Reconstruction or not?

Hi - I was thinking about you yesterday and wondering if you had managed to speak to anyone. So glad you have. Hope your discussions go well x

Hi again, that’s so kind, thank you. I feel much much calmer today and await a call xx

Hi, 

I was diagnosed with dcis in my right breast in October last year. One lump was measured at 10cm and the other was smaller but directly under the nipple so they had to remove the whole breast including the nipple. I opted for the diep immediately because I felt that this was a better option for my mental health. I felt that going to sleep with a boob and waking up with one would leave me feeling less shocked. 

I was glad I did it. Yes the operation was long and I had a terrible few days straight after it was done but I recovered quite quickly for the most part. The first couple of weeks I couldn't walk straight but I didn't really feel much pain. I stayed in hospital for 5 days. They gave me co codamol, paracetamol and ibuprofen to take home but came off the co codamol after 2 days and the ibuprofen after a week at home. I only occasionally took paracetamol after that. My breast surgeon was shocked to see how straight I was when I had to see him 3 weeks post op so I must have made good progress. 

My stomach wound healed quickly except for about 3 small areas including one that was very stubborn and developed a staph infection that had to be treated with antibiotics. By 6 weeks I was driving and doing light housework despite this wound. 

Originally I was told that I wouldn't need radiotherapy but after the mastectomy this changed. I was worried that this would affect the implant but it doesn't seem to have. 

I have no regrets about my choices. The implant looks and moves like my original breast and looks completely normal under clothing. They managed to make it almost the same size as my left breast so I don't think I'll even need a reduction on the left side. They only cut your stomach muscles in 2 small spots where they harvest the blood vessels from so it doesn't affect the muscles at all. This means a faster recovery than something like a c section. The sensation in my stomach is still affected but it feels like it is getting better all the time. Obviously there is no sensation in the implant but I still have sensation in the remaining skin from the mastectomy. 

My operation was the 4th December and I returned to work on the 6th May. I could have managed a return earlier if I hadn't had the radiotherapy. I'm an infants teacher so it's quite physical with a lot of bending over but I'm managing just fine so I'm glad I waited the extra time. 

Good luck with your decision. 

Regards

H

Wow thanks so much for such a detailed reply! I’m still waiting for a call from the hospital but am on holiday right now which they know. 
My fears seem the same as yours, I think it’s highly likely, if it’s possible, that I will opt for a reconstruction. Just hope I get to speak with a plastic surgeon when we get home. 

I hope you continue to make a full recovery and wish you all the best for the fire x 

*Future x