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 Jen, I had a left mastectomy last August and as you said, things move so quickly. I was about 2 weeks from Breastscreen callback, core biopsy, cancer diagnosis and surgery. I had an MRI to confirm no cancer in the right breast so I knew it was going to be a single mastectomy. I got all the options from my cancer surgeon (who is also a breast cosmetic surgeon). I'm not big breasted so a lumpectomy wasn't a good option for me. I could have gone flat and fabulous, but that's pretty much me already haha (not quite, but I'm only an A-B cup). I chose a nipple sparing mastectomy with an immediate silicone implant. I was very fortunate in having a 13mm IDC, grade 1, stage 1 (no lymph nodes involved). No other treatment needed other than Arimidex as I was E100%, P95%.
So 6 months on my breast looks good - pretty much a perfect match for the other side. Other than a fine scar running underneath and 3 fading blue circles from the sentinel node dye you wouldn't be able to tell it was fake. It has also softened a lot over the past 2 months, feeling just a bit firmer than my natural breast. I'm told this will continue to improve.
There's no sensation but I've become used to it. My nipple looks the same but is numb, though it does still respond to pressure. I've recently got a little circle with some feeling, but not expecting much more!
This is my new normal and I am so grateful to end up with what I've got. Our bodies change forever, but like all our other scars and bumps it is just a visual reminder of our life and experiences and strength.
Wishing you all the best with your decision Jen, you will do what feels right for you. Jane xx
So 6 months on my breast looks good - pretty much a perfect match for the other side. Other than a fine scar running underneath and 3 fading blue circles from the sentinel node dye you wouldn't be able to tell it was fake. It has also softened a lot over the past 2 months, feeling just a bit firmer than my natural breast. I'm told this will continue to improve.
There's no sensation but I've become used to it. My nipple looks the same but is numb, though it does still respond to pressure. I've recently got a little circle with some feeling, but not expecting much more!
This is my new normal and I am so grateful to end up with what I've got. Our bodies change forever, but like all our other scars and bumps it is just a visual reminder of our life and experiences and strength.
Wishing you all the best with your decision Jen, you will do what feels right for you. Jane xx