Hi Karen, I had a left mastectomy for grade 1 IDC last August, 3 lymph nodes removed and all clear. I chose a mastectomy as I am small breasted and a lumpectomy wouldn't have been very good cosmetically and I wanted to be sure of clear margins. I kept my nipple and have a scar under the breast fold. The implant goes under the pectoral muscle with a sling made of cadaver skin to hold everything in place. There was definitely a bit of healing to be done, some pain and tightness around the muscle where it had been separated from my breastbone but it was feeling fine after 8 weeks. Almost 9 months on it has softened a lot and looks no different to my other breast.
Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. Hopefully you have several options and can make the decision that's right for you. Jane xx