Lost and confused

Sorry you feel so confused. I have lived happily with a reconstruction after mastectomy in 2004. I had an LD reconstruction with implant. I had a recurrence last year @ 67yrs so had lumpectomy of reconstruction and implant exchange so Ive been round the block as far as surgery is concerned. Please ask anything if you think i can help a bit. 

Funnily enough I have my first 12 month check up at the breast clinic tomorrow after this last lot of surgery. I hope your appointment goes well. I would suggest taking a list of questions because its quite easy to forget things when meeting the surgeon. 

Xx

Hi Susz, thanks for your reply. Do you mind telling me how you made that decision? Did you choose a reconstruction at the time of mastectomy or did you delay? I’m sorry to hear about the recurrence. Hope all goes well tomorrow xx

Hi I've got her 2 positive stage 3  I'm getting a mastectomy on the 28 July 2026 have had 2 lumpectomy s didn't have clear margin so mastectomy and reconstruction with expander going in place as mastectomy is happening it's ultimately your choice as this was mine speak with your BCN  good luck with what ever you decide 

Thanks hopefully I'll be in and out quickly tomorrow.

I was 46 at my first diagnosis and didnt want to be lop sided. I asked the surgeon to remove both breasts but he said they wouldn't remove the healthy side. I was pretty slim so my only option was LD with implant or going flat on one side. I decided to go with the reconstruction. It was all done at the same time. 4 hour op then 1 night in hdu because they keep you very hot to avoid the flap failing. Then a further 6 nights in. It may be less nowadays. It was a big op and quite a few months full recovery but it was worth it at the time to feel pretty normal. I later had a nipple reconstructed. 

I had the best plastic  surgeon (NHS) and everyone said what a fantastic reconstruction it was. So I never regretted it. 

Luckily I didnt need any further surgery until last year. My reconstruction still holds up despite having had the recent lumpectomy. Xx

I forgot to say the BCNs are excellent at talking you through your options and can give you information on realistic expectations whichever route you choose xx

My choice is the DIEP, but I need to lower my BMI first. I’m going to ask if I can be assessed for the DIEP before my mastectomy. It’s been a long journey already. My symptoms suddenly started on the 25th March! I now have a list of questions for the surgeon tomorrow and hopefully the answers will help me make a decision. Fingers crossed for us both. Xx

My surgeon also is refusing to remove the healthy breast. Xx