Forum Discussion

Kylou76's avatar
Kylou76
Member
11 years ago

Mastectomy and reconstruction advice please....

Hi Ladies,

I hope you are all doing well on your journey.

I'm after some much needed advice please.

After having my breast reduction to remove my tumour I have found out that I didn't have a clear margin, so it looks like I'm having a mastectomy. I am getting my head around this process but would ultimately like to have the reconstruction done at the same time. I have 10 yr old daughter and a 6 yr old son and feel that it would be easier for me as a woman and as a mother if I can have the reconstruction at the same time. 

I have been told by my oncologist that it can make it harder for the radiation if I have the reconstruction done at the same time.

Have any of you had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction?

I haven't started any treatment yet and have been told that I can have the mastectomy either straight away or if it’s not possible (due to time constraints) that I’m fine to wait until after chemo and do it before radiation.

I have no idea when it comes to reconstructions.... with words like expanders, skin saving and DIEP method etc.

 

If anyone could shed some light on this or point me in the right direction to find resources, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks xx

mastectomy
Reconstruction

2 Replies

  • sodapop's avatar
    sodapop
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi there, 

    I was recommended not to have the reconstruction at the same time as I def needed 5.5 weeks of radiation which can really damage the skin and therefor affect the implant or tissue (I'm having stomach fat/muscle used to create my new breast) The radiation damaged my skin, it can blister, peel & your skin gets very thin and extremely sensitive! So I can imagine it woulddn't be so good for your implant/expander/skin muscle - maybe cause more infections?

    Im sure your Breast care nurse and the plastic surgeon can give you a little more info to help you make the decision. Good luck, I hope everything works out for you! 

  • sillysam83's avatar
    sillysam83
    Member
    11 years ago

    I wish you luck. 

    I was diagnosed 2011 and had mastectomy with immediate recon. When they did the surgery they were unsure if I would need anymore treatment afterwards so they were happy to do the immediate recon and if i needed radiation and it changed my recon then they would sort it all out afterwards. 

    I didnt end up needing radiation. 

    I know many ladies who have had recon before radiation and some who waited to do recon until after all treatment. Their are alot of things to think about and Im sure its hard to take it all in. Best thing is to speak to your breast care nurse about all of YOUR options. 

    Everyone is different. Their cancers, lifestyle and needs... 

    Love and light new sister

    Xxx