Going flat - quicker recovery from single mastectomy?

Its an entirely personal decision, so if a quick decision works for you then thats all that matters.

Only thing I would say is that there was a recent post from a lady who was actually advised to delay reconstruction, and now is at "the back of the queue" as they're counting it as elective. All just to say that if you change your mind on reconstruction, youll likely have a much longer wait 

Yes I agree with this. Think it through. It might feel like the quickest option is the right thing to do now... but will you feel different in the summer? you'll need to reconsider what youll be wearing on holidays and swimsuits and in the gym etc. I know personally that being asymmetrical is really inconvenient sometimes and I hated most of the prosthetics too. 

Met with surgeon he said go to plastic surgery apt just so I can the rule it out. Yes he wanted me to think about if I don’t get it done in one operation it then adds complications. 
I still feel I don’t want reconstruction, so guess will have to give it a bit more thought. Thanks for both replies. 

I had a Mastectomy on my left breast and had reconstruction at the same time I'm really pleased I took this root. Please think carefully before making your choice.

Hi, I had a mastectomy of my left boob and was told I couldn't get the reconstruction at the same time - I suppose like a lot of things, it depends on where you live.  I've been told the wait list for a DIEP surgery on the NHS is at least two years where I live.  Having looked into it all, I've decided not to go ahead with the reconstruction.  This is due to my age and I also know that having large boobs, I'll need more than one procedure and the recovery is very long.  I'm ok with how I look at the moment but everyone's opinion and outlook is different.  I had my mastectomy early November so have had a couple of months to think about it.  Research as much as you can - there are a couple of ladies on FB who are sharing their reconstruction which is very helpful cos you see it warts and all.  It's your choice in the end but don't rule anything out because as has been mentioned, if you make a decision to go ahead, you don't want to be considered elective and put to the bottom of the wait list.  Good luck with whatever you choose to do x

I was told I'd need a single mastectomy without reconstruction last May. I was told on the 2nd of May, had a chat with the nurse and we looked at pictures of possible results from various reconstruction options, talked to those close to me, had it done on the 28th May. Recovery was ok, took an while to adjust and id rather have the double (waiting to hear) but I was glad all surgery was done. There are lots of lovely bras, swimwear and boobs available now, I've recently got a boob from 'boost' and I love it plus it doesn't need to go in a bra with a pocket

Good luck with your decision making, to add to the other comments as well that going flat you will recover quicker from the surgery but in the medium / long term are at higher risk of lymphadema, just something to bear in mind as I wasn’t aware of this until recently. 

Hi I’m recovering from my surgery last Friday without reconstruction. I just feel it’s right for me the whole thing is sad and of course I know my body is now different. Cancer has been removed and now will just wait for the lymph nodes to biopsy results. 
I really hope I can deal with all of this in a positive way, I’m an older woman and I think I just couldn’t face the whole reconstruction and recovery timescale. 
I hope everyone is coping and love to all.