Reconstruction

Sorry have been busy for a few days. Thanks for the alert @iserbrown and thanks @Giovanna_BCNA. She’s all sorted now. 
Paula xx

Hi @Makday
Sorry for late reply, I have sent you a request to join the breast reconstruction group.
cheers Giovanna

@Giovanna_BCNA
@mum2jj  
can someone assist @Makday

Hi @kmakm, I have tried to join, just doesn't seem to go thru properly, maybe @SoldierCrab could help :) 🤞

Yes I believe so @Makday. Come on over!

Would the reconstruction thread be helpful for me. I had a large lump removed and reconstructed during surgery from same breast,  it's much smaller than my other one now! Surgeon spoke of having my other breast reduced in time if I wished.  :) ?

Has your surgeon given you any assistance in deciding between the two?  The points that @zoffiel has mentioned are important.  As is whether you have to go down the radiation path during treatment as this may affect both the skin and an implant.  For me, my surgeon has said that flap is the only way that I can go and that while he finds that surgery really interesting, it's a massive operation.  He was not prepared to even consider it until well after active treatment which included rads.  Me? I'm still undecided and flat on one side - the thought of more treatment is way too hard at this stage.

@Mic80 pop over into the Recon Group, lots of great help and support there to discuss all your options. I had a Diep flap recon, but we can talk more in depth over there. M x

They are both significant operations, flap probably more so than implants.

It's important to talk to your surgeon about more than just the cosmetic appearance. How well do you usually heal? Do you tend towards heavy scarring, do old scars--if you have any--ache?Are you prone to infections? Stupid little things, how does you body respond to injury or intrusion. For example, if you have piercings, how have they healed.  All these are indicators about how you may respond to different types of reconstructive surgery. My body hates my implants which, when I think about it, comes as no great surprise. I've always been irritable, and they irritate me no end. Others have no problems at all.

Having spoken to many women about this over the years I think it is reasonable to say that barring any incompetence, surgical complications and outcomes often mirror prior experience. Your surgeon may say 'This nonsense is why you should not join forums. Nobody knows what they are talking about.' but I think it is wise to have broader conversations than those about cup size and how long it will be before you should drive a car. Mxx

Thank you, I will be sure to check it out xx