Thanks for your post. I think this is a very personal decision. But I'll share my experience.
I had a left mastectomy last year. My surgeon advised delayed reconstruction. So I have been flat since then.
The NHS fitted me with a prosthesis some weeks after surgery. I found this provided the closest match. However, after I had radiotherapy to my right breast, I've had swelling which means my prosthesis no longer matches my remaining breast!
Apart from the obvious of no longer having a left breast, personally, I really dislike the asymmetry post mastectomy. But in reality, I would have had that even with reconstruction, as I was told the maximum cup size that could be achieved was a B cup and I was a DD.
As I also had a lumpectomy on my right side. I have elected to have a second mastectomy. I will then be completely flat. I will have the option of diep reconstruction, however the waiting list is 2yrs. At this point, I don't know if I'll be motivated by then.
Have you discussed the pros and cons of diep reconstruction with your team?
i have an appointment to discuss with plastics on Tuesday this week coming. Just wanted to gather some feelings thoughts experiences of my fellow women here. It feels like such a massive decision! How did the prosthetic feel / sit / shape in the beginning? Big hug back - Beks
Good that you have an appointment to discuss things, you might find it helpful to prepare your questions beforehand, so that you get the most out of your appointment.
The prosthesis is quite heavy but I found that helps it feel and look more realistic. Prior to the swelling on my right side, it was a very good match and helped my confidence hugely. It is hard compared to flesh and I don't find it comfortable to lie down in etc. I have softies which I wear indoors when needed.
Yea - one that I pop into my bra. Makes it look like I’m a lady - only wear it when I’m out. I don’t wear it at home as I keep it free.
I’m glad I decided to have it but gutted it didn’t work. However I just wanted the cancer gone so not completely fussed. It was a long op - 8 hours and is major surgery. I couldn’t get out of bed for 3 days. Due to my complications I was in hospital for a week and a half but most people are out after 5 days or so.
I’ve asked for some support with body image etc cos it is big to go flat but like I say, I’m just glad the cancer has gone. That I’m aware of!!
I have been offered LD due to the failure but have opted not to have it. I may change my mind and the plastics team have been mega support here in the north west and given me lots of support!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!! Means a lot to me and really helpful! Yes i share a feeling of I just will be happy the problem will be gone but also feel yes it is more complex than that too. I haveappointment with plastics tomorrow so hope to be further along in my decision making , so happy you are further along and doing okay, and have had a great experience with the plastics team !!! Hug/ love
Hi Beks, I had the diep reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy, I’ve never regretted it. Yes it’s a massive op and it takes time to recover from, I’m happy to answer any questions you have about it, also if you click on my name I’m sure I put some details of it in there. But I had no major complications, it’s been a clinically good result, of course it’s not your real breast and I have scarring but in clothed or swim suits you’d never tell, it looses weight with me (or rather gains it atm!) and overall I’m pleased with it and happy I did it. If you are having radiotherapy then it can be affected by that in some cases but I didn’t have RT so it wasn’t an issue for me. Good luck whatever you decide x
