Advice would be appreciated on breast reconstructive surgery.

Tummy. And the scar is pretty thin and it will fade over time. I expected much worse! I can wear bikini and have to say my plastic surgeon has done a pretty good job - my tummy looks better than before surgery! Of course it will take months before all settles properly but it's looking good.

It's all about you right now! It's fantastic that you have great support but just for a couple of weeks think of yourself first! I too have children (grown up obviously!) and I know it's really tough especially when they are young, but it's a matter of a month or two, it won't last forever and you will be back to normal sooner than you think you will.

Amazing. I’m so Pleased you’re happy with the results. Xx

I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using implants. I had hoped to use my own tissue but didn't have enough tissue.  I am a BRACA 2 carrier hence the double mastectomy. I didn't want to go flat.

A for and against list helped me in the decision process.

Keep asking the questions.

I was also able to keep my nipple although it isn't the same exactly.

Yes I am happy with the result.  The most perfect outcome would not to have got breast cancer!!

Hello I was really heartened to read your post. I’m facing the Diep or implant decision at the moment and thought I’d I for Diep, then the closer it gets I’m getting scared and wondering more about implant! I’m 51 and have already had two ops with poor margins, finished 12 wks of chemo and now waiting for mastectomy and reconstruction date. It does sound like you’ve had a great outcome and are back in action quicker than I feared, although I appreciate everyone is different! I hope you continue to recover well. 

Hello, one of the reasons I opted for the DIEP reconstruction was that it's a permanent thing and I don't have to worry about replacing my implants in a few years time and the other one was the more natural look and feel of the breast. The only downside of the DIEP is the additional scar on your tummy but in my case that was the least of my concerns. But as you know everyone is different. Like I said in a previous post, think through all pros and cons, think how you'd feel about all the options you have and try to be as level-headed as possible when you're making your decision. Whatever you decide fingers crossed and the very best of luck! xx 

Hi  I had mastectomy to left side and immediate reconstruction just over 5 weeks ago.

I certainly don’t regret it as surgeon really did me proud and to the outside world you really can’t tell. I feel much more confident. 
Everyone is different of course, however for me it was certainly the right decision.

 I’m a little concerned that when I begin chemo this may have an affect on my implants? However, hopefully not x

So just waiting for oncology appointment xxx

Thank you so much for your reply. I shall sit down and make a pros and cons list tomorrow! 

Had single masecotomy back in July with removal of the nipple and reconstruction. At first I called my new breast my alien breast as looked a bit weird and square. Now 8 weeks later and all getting back to normal. Scars are now healing lovely and feel much better about it all. Had cancer in lymph node and had to have all removed but all in all not to bad. Drains were the biggest pain but already feels like a long time age. Starting chemo next week.

Hi, I'm currently recovering from a single-sided mastectomy, SLNB and immediate reconstruction.  I'm 3 weeks on from surgery and although it's been tricky, it hasn't nearly been as awful as I thought it'd be.  I do not regret an immediate reconstruction even though it was A LOT to get my head around in a short time.

I was diagnosed with a very large area of calcifications - intermediate grade dcis so mastectomy was my only real option.

For me, I didn't want to wake up after surgery to a flat chest.  I was originally going to have diep reconstruction but I didn't have much fat in my tummy (I would argue otherwise tho!) and so I had a PAP flap reconstruction where the vessels and fat are taken from your inner thighs rather than tummy.  With either pap or diep you are generally encouraged to get up and moving the day after surgery. I was home on day three with one drain in my chest which was removed a few days later.

I'm 47 and relatively fit and was able to go for a shufflley half hour walk outside in the first week at home.  By week 2 I could walk a 40 minute walk to cafe for coffee.  Week three, still tight and uncomfortable but able to get on train, go to hospital on my own for check ups and had have lunch with a friend.

It's a big surgery but mine was textbook, and *so* far am healing normally.   I lost my nipple and as others have said, the new boob looks a bit odd to start with, but it's getting easier to deal with and looking better every week.  In a bra, I already look the same as before which I have found really reassuring. Good luck with your treatment.