Mastectomy and Reconstruction

Hi Susanne

Sorry to hear about your BRCA1 diagnosis :(

I had my last chemo yesterday, yippy !!!!! I am choosing to have mastectomy and therefore will avoid radiotherapy.

I have now met with both my breast surgeon and my reconstructive surgeon.  I feel that having the BRCA1 gene mutation leaves me with no option but to have mastectomy as I really don't want the constant worry of getting another breast cancer, but this is a very personal choice and really about what you can live with.

I don't have enough fat to reconstruct my breasts so will need to go with cohesive gel implants. Was a bit overwhelmed seeing the implant sitting on her desk and thinking this was going to be put inside my body and also a bit put off by some of the scary stories I have read so then started looking at breast forms. But as time is passing I am getting more used to the idea of implants, but probably not comfortable yet. I have spoken to a friend of a friend who has had mastectomy and cohesive gel implants and is happy with them. I don't think the decision is easy and could ponder on it for a year and still not know if I am making the right decision. I have decided that i will remove the nipples as I would kick myself if  it returned because I didn't.

This is where I'm at, at the moment, but my state of mind changes constantly. Good luck with your decisions, happy to discuss further if you like

Cheers, Anna (username Kiki)