Forum Discussion
Lumpectomy didn't work - now what?
After being diagnosed on my 50th birthday, I'm now staring down the mastectomy path given we didn't get clear margins on the lumpectomy. No chemo or radiation required. Of course I've got the sta...
Dear cheezelbug,
Do you know, if you still do not need R/T? I only ask, because if that is now on the table, it can change reconstruction options. I'm unable to answer as a small breasted person. But I did find out amongst the PS photos, if one breast is reconstructed or done differently. There can be asymmetry occurring with weight gain or loss. I say this only so that you can ask appropriate questions. I had wanted DIEP and I would have had a double, because this op can only be done once. Unfortunately for me, on CT scan my abdominal blood vessels were not suitable. So that choice was taken from me. I started with having had a single Mastectomy. Having said all of this I am very happy with my Reconstruction, which included a Prophylactic Mastectomy to my other side. I have same size implants in each breast. My breasts feel good, but not like my old ones. I do miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. But I'm alive, and I have reduced my risk of recurrence. My life is moving forward. I hope all of our opinions help. At least you will have thought it through. All the best.
Do you know, if you still do not need R/T? I only ask, because if that is now on the table, it can change reconstruction options. I'm unable to answer as a small breasted person. But I did find out amongst the PS photos, if one breast is reconstructed or done differently. There can be asymmetry occurring with weight gain or loss. I say this only so that you can ask appropriate questions. I had wanted DIEP and I would have had a double, because this op can only be done once. Unfortunately for me, on CT scan my abdominal blood vessels were not suitable. So that choice was taken from me. I started with having had a single Mastectomy. Having said all of this I am very happy with my Reconstruction, which included a Prophylactic Mastectomy to my other side. I have same size implants in each breast. My breasts feel good, but not like my old ones. I do miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. But I'm alive, and I have reduced my risk of recurrence. My life is moving forward. I hope all of our opinions help. At least you will have thought it through. All the best.