Reconstruction

Sorry, Mazz I can’t help here as I had an implant at the time of the mx. I did think about augmenting with some extra tissue/fat (have plenty to spare!) and had a plastic surgery appointment to discuss but his advice was to stay as I was, a conclusion I had almost reached myself….

Hugs xxx

Hi.  I had a temporary reconstruction which means after a year I will have another one to permanently give me a breast.  They managed to use my skin to create a good breast but the implant will likely get hard during radiotherapy.   I'm starting to ponder my reconstruction options including nipple.   What do you have currently ?

Thanks for your response. I’m currently using a prosthetic which is fine, but it would be nice to have a real boob. I’m dithering from deciding, I’m 61 and I’m not sure if it’s worth the discomfort. Also it may not look great and may cause unevenness, I don’t have this problem with my prosthetic .Decisions, decisions! Thanks again xxxx

I don't have the feeling in the boob so I guess I'm saying it us all about the look.   I don't have regrets in keeping the boob.  Mine is temporary and I'm hoping the permanent one is softer to touch because ny chemo has already made it quite hard.   I know it's odd but I'd like to feel sone fake breasts

Hi Mazz

I haven’t had reconstruction yet but hoping to be put on the waiting list for a delayed single side reconstruction soon (have to wait a year after radiotherapy).  I’ve found the info provided by my hospital really comprehensive and helpful.  They have lots of material and videos online, including a YouTube channel (though some of the videos are a bit gory!). There’s also a video with lots of women talking about their experiences. If you’re interested, the link to the info is https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/our-services/plastic-surgery-and-burns/breast-surgery/ xx

Thanks so much! xx

I haven’t had one but I am hoping to - I needed all the skin removed and they will be grafting new skin so I will need to wait until 12-18 months post radio for everything to be recovered enough to give grafts their best chance. Chemo at the moment with radio probably in December. At the moment I’m struggling with that single prosthesis every day but also thinking if I want more surgery etc after everything but I think I might feel differently a year on.  One of my friends in her late 70s told me he’d main regret was not having reconstruction - at the time she was raising a family and didn’t feel she could putt aside the time for recovery.  So I’m hearing her loud and clear and not writing it off. So I guess it is possible years on as that’s been the plan for me from the start.