Reconstruction or not?
Hello, Two years ago I was diagnosed with BC and had a lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen. Last week I received the news that I have 2 separate cancers in the other breast. Both Her2, one hormone...
Forum Discussion
Hi @rladdley, it is pretty overwhelming trying to make these decisions. I had a BMX in June with expanders and I just had implants put in on Friday night. I knew from my diagnosis last December that I wanted the BMX. I did chemo first so I had lots of time to think it all over. I also worked with a psychologist to help me process everything. I realised that reconstruction was something I wanted, but this is a very personal choice. There is a great app that I used - BRECONDA - which helps in the decision making.
My surgeon was excellent in that he did not try to influence my decision regarding reconstruction in any way, however, he was very supportive of my decision to have the BMX. I also had very dense breasts, that were very difficult to image - mammograms did not show my tumour - so that made my decision easier. I am 54 and very happy with my reconstruction decision, but as @Afraser says, there are many individual factors to consider.
One important thing to remember is that you can have reconstruction in the future if you want to, you don’t have to have it now - you have time to think. My plastic surgeon has been fantastic and said to me that if I don’t like the implants, I can have them removed or try a different procedure. The point he made was that it was my decision and whilst I did not have a lot of choices in relation to treatment/surgery etc, reconstruction was totally my choice and I was in control.
The reconstruction is not urgent, so I recommend taking your time if you are unsure, ask your surgeon for the names of the plastic surgeons he works with and perhaps make an appointment to see one of them so you can talk through your options. I spoke with my plastic surgeon as I was having chemo so I knew what options I had etc. All the best for your surgery and I am happy to answer any questions. Take care Mx
My surgeon was excellent in that he did not try to influence my decision regarding reconstruction in any way, however, he was very supportive of my decision to have the BMX. I also had very dense breasts, that were very difficult to image - mammograms did not show my tumour - so that made my decision easier. I am 54 and very happy with my reconstruction decision, but as @Afraser says, there are many individual factors to consider.
One important thing to remember is that you can have reconstruction in the future if you want to, you don’t have to have it now - you have time to think. My plastic surgeon has been fantastic and said to me that if I don’t like the implants, I can have them removed or try a different procedure. The point he made was that it was my decision and whilst I did not have a lot of choices in relation to treatment/surgery etc, reconstruction was totally my choice and I was in control.
The reconstruction is not urgent, so I recommend taking your time if you are unsure, ask your surgeon for the names of the plastic surgeons he works with and perhaps make an appointment to see one of them so you can talk through your options. I spoke with my plastic surgeon as I was having chemo so I knew what options I had etc. All the best for your surgery and I am happy to answer any questions. Take care Mx