Mastectomy or Mastectomy plus reconstruction

Gazgin12

Hi, I am trying to make a good decision regarding this.  I thought I would be ok with a double mastectomy, no reconstruction, but I am finding it tough to make the call.  This is my third breast cancer and I have had radiation on both sides, so my surgeon is recommending DIEP flap.  It just sounds so brutal.  If you have chosen this type of reconstruction or you have decided to go flat, I'd love to hear from you about your post op well being and emotions.

iserbrown

There's no right or wrong answer to your question.   

It's about you and in time will you be happy with the decision. 

The link below is worth investigating 

https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/breast-reconstruction.html

arpie

So sorry to see you join the club that no-one every thought they'd join @Gazgin12xx

It is a tough call ..... I'd suggest that you join both our Reconstruction Group, and the 'Flat Chat' group, who have elected to go without recon.  I believe they have pics of before & after - which may help you in your decisions, from those who've gone before you xx You can ask ANY question - and only the MEMBERS can see them, as these are private groups. xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/29-flat-chat-no-breast-reconstruction
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

I was lucky & altho prepared to lose a breast, my surgeon was pretty sure he'd be able to just do a lumpectomy, so I never had to 'make' that decision, myself.  

take care - and feel free to check out other areas of the forum too - some will make you laugh (and we all need a laugh!) .... You can also show us your hobbies, art & craft, gardens, pets - all sorts of things that you may enjoy doing!  xx. there are lots of tips on what to take to hospital & other things too xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best with your ongoing appointments xx

Julez1958

Hi @Gazgin12
This is an intensely personal decision and it’s not easy that’s for sure.
I had double mastectomy and DiEP reconstruction and my story and photos ( along with many others) is in the private “ Choosing Reconstruction” group on here.
I was big breasted (E cup) so  the idea of going flat was too radical so the choice for me was implants or the DIEP flap reconstruction
I was lucky to live in Sydney, be in a private health fund and have the funds to pay for the gap fees ( which were substantial ).
Also my husband was retired and able to help me with the recovery (6 weeks ).
I am happy with my decision and encourage you to join the private group on here as well as Flatchat which is about staying flat - a decision many ladies are also happy with.
If you do decide to go the DIEP route it is important to get a plastic surgeon with experience in that field as it’s very specialised.
Take care 🌺

Leone88

Hi - I run the Perth Support Group Lunch for Breast Reconstruction. Our next lunch is 31st August at Herdsman Lake Tavern in Wembley at 12:30. You are most welcome to join us & you may bring a female friend for support. It’s very friendly/informal & the ladies are very generous sharing their experiences. You could also join Reclaim Your Curves private Facebook group where you can ask questions & view photos of reconstructions. 

Frenchbee

@Gazgin12
 
Hi.   Firstly, I am so so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  It's such a hard and shocking thing to deal with.

I'd be very happy to message or talk to you about mastectomy and Diep Flap reconstruction surgeries - I am five weeks out from having had these procedures.

Personally, I found it very difficult to face the mastectomy surgery and the loss of my breasts.  I went through a lot of mental and emotional anguish about this (my one and only post on this forum so far is in relation to that if you want to read it).  I was also really frightened about the Diep Flap surgery itself.

I am in Melbourne Victoria and I'm 53 - married with two young adult children living at home.  I work fulltime in a demanding role.  I haven't yet returned to work and I have one more week of sick leave remaining - just over 6 weeks off work in total and I'm returning on a staggered hours basis for the first week or two.

I was diagnosed with Grade 3 (high grade) DCIS with comedo necrosis in my left breast in February this year.  Imaging indicated that the size of the DCIS lesion was extensive however, I really struggled with the idea of having a mastectomy -  although my surgeon did indicate that I was borderline to consider any other option

My surgeon undertook a lumpectomy to try and save my breast with 60mm of DCIS excised during that procedure.  Unfortunately I did not have clear margins.  Then we did a nipple shave to see if the nipple and areola were clear of disease.  Again, unfortunately not with another 5cm DCIS excised.  The final mastectomy pathology confirmed another 40mm DCIS in the left (total of 100mm+) together with LCIS found in both breasts.

I have very dense breast tissue and a strong family history of breast cancer - mother diagnosed at 44 years old with mastectomy/radiation and died at 47 years old of metastatic disease.  Sister diagnosed at 42 years old with double mastectomy/chemotherapy and thankfully still currently NED.  This is what lead to the decision to undertake a double mastectomy (also the issue that diep flap surgery can only be undertaken once).

I am very happy to answer any and all questions you might have about my experience of the surgery itself, mental and emotional impacts, recovery progress, current surgical results, what you might like to pack or have on hand at home - just whatever you would like to know really.

Sending you all the very best wishes and thoughts