Decision making dilemma - feeling alone

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Hello. I have been diagnosed with both invasive ductal carcinoma (thankfully quite small) and then they also have found lobular cancer (larger area), both ER+ and HER- and I have been told that I need a left-sided mastectomy in the coming fortnight. It has been assumed by my surgeon that I will have reconstruction (silicone implant) due to my age 48, and other reconstruction options are not available at the hospital I have been referred to. The process from diagnosis to operation date has been long, 99 days to be precise and I just want the op to happen now. I am wobbling about having reconstruction as it is likely given the size of the lobular cancer that I will need radiotherapy. I know that no-one can make this decision for me about reconstruction but I feel very alone and uncertain about what to do. Is there anyone who has/hasn't had reconstruction who can share their experiences to help me make a more informed decision. Thank you.

Abunetball 3 hours ago

when I first saw my surgeon he said I could have a diep reconstruction at the same time as my left side mastectomy when the results came back he said no I couldn’t have reconstruction straight away as the cancer was aggressive and I would more than likely need radiotherapy after, and it was better to do it on a flat chest wall.

I’m a year down the line from surgery and it will be a year in February after radiotherapy and I’ve been told I have to wait a year after radiotherapy for a reconstruction.

Im hoping to have an appointment soon and go on the waiting list for a diep reconstruction. I’m glad i didn’t have it straight away due to having radiotherapy

Not really sure this helps but definitely talk to your BC nurse about the options.

Good luck on your journey sending big hugs xx

Torgb886c2 2 hours ago in reply to Abunetball

Thank you so much for replying. I hope you hear soon about your diep appointment. My BC nurse said that they were reluctant to do reconstruction on skin that has had radiotherapy. I am tending to think I'll wait for reconstruction and make a more informed choice - but it's so hard as you don't know until post surgery what follow-up treatments you will have to have. Thanks again for sharing, x

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Decision making dilemma - feeling alone