Cosmetic mastectomy?

Hello Polar Bear,  I cannot help you with your questions as I had lumpectomy in both breasts.  I feel that your feelings are totally normal as mastectomy is both a physical and emotional issue.  You are working it out on your own terms and it will be the right decision for you.  
There are so many wonderful women who will be able to share their own personal journey with you.  
Just want you to know that I am hoping you get resolution soon.  
Barbara️

Thank you, Barbara. It’s taken a couple of years to get to this point. I hope you are staying well.

best wishes

Polar Bear

Yes staying well and see my breast surgeon tomorrow for my visit.  Had mammogram last week and it was fine.  So thankful.  My surgeon is retiring at end of the month and I am going to miss him as he was so wonderful.  He is 76 so guess he wants to have some time for himself. Boo hoo for all of us grateful women.  I live in Florida and am on Medicare with supplemental insurance so I can go to any physician so I like that freedom. Take care too and anxious to see replies.
Barbara

Hi. I had my mastectomy in May and due to the size/stage of the tumour can’t have reconstruction until all the treatment is over and I’ve recovered as I’ll need big skin grafts. I am a gg cup so feeling very lopsided and like you wondering about whether the other one can come off instead of a more complicated reconstruction. I did go to the prosthesis clinic - I was very very nervous - but it was run by a lovely nurse and I was in and out in less than 15 minutes as she knew her stuff.  It is a better weight/looks more natural than the foam ones. I’m getting used to it - only had it a week or so - it is different. If you can overcome the anxiety it might be worth a try. It wasn’t a bit like I imagined it would be - it was run by MacMillan but based at the hospital so she was a breast care nurse.  

I wanted a double mastectomy at the time as I wanted to be in control of what was happening. Surgeon said it wasnt possible as they wont remove healthy tissue. I now have a prosthetic for the time being. I am overweight so need to get my BMI down before they will agree to a reconstruction. I dont know where your from, but Marks and Spencers have front hook and eye bras, and the prosthetis sits better inside it. At least thats what I find. Please try and go get one fitted. The staff are really knowledgeable and helpful. I didnt feel embarrassed at all with her. 

Hi Hopeful Barb 

Thanks for your message. The idea of going flat comes up in online forums and research papers online. I’ve noticed that some doctors will leave a flap of skin in case the patient changes their mind about going flat. A few women have spoken about their shock that this has been done despite wanting a total mastectomy. I think the aesthetic effects are very important to me. As far as removing healthy tissue is concerned I would feel more comfortable having a mastectomy that having a reconstruction and a series of operations using the skin from my belly, bottom etc. I’m also uncomfortable with the idea of an implant being put inside my body.

As I said the LabradorLover I will however make an appointment for a prosthesis fitting and go from there.

best wishes

Polar Bear x