Hello ladies,I'm in dire need of advice from the community regarding dmx and recon. I'm currently on a trial treatment prior to lumpectomy in mid December. I have triple negative and also a BRCA1 carrier. There has been an ongoing conversation with my surgeon and plastic specialist at Peter Mac to my options for mastectomy and reconstruction as well as the option of remaining under observation in case I'll decide to keep my boobs. I find it extremely difficult to make a solid decision and stick to it. I'm concerned about my body image as I'm only 38, haven't had kids and in great form from training in competitive sports for a large portion of my life.Those of you out there who's undergone reconstruction and could share your experience with me and whether you think it's better or worse remaining under observation for the years to follow or pull the trigger and get dmx instead? Nipple sparing surgery or tattoo?Any information would be greatly appreciate it!

Welcome @AquaMarina - please join the Reconstruction Group as you will get lots of info there, stories and photos. Under Groups you will see one titled Choosing Breast Reconstruction - go into that and request to join.There is also a FB group apparently which someone else can tell you about as I am not on FB. Something like Reclaim your curves. Hope that helps.Thinking of you 💖

Sorry to see you join us here @AquaMarina ... there is a Webcast on Triple Negative on Tues, Oct 24th - see if you sign up for it & even submit questions. Overseas in the UK and USA, they are doing trials with a Triple Neg vaccine, showing promising results - but it is not available in Australia yet - nor likely to be in the near future. :( Maybe you could question them on this!? https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/25877/q-a-triple-negative-breast-cancer-on-tuesday-24th-october-from-4-30-6pm-aedt#latesttake care & all the best.

I'm sorry for your worry. There is also a Triple Negative group here that you can join. And a young women's group. Maybe they could be helpful. I've had Mastectomy with delayed Reconstruction. I was stage 2 Grade 3 on diagnosis, Estrogen positive. I was not given the option of observation. Your concern re body image is understandable. Have you asked to see photos from your surgeon, of other similar patients. My new boobs are not the same as the old ones. But mine were older than yours, and probably not as attractive. Because of the Radiotherapy I had after Mastectomy and Chemo, my Recon options were limited. I had a Latisimus Dorsi and a Prophylactic mastectomy. I now have Implants ( after having had expanders). I have no nipples, but do plan to get nipple Tattoos. I am happy with my choice. It can be a difficult decision. Do I understand that you have a planned Lumpectomy? Is that definite and then observe?

Hi @AquaMarina I had double mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction and 2 years on am very happy with my decision.My story with photos along with lots of others are in the private Choosing Breast Reconstruction group - call the helpline ( Min to Fri) if you have trouble joining .Also check out the Reclaim your Curves website.

Hi @arpie, Very interesting! I’ll have a look into it. Thanks so much for the info and link!!

DMX & Recon | BCNA Online Network

14 Replies

Abbydog
Member
2 years ago
I'm sorry for your worry. There is also a Triple Negative group here that you can join. And a young women's group. Maybe they could be helpful.
I've had Mastectomy with delayed Reconstruction. I was stage 2 Grade 3 on diagnosis, Estrogen positive. I was not given the option of observation. Your concern re body image is understandable. Have you asked to see photos from your surgeon, of other similar patients.
My new boobs are not the same as the old ones. But mine were older than yours, and probably not as attractive. Because of the Radiotherapy I had after Mastectomy and Chemo, my Recon options were limited. I had a Latisimus Dorsi and a Prophylactic mastectomy. I now have Implants ( after having had expanders). I have no nipples, but do plan to get nipple Tattoos. I am happy with my choice.
It can be a difficult decision.
Do I understand that you have a planned Lumpectomy? Is that definite and then observe?
arpie
Member
2 years ago
Sorry to see you join us here @AquaMarina ... there is a Webcast on Triple Negative on Tues, Oct 24th - see if you sign up for it & even submit questions.

Overseas in the UK and USA, they are doing trials with a Triple Neg vaccine, showing promising results - but it is not available in Australia yet - nor likely to be in the near future. :( Maybe you could question them on this!?

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/25877/q-a-triple-negative-breast-cancer-on-tuesday-24th-october-from-4-30-6pm-aedt#latest

take care & all the best.
AquaMarina
Member
2 years ago
@June1952 Thanks so much for the info!
June1952
Member
2 years ago
Welcome @AquaMarina - please join the Reconstruction Group as you will get lots of info there, stories and photos.
Under Groups you will see one titled Choosing Breast Reconstruction - go into that and request to join.
There is also a FB group apparently which someone else can tell you about as I am not on FB. Something like Reclaim your curves. Hope that helps.
Thinking of you 💖

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