Mastectomy - reconstruction or not?

Such a personal decision tutu, and early days for you trying to decide. I thought I was going to have a DIEP flap, but never really settled to that plan. Two weeks before the surgery I asked to change to a simple flat close. A big part in that decision was the time I would have to spend on the operating table, and TWO wound sites to heal. I have no regrets whatsoever, that was the right option for me. My breasts are quite small though - B to C cup - and I get away with a loose shirt and a softie almost all of the time.
Good luck deciding. It will all feel pretty unreal for you at the moment. Don't rush your decision. xx

I asked the Consultant her opinion on the day I was confirmed in Jan this year. She advised DIEP and have had no regrets. First 2 weeks after surgery are the hardest but you can still walk about but feel tired. For me my tummy was tight but not painful. In clothes nobody would know and in 12 months I can have uplift on other side. I know someone with larger breasts and when she gets DIEP they are doing a reduction / uplift on her good side at the same time. She’s been waiting since 2017 after her Mastectomy so I’m grateful it’s all done in one big op! Just treatment now for me but come Sept it’s done until uplifting next March time but it’s personal preference I guess!

I know the lady waiting can’t wait as she said she’s spent years unhappy!

Did they ever mention a mammoplasty for you rather than mastectomy?

No. I’ve still to talk to the plastic surgeon. The surgeon I spoke to just said reconstruction. 

That’s really helpful. Thank you 

When I got my diagnosis March 24 the consultant advised masectomy with reconstruction. It was a very tough decision but I decided to go ahead and have both masectomy and reconstruction at the same time. 

 The first couple of days are definitely very tough. 

Its a very personal decision to make but If asked would I go through it again the answer would be yes. 

Take your time making the decision  and talk to someone who has gone through the operation. Your BCN could put you in contact with someone to have a chat.

Best of Luck with whatever you decide xx.

I had same March 25 so like you I have no regrets and for me I made the right decision.

• It was a relief knowing the main op was out of the way and just treatments & touch ups later on.

Hi Killycrum

I've just been diagnosed for the third time! Once on each side. Each time I only had radiotherapy which means I can't have radiotherapy again. They are talking a full mastectomy on the affected side. I am wondering about having a double mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time. I really don't want to go through all this again. I'm 68 so I'm not desperate to know how I will look, I just want to be healthy.I would be interested to know what your options were before you made the choice.

I met the plastics consultant and was offered a reconstruction and the said they could reduce and lift my ‘good’ boob. That’s the option I’m going for. The op is penciled in for August 28th. Next step is an MRI. 

My surgeon recommended I have the DIEP but after talks with people close to me and looking at all outcomes I decided to go flat on the affected side. I didn't want a long operation/long recovery time and risk of complications, with the implant to me I knew I'd always need them replacing and again a chance my body rejecting it. I was just done with it all. I'm 8 weeks post op and while still difficult I wouldn't change my decision. At the end of the day its you who has to live with it so just go with what think it best. Even though I've gone flat reconstruction its still an option if I change me mind.