Challenging my perceptions of body image!
I'm new to this group and was keen to hear about other people's experience with how they chose whether to have a reconstruction or not with a mastectomy. And how they felt afterwards. I've just turne...
Forum Discussion
I'm sorry for your recurrences.
So far I've only had BC once. Stage 2 Grade 3 Ductal, Estrogen sensitive. In 2020. At 61 yrs age.
I had Mastectomy with axillary clearance on my Right side.
I was not distressed at being flat one side. But I hated my prosthesis.
My bra seemed to always swing one way.
I then considered going Flat both sides.
I am a bit chubby, and decided that my tummy would stick out too much.
So then I looked into Reconstruction.
I wanted a DIEP, but I was not suitable.
Then I chose a Lat Dorsi to R side (recommended for me due to having had Radiotherapy)
At same time of that surgery, I had a prophylactic Mastectomy to my L side. In 2022.
My main concern was symmetry.
I had tissue expanders and then breast implants.
I have symmetry and am very happy. I will need new implants in 10-15 yrs.
I miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. I will get nipple tattoos, just to look finished.
Overall, I'm happy. Dressing is easier now, and I sometimes go braless at 65.
All the best with your decision making.
So far I've only had BC once. Stage 2 Grade 3 Ductal, Estrogen sensitive. In 2020. At 61 yrs age.
I had Mastectomy with axillary clearance on my Right side.
I was not distressed at being flat one side. But I hated my prosthesis.
My bra seemed to always swing one way.
I then considered going Flat both sides.
I am a bit chubby, and decided that my tummy would stick out too much.
So then I looked into Reconstruction.
I wanted a DIEP, but I was not suitable.
Then I chose a Lat Dorsi to R side (recommended for me due to having had Radiotherapy)
At same time of that surgery, I had a prophylactic Mastectomy to my L side. In 2022.
My main concern was symmetry.
I had tissue expanders and then breast implants.
I have symmetry and am very happy. I will need new implants in 10-15 yrs.
I miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. I will get nipple tattoos, just to look finished.
Overall, I'm happy. Dressing is easier now, and I sometimes go braless at 65.
All the best with your decision making.