Reconstruction

In some medical circles, and probably with very good intentions, there's a view that the loss of a breast is a whole different (much, much worse) level for all women than say loss of part of the bowel due to cancer. For many women that may be true. I had the impression when diagnosed that I would be in the minority if I did not have reconstruction but that of course is not the case. I didn't feel that way - I actually felt lucky that the affected part of me was one I was not currently "using" or likely to use in the future rather than an internal organ (or my brain). It's a highly individual response. It may not be that women are pushed into reconstruction, but maybe that increasing numbers in the US accept the conventional wisdom (reconstruction minimises loss, which is true for many) rather than pushing for what they think is comfortable for themselves.