Forum Discussion
Mastectomy vs Reconstruction
I am nearing the end of chemotherapy and am faced with the decision as to whether to have a mastectomy or mastectomy plus reconstruction. I have started to gather data about the recon as initially I was sure I did not want one, that I would be OK with a mastectomy. As my mind starts to clear from chemo I realised that my initial decision was based on shock of diagnosis, fear and wanting to just finish everything as quickly as possible (I will also need radiation). Now I realise that this decision was made in haste and without good information about how I would feel in the long term about both options. Initially I also thought well I am 67, why do I need a recon?? Now I am thinking why not and I need more information to decide. I have seen a breast fitter so have that perspective in terms of breast forms/bras etc and have an appt to see a plastic surgeon in a few weeks. Any thoughts anyone has about either option would be much appreciated... Jenny
25 Replies
- hi Mary, yes I am to have the same course of radiation as you, chest and supraclavical..See radiation oncologist next week and the following week PS.. So many questions.
- @Rose18 I too am having chest and supraclavical radiated. PS said depends on how skin handles/recovers from Rads. I’m unsure as to whether I will reconstruct but I am booked in to see PS in April (rads finish 10 Jan).
- @Rose18 Radiation can compromise the ability of the skin to respond correctly so they like to give it a chance to recover.
- That’s interesting to hear @MaryB83. It’s good that the wait can be as little as 4 months after radiotherapy. I had a large area right up to above the clavicle treated with radiotherapy. I wonder if this is why I had to wait so long. My surgeon said the longer you leave it after radiotherapy, the better outcome you have because of fewer complications.
- I was told by plastic surgeon that risk of infection and/or expander failure was 30-50% if I had immediate expanders with mastectomy (higher depending on age- I’m only 35) if having radiation. He said you can consider reconstruction process as early as 4 months after you finish radiation.
- Hi @Cory51, I'm 6 months post bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and am still super happy with my decision. I always had very large, droopy breasts and am loving the freedom of no bra's...and a 6kg weight loss lol. It's an incredibly personal decision though and, like others have said, you can change your mind down the road so I can only suggest making the decision that feels right at the moment. All the best!
- I am confident I would not choose implants. If I do the recon I would do a flap... So much to think about!
- I was similarly advised. Mind you, that was six years ago and things may have changed. But implants for cosmetic purposes have had some ups and downs too (no pun intended). It wouldn't put me off if I really wanted to go the reconstruction path.
- I was told 10 - 15 years.
- @"Patti J" I'm not a candidate for implants so for that I was just going on what I was told a couple of weeks ago by a Breast Reconstruction Nurse Practitioner (I've probably got the title wrong but it was something like that). She explained that it was a quicker op with a shorter recovery but the implants only have a certain lifespan and that they will need to be replaced. I can't remember what that period was as it was never going to be relevant for me.
