible. 

I am happy with the outcome and in a bra/bikini you cannot tell the difference as I was able to keep my own breast skin minus the nipple area. I do have a scar across the middle on the breast whereas I think with reconstruction using the DIEP they try to do the scar all underneath. 

I can still have a full reconstruction done but for the time being I have decided not to have this done, but only because I do not want to have the big operation but if you are able to have the full reconstruction in the first place then I would say go for it. I did go and see some ladies who had this done and the results were amazing. Even naked you could not tell. Most of them had also had some work done on the other breast in order to make them both the same size. The scaring was hardly noticeable. 

Wishing you all the best. 

El

Hi El 

thanks for replying and sharing your experience as it must be difficult. When you say full reconstruction I’m not sure what you mean? can you please explain..

I think I maybe lucky as my surgeon is cancer & plastic surgeon so it’s not delayed my date by opting for the immediate reconstruction which as I understand is full mastectomy then inserting an inflatable implant, although I’ll still need an operation to reconstruct a nipple after 6 mths or so. 
how did you cope emotionally with losing your natural breast as this is my main worry x 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it seems like you at peace with your decision which is great, take care..unfortunately I’m an emotional mess at the moment xx

Hi Sam thanks for replying.

Thinking of immediate with implant tbh, although worried mainly in case it turns out that I do need radiotherapy. What where the major drawbacks from your perspective, if you don’t mind me asking x 

Dear

i had my single mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using my tummy tissue . My operation was textbook . I had no issues and I am delighted with the result , we are all different and we must all make our own choices . I am so thankful to the team of wonderful surgeons , doctors and nurses . I was brave until the morning of my hospital admittance and had a mega melt down . When I got to the hospital everyone knew I was terrified - my son sold the anaesthetist all about my meltdown and I was looked after so well . It’s a long operation but you will know nothing about it . 
some people say it takes ages to straighten up - I was fine - I had two Caesarian sections - so if you want to move up the bed it’s - dig your heals in and push up from you heals . Once up it’s shoulders back , bottom in and you’ll be straight - well straight ishh!! 
buy front fastening night shirts ( of stretchy material ) . Just do as your team say , you will find the plastics specialist breast nurse will be brilliant . 
I had my operation in March 2018 and I never had any pain - just took paracetamol and occasionally codein . First night home I slept in the lounge on a recliner chair - I had a long journey home , I was tired and the chair was very comfy . Next night  I was in bed . 
please feel free to ask me anything and please read my profile. 
honestly my breast is amazing - their not twins but definitely sisters . 
good luck with your treatment 

love 

a very well 

Ruby Rose  

Hi Ruby Rose  

thanks loads for your message. It’s lovely to read such a positive slant. I’m doom and gloom at the moment.

Mine is just going to be implant I think as surgeons not mentioned anything about taking issue from anywhere else weren’t this is because I’m quite slim or it’s not his preferred technique I’m not sure. Although I am meeting with him later in the week so can ask more questions then. Do you know anyone who’s just had the implant and how that’s gone? x

Hi

sorry , I don’t know anyone with immediate implant but I know a friend with an implant that replaced a failed tissue reconstruction and she is great . 
it’s probably because you are slim that you will be getting an implant . My surgeon could only find enough tissue ( definitely not fat ) on my tummy , I was surprised she managed as I had a big - up and down scar - from having my boys - but she did . I’m trying very very hard not to grow a new tummy . 
the secret is to tell your team your fears and ask lots of questions - I had all this written in a notebook  , I always write down questions etc for any appointments. I also think the medics like that as they see your trying hard to be in control ! Well we try . 

Ruby Rose xx

Thanks ruby rose , nite nite it’s herbal sleeping tabs for me now and tomorrow’s another day xox