Double mastectomy and no reconstruction?

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