No Reconstruction after Mastectomy

I had SMX 14 months ago. I was just told that I wouldn’t get immediate reconstruction- no explanation why , I ended up googling why ( big mistake!!!!) .Apparently for the type of BC I had immediate reconstruction is not an option due to the need for radiotherapy afterwards but one google article ( from America) stated that it was due to limited life prognosis - I am now fighting to get delayed reconstruction and that statement is always at the back of my mind ( in my dark moments I think that the consultant knows this is the case and is trying to save the NHS money). 
The weight issue is because most surgeons want you to have a BMI of between 25 and 30. This is because it is a long surgery and being very overweight puts you at risk especially in these COVID times. 
I have a prosthesis - it’s okay , I’m waiting to get a new one at present as I lost 2 stone recently trying to get fit and ready for reconstruction ( I don’t want to give them any excuse to turn me down). At present some hospitals don’t seem to be running fitting sessions so you may have to manage with a softie for a while.

Hi Fiona068 as already mentioned surgeons require a bmi below 30. I’ve not had recon, my choice. Initially after surgery you can used a softie, or send off to knitted knockers and order a kk ready for post op use. My breast unit had softies and kk’s and also provided a front fastening amoeba bra and post op cushion for under arm. I used a front fastening post surgery bra (Asda online) and a softie at first. I do have a fitted prosthetic (usually get fitted after 6 weeks when fully healed) which is very good and I was also given a post op bra at the same time. I find the silicone prosthetic very comfortable when I wear  it. I quite often go flat though.  Good luck for your surgery and recovery. Take it easy and do your post op exercises as directed. Xx

Hi Toothtinks, thanks for sharing your experiences with me ️ I have HER2 positive BC and I will need to go for radiotherapy after the mastectomy... I also know that my BMI is definitely not under 30 and I think it would be easier if we were just told that and not left to find out information through Dr Google!

That’s brilliant that you have lost 2 stone and I hope that you are able to get the reconstruction surgery soon! I am not sure how I will feel after the mastectomy and how easy I will find it to adapt,,,I will keep my fingers crossed that it will go ahead and it works out for you, Fiona xx

Thank you Flossie25, I had forgotten about Knitted Knockers as I remember a friend talking about them a few years ago! I have yet to meet with anyone from the breast cancer team to discuss bras and prosthetics as yet but that’s good to know that there are options available! It’s a strange time just now and it reminds me of the time when I was contemplating losing my hair with the chemotherapy which I managed to avoid using the cold cap but there’s no avoidance of the mastectomy sadly so I will need to get used to it all! Thanks for your support, Fionaxx

Might be addressing the wrong group here but does anyone know if there is a shelf life for breast implants? Do they need to be replace after a while e.g. 10 years? Thanks :-)