Double Mastectomy: to reconstruct or not?
Hi Everyone, I went through surgery last September + re-excision on October for Stage 1 bilateral disease. Lots of DCIS with a very small invasive component. I have avoided Chemo/Radio for the time...
Forum Discussion
Hi there,
I always wanted a reconstruction. I lived with one breast for 2 1/2 years. I live in the tropics and found wearing a prosthesis so hot and heavy. The type,of clothes I wear in this hot climate, I couldn't wear with my prosthesis as I needed tops with higher necklines etc. my reconstructed breasts don't look anything like my real breasts but they look ok. In clothes they look fine. I do love them and being able to wear what I like again. The simple things like being able to wear a sarong or a towel wrapped around my top and it doesn't fall down. Having said that I know women who have chosen to be "flat and fabulous" and love that too. Don't let the expanders influence your decision, I haven't had them but reading what other ladies who have had them say, they are nothing like the implants. Just remember they are just shapeless bags whose purpose it is to sketch your skin out. Most people describe them as two bags of cement on your chest. I'm sure some ladies who have implants can let you know the difference in feeling they have. My reconstruction was a TRAM flap so my breasts are soft and realistic feeling (just numb).
Thats my story. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Paula xx
I always wanted a reconstruction. I lived with one breast for 2 1/2 years. I live in the tropics and found wearing a prosthesis so hot and heavy. The type,of clothes I wear in this hot climate, I couldn't wear with my prosthesis as I needed tops with higher necklines etc. my reconstructed breasts don't look anything like my real breasts but they look ok. In clothes they look fine. I do love them and being able to wear what I like again. The simple things like being able to wear a sarong or a towel wrapped around my top and it doesn't fall down. Having said that I know women who have chosen to be "flat and fabulous" and love that too. Don't let the expanders influence your decision, I haven't had them but reading what other ladies who have had them say, they are nothing like the implants. Just remember they are just shapeless bags whose purpose it is to sketch your skin out. Most people describe them as two bags of cement on your chest. I'm sure some ladies who have implants can let you know the difference in feeling they have. My reconstruction was a TRAM flap so my breasts are soft and realistic feeling (just numb).
Thats my story. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Paula xx