Reconstruction under local anaesthetic

Hi, I must admit I haven't come across this myself, but I noticed you haven't had any responses yet as the site is quite busy. My response will bump you back up to the top and I hope someone with the right experience will be along soon.  Best wishes 

Hi Forrest, 

I am sorry you are going through this. It is difficult to provide such an expert opinion and don't want to mislead you. The only thing I can think of is to ask your local consultant to refer you for a second opinion, maybe to the tertiary hospital in your area. 

I hope this is resolved as soon and as best as possible for you. 

Best wishes, 

Christina 

Hi, I was absolutely terrified of a GA. I understand how you may be feeling. But, I had no choice I had to put my trust in the staff. 
it’s strange.. when the morning came I was prepared mentally and had no issues at all. It wasn’t a negative experience at all and I got through it far more easily than I imagined I would. Hope this helps 

Hi, 

Thanks for your replies. I have since discovered after asking many people in the medical profession that reconstruction can only be done under general anaesthetic so I guess I will have to get over my fears about this if I want to go ahead with it which I do. I’m told I won’t be able to go ahead with this for at least 6 months. For me having a one sided mastectomy has been a very difficult experience. Until the surgery I was coping very well, then all the issues came to a head at once, ie the masectomy, the onset of menopause brought on by chemo, the fear of death, due to cancer being a serious disease. Ultimately I practically had a breakdown and had to resort to the mental health team and medication to get me through it. I am still recovering but am a lot better now than I was. I don’t think the mental health aspect of this awful disease is discussed enough. To me having a breast removed is having an amputation, but unlike having a limb removed it it hidden. But it can be just as psychologically devastating. I think the medical profession do not take this into account enough. I am grateful the mastectomy got rid of the cancer, but I was totally unprepared for how it would make me feel afterwards. Anyhow at least I’m getting there slowely.

Thank you to all who replied and good luck with your journeys

You’re right, a mastectomy is indeed an amputation and is an aspect of my treatment I’m not that happy with. I had an implant but the pesky beast decided to dive behind that to grow again. So now I’m flat and needing treatment. I’m not sure if anyone would do a recon for me again. 

however, I’ve not got your fear about anaesthetics. I hope that’s something you’ll overcome with help, if you want to pursue a recon.

hugs xxx

Hi Moomy,

Thanks for your reply. I’m so sorry that your cancer came back again and under the implant, that must have been so awful for you. I hope you can get a recon if they will do it and you want it. I think medication and support from professionals and a new partner is slowly helping me come to terms with it. I hope I can get a recon in the future. If not some of the tattoos I have seen look good. 

hugs back XXX

Forrest