Got a cancellation with plastics team

Hi Anabrock. Pleased to hear that you have the appointment tomorrow, but so sorry to hear of the dilemma you face. I am sorry  that I don’t have any experience and therefore any advice to offer, but wishing you all the very best for tomorrow. Hopefully after you have had the opportunity to discuss your situation with the plastic surgeon you will have more information on which to base your decision. All the very best. Do let us know how you get on. Ros. 

I'd ask if it is possible to go into surgery with the intention of doing the reconstruction at the same time but with the understanding that if, during surgery, it becomes a bad option then they should close and do the reconstruction later. If this is a viable option, would that work for you?

Hi, -Ana- I’m almost at the exact same stage as you, I just saw the surgeon today who said I need to see the plastic surgeon so now waiting for an appointment. I’d love to know how you get on tomorrow. Personally I think I’m going to do reconstruction at the same time as I’d just like it all done and finished with. Good luck for your appointment x

Hi

I’m sorry to hear that you need a mastectomy. I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction by DIEP (taken from tummy). It depends on the reconstruction your surgeon can offer - my reconstruction is amazing. It is really good. If possible it is better to have immediate reconstruction than a delayed one. Good luck with your appointment.

See GreyCats reply. If I were in your shoes I'd have a long chat with the Plastics Surgeon and just see how it goes. I found I was given 3 options (DIEP, implant or flat). You don't have to make an immediate decision if you don't want to. Discuss the anaesthetics too. I had mastectomy and implant plus therapeutic mammoplasty, found it really hard to make that decision. Decided on implant unless something went wrong. I didn't fancy the idea of being in ICU for such a long time and chose an easier less invasive route as not familiar with operations. Could then revert to either of the other two options if that went badly. I didn't know how I would be with the anaesthetic. I felt bad after the 1st op (couldn't seem to breathe right until anaesthetic had got out of my system) but had to have anaesthetic again because of haematoma. I discussed how I had felt with the Anaesthetist and felt great the second time around, so he  must have taken notice.Maybe I got a different anaesthetic. Discuss with Plastic Surgeon in what way reconstruction might not look good. I'm OK with mine so far. Obviously not the same as I was, but it's OK, considering breast was riddled with multifocal cancer before. Additionally, I was told radiotherapy would probably  mess up the result - for me, it has changed nothing, so I'm pleased. I have had to have one session of Physio resulting from the 2 ops I think. Again, not a problem. I think it is the thinking and worrying about it all which causes the most problems.