Forum Discussion

neiljacq's avatar
neiljacq
Member
9 years ago

Double mastectomy and no reconstruction?

Hello lovely ladies, I am meeting with the breast surgeon next week to schedule a double mastectomy after my chemo has finished.  At this stage I have opted for no reconstruction.  One of the main reasons is that I am keen for a quick recovery and get back to an active lifestyle with my gorgeous family.   I have been having chemo since April & now only have 4 left (yay)!  I have a very supportive husband and we have 2 wonderful boys (13 & 11).  I would  love to hear how you've coped with the surgery and the practicalities of getting prostheses, recovery, etc.  I live in Melbourne suburbs, so good access to organisations, shops, etc. I am a very positive person but would love to hear other stories so that I am prepared for what I will wake up to.  I know each persons journey is unique but I'd love to hear about your experiences.  

wishing you all a wonderful week. :)

chemotherapy
mastectomy
  • neiljacq's avatar
    neiljacq
    Member
    9 years ago

    Ladies thank-you so much for your replies.  It is has been wonderful hearing about other ladies experiences.  Wishing you all the very best for the future.  All your wonderful supportive responses has given me a smile and a real confidence moving forward.  thanks again.

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hello,

    Everyone has given you some great info here and I thought I would add my experience too.

    I had a left mastectomy in May 2013. I have never had reconstruction as by the time I finished my treatment (chemo and radiation) I just wanted to recover and get back to life. I had also found by then that I could manage very well with a prosthesis.

    I lead a very active life and have found that for me the best option (with the one real breast still) is my Amoena swim form. I practically live in my sports bra (Amoena too) and the swim form. I find it handles my active lifestyle much better than my "proper" prosthesis. Of course it is also great for actually swimming in too!

    I wish that none of us had to get breast cancer in the first place but I am pleased that we live in an age where there are many options available to us. It's just a matter of finding the right solution for you.

    Hope your surgery goes well. I found my recovery was pretty quick (back doing most things after 2 weeks) but I had to then get through chemo and radio. Hope your recovery is swift and you can get back to a healthy life with your family very soon.

    Take care.

    Deanne xxx

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi!  yes we all have the same diagnosis, Breast Cancer but the rest is so different for all of us.  Good on you for coming to a decision that you're comfortable with.  It is about you and you only!

    There is lots of information available on this site with regard to choices and prosthesis et cetera

    Good luck with your appointment and subsequent surgery

    Take care and sending you a virtual hug

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Jacquie,

    Glad to see you joined the BCNA site too!  Have already chatted with you so will just join the lovely pink sisters wishing you the best for your surgery!  Cheers,  Michelle xx

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago

    You wake up to a couple of drains from your chest and a line of tape over your stitches which don't need taking out but will dissolve by themselves. I had mastectomy on left side only and at times my heart with no padding over it beats so loud it annoys me before I go off to sleep. My chest is sucked in like a boy and my stomach looks huge. During winter the side with no breast gets quite cold and I need to zip up my coat and keep my chest warm. I have no plans on reconstruction either and if any one notices my missing breast I will use it as an opportunity to warn about getting checked early for breast cancer. There are such a lot of people who get it the number is astounding. Hubby went for a casual job interview the other day. He mentioned me and my treatment. What are the odds, both bosses had had breast cancer too!

  • Bluewren's avatar
    Bluewren
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi, wishing you all the best for your coming surgery and a speedy recovery. I am recovering from a right mastectomy  exactly a week ago. Not as bad as I thought and feeling quite okay. A little sore but only taking panadol. I have decided on no reconstruction and probably won't change my mind. Three ops have been enough at this stage. I also have a lovely supportive husband who only wants for me to be healthy . I am coping okay. Just take one stage at a time and we seem to get through. Sending lots of hugs your way. Maz.xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi NEILJACQ,

    Well done getting through chemo- that's the hardest treatment over.I had a mastectomy in 2010. It was for a recurrence 7 yrs after a lumpectomy )2003). I didn't even think about recon at the time because I just wanted the cancer gone as quick as possible. It was abit confronting at first but once I got fitted for a prosthesis (6wks post surgery)I felt OK.My scar is awful because of previous radiation and so I need a higher necklines which makes shopping a pain.I don't like being lopsided but then on the upside I still have a breast which is good for intimacy(however,I don't do naked in bed)I think about recon a lot but I can only have the DIEP recon and its huge surgery- something which I'm not yet ready to face.Once I have my prosthesis on and I'm dressed,I don't think about it and I feel confident. There is a lady in my support group who has had a double mastectomy and is quite happy being flat. We are all on similar yet different journeys but what is true for us all is: - you can't predict how you'll feel until you arrive there. So good luck for your surgery and be prepared for unprepared feelings.x