Newbie

Hi Lollol, you sound very philosophical considering you’ve just been diagnosed! And good for you; the general first reaction is ! But it really doesn’t have to be! I was diagnosed in November last year and I was ! Anyway, I had a mastectomy on the left and it was OK, the prospect was scarier than the reality. I don’t know your circumstances, but I believe that they (age, relationships, family etc. etc.) have a massive impact on how we all deal with this. Anyway, I didn’t have a reconstruction due to suspected pectoral muscle involvement, but they managed to excise a bit of muscle which turned out to be clear. I was told that I could have a reconstruction later, years later, if I wanted. Anyway, you do what you want, but I definitely think that radiotherapy can cause issues with reconstruction, don’t think it’s scare tactics, main priority is to get rid of that cancer nonsense! You can have a reconstruction further down the line! All the best to you, but do what feels right for you! Big hugs! (BTW I’m 61 years old now, but if I was 45 or under, don’t know if I’d feel the same)…..

Hi Lollo, welcome to the forum though sorry you qualify to join. There are lots of us here to support you through this.

The reconstruction with an implant and radiotherapy do not get along. It can cause the implant to harden and ripple and can cause pain as a result.  And implants need replacing every 10 years in theory.The recon using your tissue is much more physically realistic and will age with you. The tummy flap means you don’t lose any strength around your arms/back. But it is major surgery and takes about 3 months to be fully recovered. Any reconstruction is likely to need additional surgery for small adjustments in order to get the best final result. 
I had mastectomy without reconstruction as just wanted the quickest option so I could get my cancer treated sooner. I have a really realistic prosthesis and don’t even notice that I am wearing it, and I have one for my swimming costume/bikini too. As I didn’t have immediate reconstruction with implants, it will now take about 2 years of skin stretching to reconstruct with an implant. My only realistic option is a human tissue flap like the tummy one. Apparently I need about a coke can of tissue on either side underneath my belly button to have enough tissue to form each breast. I quite like the idea of a tummy tuck as part of my breast cancer recovery scheme! 
It is a big decision and it really depends on what you feel you can live with. I chose what was right for me, but your choice might be different.  Good luck with your surgery and hope you make a speedy recovery xxxx