Mastectomy and reconstruction choices

Hello, so sorry you have been put in this position, I've had a few instances of mis communication so can relate to the shock you are feeling. I too felt I had to make a very quick decision which wasn't ideal either.

I decided on an implant, I don't have a lot of material of my own to use & I didn't like the thought of the op either, but I appreciate others have said how good the end results are.

The implant has been good, although I know in years to come it will need replacing. I am hoping for a nipple tatoo next year 

If you need radiotherapy after surgery you may need to think about the impact of that too.

Hope this helps

Best wishes x

I had mastectomy with immediate implant 6 weeks ago. I opted for a tear shaped implant over the muscle layer. This gave me a more natural shape. Although my nipple was removed a lot of the areola was saved which I think gives a good cosmetic appearance. As has been said radiotherapy can affect the appearance of the implant and they do have a life span. I did not want the diep procedure because of the length of the surgery and having 2 surgical sites. Happy with any questions you may have 

Thanks for your helpful comments. Think I need to find out about whether I need radiotherapy. My breast care nurse said I might not know until after the mastectomy. Good to hear you are happy with the cosmetic results. Good luck x

I also had this revision to make I have mine next week I’ve opted for the implant for the same reasons as you really, seems to be a quicker easier op and recovery ! Others have said how good the diep is but I just couldn’t do it , would love to read others thoughts and opinions though on how pleased/or not they are with their end  results on implants! 

Hi,
I had a double mastectomy  and immediate PAP flap reconstruction back in June. I’m very happy with the results. I’m also going to have a bit  of fat grafting in the new year to tweak a few bits affected by radiotherapy.  

The first week after surgery was hardest but I was up and about pretty quickly. The scars on my thighs have healed really well too. I have no regrets about choosing this type of reconstruction. 
Wishing you all the best for your surgery. X
 

Hi. I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction by DIEP (fat taken from tummy area). Big op and recovery can be slow due to the abdominal surgery. However, the results are absolutely amazing as you have a new breast that droops just like the other one and warm to touch. Yes, it does sound horrendous and I was soooooo scared. I took that option as I didn't want to remain flat - vanity here - and a DEIP was the most life-like. Not many hospitals have the expertise to do this op as it's quite complicated microsurgery etc. Don't worry you are given very effective pain relief etc. The only downside is the slow recovery - I was bent double for a while as they took every little bit of fat. You have a very flat tummy afterwards!!! My large scar has just faded to a very thin white line. I have had tweaks via liposuction and nipple recon etc. If caught changing nobody would give my new breast a second look. I'm so pleased I went for it and make the same decision again. I hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision.... it is very tricky.XXXXx

Great news and very happy for you.  Sometimes we need to go through a lot to get what we want but do worth it as self confidence is important.  That was a big operation for sure.   It is really amazing the great results a competent surgeon can get.  Happy day!!

Barbara

Hi, I’m having a mastectomy Friday with an expander implant as there’s a good chance I will need radiotherapy. I liked the idea of this rather than a further surgical site and the recovery is quicker I believe. Best of luck to you xx

Good luck with your upcoming surgery.  Take care of yourself.

Barbara

Hi there 

I am also in the same headpin here so totally hear you! 

I'm 43 so was immediately offered recon and am a candidate for DIEP flap. Have met the plastic surgeon who was lovely and helpful and has a very good reputation for these ops. But as I have small boobs I'm not entirely sure if I want to go through the huge op (surgeon assures me it is routine and reliable - for her! - and not invasive) and currently don't know the treatment I need after, maybe chemo or maybe just hormone therapy. And I just want to recover quickly from the op and get on with living!

I am still struggling with deciding for recon or not and have gone round and round and need to decide next week really. What is helping me a bit (not that I have yet decided!) is talking to survivors about what they have done and to get more balanced opinions- most people and most websites lean towards recon due to my age, even all the leaflets I got given by the Macmillan nurse after my diagnosis were on recon and I'm just not sure yet.

As everyone says it is entirely up to you - please just do what you feel is right for you but think long term how you will feel about your decision. Try reading up on the facts of the operations and talk to people who know about this or have experience. I called the Breast Cancer Now line who referred me to the charity Someone Like Me who has set up calls with volunteers for me to discuss their experiences with both recon and just mastectomy next week. I hope it helps me to decide.  

Best of luck! X