Reconstruction or flat?

Hi Sim

Welcome to our club.

I was diagnosed with Lobular breast cancer in Feb 2008 in my left breast. Tests showed i had cancer cells in my lymph nodes too so i had a mastectomy and total removal of the axilla.

From diagnosis i always knew that i wanted a reconstruction. It is a very personal choice.

As my cancer had spread i had 6 rounds of chemo followed by 13 rounds of radiotherapy. 10 years of hormone blocker which finished 2018.

As i had radiotherapy i had to wait for my reconstruction till 2010. My back muscle plus an implant was used and an implant in my good breast to match.

I was delighted with the results of my reconstruction. 

Discuss the options with your surgeon. I researched my surgeon and used one recomended by a group recommended by Macmillan

Things have moved on since i had mine done so you will have more options.

If you want to delay your reconstruction it should not be a problem

I wish you all the luck for your surgery.

I was 57 when diagnosed and very vain  

Love

Sue xx

Hello, it must be a difficult decision to make, I was given both as options but as I'm classed as young (48) and lump in a good position (26mm) lumpectomy with licap reconstruction was recommended. Licap takes tissue from your side and back to replump your breast 

I'm only 6 weeks post surgery so expect things to change.  But my breast is stranger than I thought it would be.  The reconstruction takes up roughly a third, is hard and does not move, its numb and the nipple is now pointing in a different direction and non reactive.   However dressed it looks great, I've had little pain and still feel like I have my boob.

Everyone will have different results, we are all different shapes, different lumps etc.  I had an appointment with the reconstruction surgeon before, he was able to give me a good idea of what to expect after the op. 

 Hi click on my name and you can read my bio on profile . 

I had masectomy in July 2019 and I made decision to remain flat . My age helped me make quick decision to just get rid of cancer . I also didn't want more surgery . I was offered reconstruction also reduction on good side as I'm lge cup size . Also both of these choices could be left til later .

For me personally this was the right choice but it is a personal choice . I use a prosthesis ( I call her clarrisa ) and can honestly say no problem it is just part of dressing .

Most friends were asking which side was prosthetic. 

Just remember you can get reconstruction at a later date if you wish ..ask as many questions of the surgeon / BCN as you can so  you can make an informed decision .

good luck 

Hi

I'm 2 weeks post DIEP reconstruction having had mx Feb, ANC March and rads April (see profile for big names of treatments). I had originally wanted implants but given challenges that rads brings was strongly advised not to and having since done lots of research (talking to others who'd had various recons) decided DIEP was best option, luckily I had adequate spare tyres down there!!  And have an amazingly flat stomach now...

I was absolutely fine with being flat on one side, a bit odd to start with but rapidly became accustomed to it, sometimes wore softy, sometimes couldn't be bothered (I don't really care what other people think about how I look generally!!).  Like Northerner I found the prosthesis really great, good fit and looked great.  I think the main reasons for recon per se were that it was available in a timely fashion (am lucky to have work related private medical), it means I don't even have to think about using a false boob, nice to have a proper cleavage and have a very high pain threshold & recover quite quickly post op (don't mind operations...having had my first 3 this year!!).  I don't think being flat or reconstructed has changed me mentally at all, I do however suspect my partner is happier with 2 'proper' boobs (that was not however a factor in my decision...he could have taken a running jump if physical appearance is that important!!).  In fact the only downside for me so far is the interruption to my fitness schedule (walking not quite as good as cycling/running/gymming).

There are often multiple phases to reconstruction, in phase 2 I'll be having symmetry to match the god given one to Babs Frankenboob and a nipple created too, and a tattoo (I think). So currently I have one pert, slightly larger than I'd want (I'm a C cup and think the new one is more D), nippleless but warm and malleable boob and one battered by lumpectomy, gravity and weight loss impacted one, both look fine in a bra though so no biggie.  Phase 2 can be done c 6 months after the initial recon.

I've not come across anyone who's unhappy with recon using their own body but obviously, as with all surgery & recon there are risks. I think with this you've got to decide pro's and con's based on what YOU want and also speak to others to get their experiences (happy to point you in some other directions for more experiences of various recons if you want - private message me).

Good luck

Sam

Hi Sim  I was diagnosed with lobular cancer in October and had mx with lymph node clearance on 3 December.  I decided not to have reconstruction as I am 63 and not bothered with appearances.  There is a very good organisation called Flat Friends UK which you can google.  There are many women on there who have decided not to have reconstruction and some who have also had implants removed.  The recovery time following mx and reconstruction is longer so you have to decide how this will fit into your life.

Hey!

I am over 2 years post surgery...(52) I will just let you know my experience! I had an operation to remove lump and had immediate reconstruction. I found the new boob hard to get used to....you have no feeling in it...it is just a shape. Whilst it looked fabulous....it didn’t really feel like me.

I did have to have it removed after a month or two as I got an infection and after 2 weeks in hospital I couldn’t wait to get it out. I then had a mastectomy and went flat. I will be very honest with you....I wish I had gone flat in the first op. I was ummmming and arrrrggghhhing and always thought I would prefer to go flat but was persuaded by my surgeon. There is so much going on....I sort of went with it as it seemed the right thing to do. 

i do find it strange to be lopsided....I would like to have my other breast removed but that’s not something they will do....finding the right bra is important and I still struggle to find one that I like. You have to consider clothes more carefully as you don’t have a ‘cleavage’. 

Happy to answer any questions you have....just message me! 

Hi Sim 

I am 47 and have had a right side mastectomy and implant reconstruction. I have to say the outcome is amazing. I have no nipple but the shape matches my left. That said I know have to have radiotherapy after my chemo and this may affect the implant so it may have to come out but I will wait and deal with this in due course. 

it is a personal decision as you can see from the responses you have had from others. There is no right or wrong answer do what you feel is right for you. 

hope everything goes well xx

Hi Galligirl just jumping in you say your finding it difficult to find bra you like . I also had that problem until I discovered I was able to buy prosthetic bra pockets on line ( sorry if you already know this ) Not only can I now buy bras I like but bonus is they're cheaper .

 Hi sim

 i have had a double masectomy and no reconstruction. i have several different sizes bras and prostheses , some silicone , some very lightweight for around the house     i find i enjoy adapting my size to the clothing i wear  and you absolutely wouldnt know i hadnt had reconstruction  as i was not one for showing clevage   most people at my work make an automatic assumption i have had reconstruction    my scars are for my husband only and he loves me regardless and i like the certainity of being flat when noticing any changes as i has a lump which i never saw or felt     occassionally i do think what if   but i had skin sparing masectomy and have been told i can have reconstruction whenever. if i decide in the future

Northerner.....I didn’t know that I’ll have a look!