Breast reconstruction Advice

Hi @ntran
I also endorse comments above about joining the private choosing breast reconstruction group on here - I found it very helpful.

Great info there @Abbydog

Sorry to see you here @ntran - as both ladies have mentioned - joining the Breast Reconstruction group will help - where you can raise any questions in total privacy & see pics of 'before & after'. @Carissa_BCNA - could ntran's membership be fast tracked, please?

Everyone's case is different & as Abbydog mentions - some treatments may even adversely affect some reconstruction plans too - so some members don't have the recon done immediately.  

You could also join the Young Women group - to chat with similar aged members, who also may have young children.

Is your surgeon a Plastic Surgeon as well as a Breast Cancer surgeon?  Not all are.

If you add your town/region to your profile, we may have members nearby who you can chat with & even meet up (when possible) for a coffee & chat xx

take care & all the best for your decision making.

Jump on here for some 'general' info on the forum, including what to take to hospital with you & other bits that may interest you (even some humorous bits xx)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

I had Stage 2, Grade 3 Ductal BC. My treatment was as a Private patient,
I say this only because it sometimes changes the speed of things and the choices.
I was not offered any immediate reconstruction at all.
He and I were very happy to get my Cancer out ASAP.
I required SMX with axillary clearance, 20 weeks duration of Chemo and 5 weeks of Radiotherapy.
Now I am on Aromatase Inhibitors for 5-10 years.
This year I have had reconstruction. 
My story is on the Group 'Choosing Breast Reconstruction'.
It is a discussion called 'Not suitable for DIEP My Reconstruction'
There are photos and my reasons for my choice.
I am very happy.
I believe my initial Breast surgeon was keen to get my Cancer under control and for me to be fully
recovered from my treatments.
If you should need radiotherapy, it may change you decision on what to do.
R/T can spoil some reconstructions and damage Implants.
I had Lat Dorsi on my Cancer side.
That side feels a bit thicker, with more side boob. The Lat Dorsi does include bringing the muscle 
through under the arm ( under the skin), this does make my side under arm a little firmer and thicker.
This is still much better than being flat on that side.
It was large surgery, but I also had breast surgery to the other side at the same time.
This took 8hrs and 7 nights in hospital. Mostly waiting for my 6 wound drains to slow down.
Don't be in a hurry. 
Reconstruction can be done later. 
Do you know what extent of treatment you need?
Ask me anything.
If your treatment is extensive, you may have Income Protection 
in your Superannuation to access. If so get the forms started ASAP, it takes a bit of time.
All the very best.

Hi Nhan,
I’ve just signed you up to the choosing breast reconstruction group.