New to group

Welcome to this network where you'll get lots of info and support. It must have been so hard having 2 surgeries with your husband away.I hope your boys are old enough to help you.Do you live in an isolated area?I think that's what we mothers do-stay strong for our kids.That's why it's good for you to "unload"with your fellow pink sisters at this network.As the girls above have said,you could join the reconstruction group to get good advice.If you are still undecided, you could have the mastectomy and then do recon later.One recon is the expander,followed by an implant which is a simpler operation and quicker recovery time.Another is the DIEP or TRAM flap where they use microsurgery to graft your belly fat to your chest. It is a lengthy operation(8hrs?)and you have a scar from hip to hip and takes a lot longer to recover.However,you do get a more natural effect. I've had a mastectomy and am in no hurry to have reconstruction.This was a recurrence for me so I'm abit paranoid watching my scarline.I can only have the DIEP op because I've had radiaiton in the past and my skin has no elasticity.There is alot to consider so take your time.Best wishes and big hug. Tonya xx