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
To be honest, I didn't have any problem with a decision, I was never keen on a reconstruction, haven't had one and can't imagine I ever will.
I had a lot of problems with a persistent seroma, which may have proved really problematic if I had had a reconstruction and put me off further surgery to an extent.
I don't have a problem with how I look. I can easily imagine many women do. I don't look like the lovely woman in the ad. I was/am big breasted so I have one large, ageing boob and a big scar with a flap of skin, which I really like because it gives me a very small but useful cleavage (good surgeon!). I think I look like me, lived in but eminently serviceable! My husband's glad I am here and likes both sides.
I wear a prosthesis, I don't find it hot or uncomfortable. I pop it in in the morning and forget about it. After a year with a pain of a pad, I am perfectly happy.
I think reconstruction is a great option to have. I didn't choose it, lots of women do and are very happy with their decisions. Choice is a good thing and we must all support the range of options so that they are there for all the other women who will follow us, but will survive and help beat cancer.
I had a lot of problems with a persistent seroma, which may have proved really problematic if I had had a reconstruction and put me off further surgery to an extent.
I don't have a problem with how I look. I can easily imagine many women do. I don't look like the lovely woman in the ad. I was/am big breasted so I have one large, ageing boob and a big scar with a flap of skin, which I really like because it gives me a very small but useful cleavage (good surgeon!). I think I look like me, lived in but eminently serviceable! My husband's glad I am here and likes both sides.
I wear a prosthesis, I don't find it hot or uncomfortable. I pop it in in the morning and forget about it. After a year with a pain of a pad, I am perfectly happy.
I think reconstruction is a great option to have. I didn't choose it, lots of women do and are very happy with their decisions. Choice is a good thing and we must all support the range of options so that they are there for all the other women who will follow us, but will survive and help beat cancer.