Has anyone thoughts on not having a reconstruction after a mastectomy, please? I'm trying to find information and can't find very much. It all seems to take for granted that you will have a reconstruction.
I was reading about this yesterday.I have only had a lumpectomy,but had already decided not to have an implant or reconstruction had I needed a mastectomy.As surgeons seem to see this as a whole process mine was quite surprised when I said what I wanted.There is actually a fb page and other support out there for women who go down this route.I also know several ladies,mainly older,who have done this and extremely happy,one even jokes that it is easier to wear a shoulder bag on that side too as it doesn't slip off!
I think there's quite a lot of ladies who just can't be bothered with more hospitals & surgery...and who could blame them? And there's some that just don't give a monkeys!
There are, as I think someone else mentioned, some groups on line regarding remaining 'flat'. Have a search and I'm sure you'll find some.
I'm ambivalent on the subject and if it wasn't for a love of all things symmetrical and private medical insurance (as where I am the NHS waiting lists are ridiculous and CV has only made this worse) I'd consider it further as am quite happy with one boob.
I had a mastectomy and knew from the start I didn't want a reconstruction, I've never doubted my decision. I don't wear a prosthesis in my bra I just wear M&S post surgery bras which are slightly padded, because I am small breasted it looks fine.
floss b You’re right, you are given lots of information about reconstruction and I felt that was being advocated as the ‘normal’ choice. I remain unconstructed after my mastectomy. I’ve just been out to shops and was foobless ... very comfortable with that although I do wear a foob at other times. I do wish breast clinics gave out leaflets about living flat. Flat Friends has a good informative leaflet but, although they send them out to clinics I do wonder if they are all available. I did a lot of reading about reconstruction and I’m quite happy about my decision. It’s a very personal choice, it’s not for everyone but it is normal.
Hi, I am really happy with my flat side, but I wish so much that I had had both breasts taken off. It annoys me that I'm not balanced. Exercise would be so much easier if I was totally flat, and I could just wear a slightly padded bracelet, instead of the prosthesis. It was agreed that I could have the second mastectomy but that was before lockdown, so now I'm stuck with it for ages. I wish someone had talked to me more at the time about this, so it could all have been done at once.
Hi Alison floss b I originally had a reconstruction but got really sick during chemo and started carrying loads of fluid, including in my reconstructed breast. In the end it was like wearing a football on my chest and I believe the implant had distorted too. In the end, I had to do something so decided on a full mastectomy with no further reconstruction, as I just couldn't bear the thought of more mucking around. I've never regretted it. In fact, I'm pleased I didn't have a reconstruction as I've gained a permanent seroma, which tells me I would have had more fluid problems!
I have a neat scar on the lower part of where my breast was, my skin behaved perfectly during radiotherapy and I have no trouble with the seroma. In fact its position is quite good as it makes it look like I still have a cleavage, just as long as my top isn't cut too low lol.
I wear an ordinary bra, lightly padded to keep shape, with a knitted knocker pinned inside with a safety pin or two. Cheap, comfortable and no risk of wardrobe malfunctions. Everyone says you can't tell. Mind you I don't care and have been known to go about as lopsided Lizzie, especially in summer!
My husband is perfectly ok with it. He's just glad I'm alive and healthy.
Don't feel compelled to have a reconstruction. It's definitely optional and may not be trouble-free. Wishing you all the best.
