Masectomy with reconstruction

Hi April, I had a mastectomy but not a reconstruction (I had slight pectoral muscle involvement so was advised against it at time of surgery), I was told I could have a reconstruction later if I wanted, but I’m not going to bother, I’m done with surgery! hopefully! The mastectomy was relatively easy to deal with, there was no pain to speak of, just a bit of numbness. The drain was the most annoying bit, but that wasn’t painful either, it just felt a bit “icky” but it was gone after about 5 days. It’s been 7 months since my surgery and I often forget I only have one boob! My prosthesis is ideal, looks totally natural under clothes and in swimwear. I imagine a reconstruction may cause more discomfort, I only know this through having spoken to other ladies who’ve had one. I absolutely understand why one would want a reconstruction, particularly if I were younger I would have insisted on one; but with a prosthesis there’s no worry about weight changes etc (the reconstructed boob doesn’t change with weight fluctuations I believe). Anyway, I’m waffling, best of luck with your surgery, you’ll get there! xx

I have double mastectomy on Thursday . I would;t get reconstruction if there no nipple. I don't think  were  there is  , so research. 

Hello and good thoughts in upcoming surgery.  They should be able to do a nipple sparing mastectomy unless you have Paget’s disease, inflammatory breast cancer or cancer just beneath the nipple ducts.  From research I read there was a reported 0.4% chance of cancer recurrence in the nipple itself.   I read this in the book by Kristi Funk, MD breast surgeon.  Her book is called Breasts The owners manual.  Has 2 lemons on the cover.  It is excellent.  You should check and ask surgeon that you would like this surgery and see what he says.  
Take care of yourself.  No decision is easy but seems results are more cosmetically pleasing with Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM).

Barbara

If I keep a nipple that will make all the difference, but I'm sure they'll take everything way unfortunately. 

It’s always worth asking because each of our cases can be different but I was refused a nipple sparing mastectomy as far to high risk in my case. But if you don’t ask then! All the best of luck x

Did you discuss this with breast surgeon already?  I agree with you that I would want to keep my nipples if possible if I had a mastectomy. Nipple sparing mastectomy is becoming more and more common.  If you ask then you will have the answer.  Take care.

I was told I would loose nipple when I have my mastectomy but they will tattoo one on later.