Hi everyone I'm 41, diagnosed with early stage triple negative invasive ductal bc in July. No family history. Lump was 5.5cm and finished neoadjuvant chemo 3 weeks ago. Lump has shrunk to 3.5cm, and whole boob shrunk a bit too. Radiotherapy is recommended after surgery so I think this would affect any surgery/reconstruction I go for. For my small boobs advised breast conserving surgery would give sub par cosmetic result so I'm thinking mastectomy is way to go, especially if further reduces chance of recurrence. I wonder about reconstruction or not, and what type. I was leaning towards immediate implant as I don't like thought of flap surgery, but am still apprehensive. I'm trying to imagine what it will feel like and day to day living with it. Do you feel it in your chest? Can you lie on it? Does temperature of it change? How long to get used to it? How was recovery? Any longer term side effects? Maintenance? Would you choose it again? If decided not to reconstruct, how do you find day to day living with one boob? Physically and emotionally? Do you use a prosthetic? I like the idea of more minimal surgery and not a foreign body in me but am apprehensive on this option too. What questions did you ask yourself to decide? I understand it's each to their own. thank you to anyone who can share their experience.

My niece was small busted and had a mastectony but still required radiotherapy. 2 years later they did an implant reconstruction using a tissue expander, done very slowly. I had immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders and a matrix sling as large busted and they were able to preserve the skin. At the time they didn't know if I needed radiotherapy so complete all in one surgery wasn't offered. My changeover will be soon. I am happy with the results and so was ny niece.Goodluck with your decision.

I had tissue expanders inserted when I had both boobs off and have had my implants replaced three times in ten years because they have either escaped or become encapsulated. I was 43 when I had the first surgery. There is no way of telling how your body will react to the implants except to have a think about how it responds to any other insult. I scar heavily, always have done, and that should, with 20/20 hindsight, have been a heads up. I wouldn't do it again, but then I wouldn't have gone for the flap reconstruction s either. I'm too clumsy and physical and don't do well with taking things easy. I think I would have adjusted better to being flat chested if I hadn't invested so much time trying to fix an unfixable mess. That said, I know several woman who have had no problems at all. The implants get wickedly hot in the car if the sun is on them.

Good questions! I elected to not have a reconstruction, and remain mono boobed 4 years after surgery. As I am reasonably large breasted, I wear a prosthesis. It's simple, easy to wear, and I don't think about it much at all. I never really warmed to a reconstruction, and as I had seroma problems, I increasingly was wary of further surgery. My breast surgeon was at pains to let me know I could change my mind in the future. I am older than you but look younger than I am, and my appearance was and is important to me. I have never found being mono boobed a problem. Last year at a public hot tub in Iceland I stripped off and showered pre soak with a bunch of other women 10 - 60! It felt good too! it's just not an issue for me, my husband or anyone else. I know many women feel the loss acutely, as you say, each to their own and all support and best wishes to those who choose reconstruction. I just wasn't one of them. Best wishes for whatever you choose.

Hi,I was 47 when diagnosed. Mastectomy, chemo and radiation. I chose not to reconstruct although I know I can always do it in the future if I wish.I had my mastectomy before chemo and radio and so had quite some time 'living' with it before deciding not to put myself through anymore surgery. It will be 4 years this May since my mastectomy.I am a 'C' cup and use a prosthesis that is actually a swim form, most of the time. I just find it more comfortable than the more expensive 'proper' prosthesis and find it sits better in the sports bras that I wear most of the time. Of course it is also great for swimming too.I lead an active full life and honestly don't find it bothers me that I have only the one real breast. Most days I don't even think about it. My swim form and sports bra are so comfortable that I can even wear them to sleep in if I am somewhere more 'public' than at home.As you have said, it is different for everyone and this is just my experience. I am sure other women will share their experiences to help you make the best decision for you. Yay for finishing chemo! All the best with the rest of your treatment and your decision making. Just get as much info as you can and then think about what feels right for you. Take care. Deanne xxx

Hi - I had a left vertical skin sparing mastectomy back in April 2016 with insertion of an Aeroform tissue expander (not the saline expander, but a gas one so no need for saline injections). In a couple of months I'll be having the DIEP reco using my own body tissue. The tissue expander was only ever an interim option for me.The Aeroform, because it's gaseous, really feels quite hard (I have always likened it to feeling like I've got a handbag sewn into my chest); it also collapse a few months in and so I wear a semi prosthesis so no one else, to all intents and purposes has any idea which boob is no longer there :).For months I couldn't sleep on my stomach (I am a tummy sleeper) but then was able to, provided I build a little tent of pillows and give space so my boob isn't directly touching the mattress.I'm no longer in pain, but I am a bit uncomfortable. I gain solace from knowing it's not for much longer. What I'm not looking forward to is the PS inflating the tissue expander again just before surgery to ensure the skin stays stretched.....but that'll be ok, have had worse and it won't be for too long anyways.Of course, everyone's experience is different. And I wish you well making yours.Cheers

Surgery decision- reconstruct or not? Recon type?

22 Replies

mum2jj
Member
9 years ago
So glad you have made a decision. Hopefully your poor brain can have a rest now. Good luck in February. Don't forget to keep a check on the choosing breast reconstruction group. As its a private group the posts don't appear in the main forum and there is often helpful info there.
Paula X
Happy_days
Member
9 years ago
What a fabulous community here, thank you for support. Brain actually said simple mastectomy which matches more future goals but am going with my heart- brain much quieter now! xx
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Weighing up all the options and pros & cons is very stressful (on top of everything else!) - so pleased you have come to a decision which will give you peace of mind. Great that you don't have to wait too long for surgery. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Jane xx
primek
Member
9 years ago
So happy you have made the decision. It is so hard. (And don't be surprised if you start having doubts again ...we all do, just go with your decision)
nikkid
Member
9 years ago
Good luck with it Happy Days - will be thinking of you in Feb....my DIEP is now scheduled for 28 March so that will come around quick enough too.

There's a great resource of what to take to hospital....so check that out. Nikki x
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Happy days, glad youve made a decision and are settled with it, I think that's half the battle. My Mastectomy will be sometime in February also, but recon all in one hit. My Plastic Surgeon said for me, he prefered a flap recon for many reasons. He said with implants they require changing so will be multiple surgeries. Hugs for moving forward! xo
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Excellent that you've made your decision and that you have a surgery date. Keep us posted with how your doing. Xx
Happy_days
Member
9 years ago
Thanks for everyone's insights. Have decided to go with mastectomy and implant, surgery hopefully 16 February. Then what will be will be- just relieved to make a decision and move on!
Ann-Marie
Member
9 years ago
@"Happy days" I suggest creating a new conversation about this so the online network members can help you out. You will also find a lot of support in the group. You may like to also check out Reclaim your curves website.
Happy_days
Member
9 years ago
Thanks Ann Marie, yes I joined.
I'd like to know more on radiotherapy after mastectomy+implant - can you point me in any direction?
Thanks
Deb