to reconstruct or not

petras

Hello. I had a rb mastectomy March last year and am fast approaching a reconstruction followed by a reduction of remaining breast 3 months later. I just can;t decide what to do.

Cons of op are 2 major ops, I'm nearly 60yo. Cost of reduction, i'm public and worried I'll look like 'mutton dressed as lamb'!

Any advice or stories would be welcome, or being pointed in the right direction for similar experiences.

thanking you

June1952

Hello Petras

I am 62 and had a (shock) right mastectomy late last August requiring 3 operations.

Like you I am researching the options of reconstruction.  Not being too happy with the idea of 'foreign' bodies in my system (perhaps requiring replacement in years to come as they do not last forever) I have been looking at the option of DIEP - my thoughts currently being that as it can only be done once maybe I should wait until the other breast needs to be removed due to BC.

In the meantime I am using the Amoena prosthesis.

I struggle to pay private health cover but would need added dollars to fund any decisions.  Being 'public' your 'purse' would not be your main concern as you would be more focused on the long waiting times.

I don't know if this is of any assistance to you.

Keep in touch as you work through the options.

Regards,  Summer  :-)

TonyaM

Hi Petras, you wouldn't be mutton dressed as lamb-60 is the new 50! I am in the same boat as you and Summer. I'm 60 in a few months and am sick of being lopsided since 2010.This had been a recurrence for me(lumpectomy in 2003) so I was just grateful to be rid of cancer and be alive.Because of previous radiation,I can only have a DIEP recon.That's BIG surgery and do I get one or 2 boobs done cos there is no going back for more belly fat later on.Big decisions ay girls.I'll bide my time till I'm sure.However,I don't know anyone who regretted having recon if that helps you. Tonya xx

Robyn W

Hello:) I am not considering reconstruction at this stage,but Tonyas 2 comments of,' bide my time until I'm sure' and ' I don't know anyone who has regretted it' are both very true,I feel.I think it is very important to be SURE about something as big as this .Cheers xoxRobyn

ro_obrien

Hi Petras. I am 60 in June and diagnosed with high grade DCIS in my Left breast in Nov last year. I had 2 wide excisions in Dec and then opted for a skin saving mastectomy and an expander in Jan this year when my surgeon preferred a wider margin free of cancer. I had Unilateral DIEP 7 weeks ago and the surgery was far more major than I was prepared for despite all the resources I researched.

However, I am glad I had the DIEP - it is far more natural and changes with your weight. Also I did not want to have further surgery when I am between 70 -75 yrs to have an implant changed.

After my single mastectomy I considered having the other breast removed and an immediate reconstruction when I having my Left breast reconstructed as the DIEP can only be done once. As the came closer to the day I changed my mind. The reasons were that despite the cancer free breast was heading south there was nothing wrong with it and I could have had post op complications with the cancer free breast.

The breast reduction is covered by Medicare for women who have had a unilateral mastectomy. I will be having DIEP breast fined tuned, nipple made and my natural breast lifted around September. My PS prefers to wait at least 6 months post reconstruction to allow the breast to settle. Also, now that I enjoy having a flat stomach it encourages me to watch what I eat and aim to loose a few more kilos before my next surgery.

I am embracing my new body and feeling fantastic and i am definitely not mutton dressed up as lamb. To me it's all in how I feel. From looking from the inside out I feel I am still in my 30s. I agree with Tonya 60s is the new 50s

All the best with your reconstruction.

Ro.

BRFacilitator

Hi Ladies

NO such thing as mutton dressed as lamb when it comes to reconstruction...

At the end of the day it is all about doing what you feel is right for you... it is a personal choice and you are the only one that can decide if it is right for you or not.

For me Reconstruction was part of my treatment and I do not regret my decision.

If you want to explore some more specific information and all the different options there is a group on this online network called Breast Reconstruction Online Group that you can request membership to - as it may assist you in the decision making process -

Getting the right information is the first step

Good luck

Chris

LouiseTurner

Hi Petra,

It was great to chat on the phone, this is the information I was referring to. I am afraid it is not a very common procedure, certainly I ave only chatted to a few women who have done it this way. Fortunately one of those ladies is in our Central Coast Reclaim Your Curves group so you may meet her.

This link is from the BROG so only members of that group can see it, so just be sure you are logged in and you should find it no probs. 

I recall when I was considering this procedure I asked for info and only received photocopied text books, but will dig those out for you anyway. A bit graphic.

When you look at this blog just keep in mind that this is just this one persons experience and may or may not reflect how it might go for you. 

Reconstruction External Oblique

There are other types of procedures with implants, but I am aware that we have few options in our region and surgeons tend to specialise in their preferred methods. Makes sense really.

If you are unsure it might be a good idea to get a second or third opinion. There is a new kid on the block I know of, and i can connect you with some very happy local customers of his if you are interested.

I hope this helps, Louie XXX