Deciding on Reconstruction or not

Hi Kel

My surgeon does the nipples on the third op. First is mastectomy and expander, second is removal of expander and insert implant, time between these ops depends on how big you want to be. Then everything left to settle in it's final place approx 6 weeks then nipple reconstruction. This is so they get them in the right place otherwise they may settle differently and the end result wouldn't be as good. My understanding is they use the skin that is already there and just pinch or pucker it. I have seen a photo and to be honest was better than my old one. Then if you decide you want too you can get it tattooed to create an areola - I'm going for a nice small one, I like the look better and I'm not real keen on getting tattooed, surely it's got to hurt. I googled it like I google everything so do the same. I have found it is harder to get images of reconstructed boobs but some are out there.

Your biggest op is the first, I have been told the second is easy because the pocket has been created so is straightforward and the third is easiest of all approximately 20-30minutes. Can even be done under local apparently.

As with recovery when I woke up it felt like I had a truck parked on my chest. Not really pain just pressure and I could only take little breaths. But I had morphine on one of those pumps that you just push when you need it also  helps with sleep so I went with it. By the next day the morphine pump was removed and I was up and about moving around, although had 4 drains attached. I suffered nausea and dizziness a bit which I was surprised about as I don't normally. Probably from moving around too much, being a mum of two 4 and 8 sitting down doesn't happen very often does it? Apparently it is common with this type of breast surgery so I just took all the tablets they offered - I don't normally even take panadol but I wasn't taking any chances. I was also so relieved to have the cancer out and the major surgery over I think I was on a high for the first week even though I was still waiting on results.

As for now I have a weird neuralgia (nerve problem) down my upper inner and under arms and also down my sides. It just feels really burnt and sensitive. I have just started some medication for this so I am hoping for some relief soon.

As for driving I was able to after my post op appointment two weeks after surgery. However everything is still really tender so as much as I love my independance wouldn't attempt a long drive or in too much traffic. School runs etc ok!

Although I was hoping to keep nipples I am happy now I don't have to worry as much and feel it is a small price to pay for peace of mind. At the end of the day we would all happily live without boobs if it was life or death. Luckily for us we now have more choices.

Any more questions fire away - you have probably worked out I'm a talker!!!

Take care

Lara xx

Hi Renae,

I had a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction 3 weeks ago as I couldn't imagine what/ how I would be without one breast (let alone two...)

I have to say that I'm happy with my decision.  I took my time making peace with my actions, so I agree with Annie - give yourself time.  Each of us may be on this journey, but there are many different paths.  I hope that you find your place on your path.

Take care,

Mon

Like Tonya, I've had breast cancer twice too (2002 and 2011). The first time I just had a lumpectomy (with chemo & radiation). This time I had a mastectomy. I'm getting sick of my prosthesis, and I've decided to get the other boob off because I had the first cancer at 34 and the second at 43 which they said is pretty young for two separate primaries. I'm booked in on 6th September for mastectomy and double reconstruction and I can't wait! Our sex life has definitely been affected by the mastectomy because I feel a bit self-conscious, and I'd like to wear clothes without a bra  at home without being lopsided. I also want my cleavage back!! I can't wear certain clothes at the moment, which the reconstruction will fix. These may sound like pretty superficial reasons, but it will make me feel a lot better. I'm only 44 damn it!! I want boobs!! Good luck with your decision xx Jane

I know how you feel.It has been 2 years since my mastectomy and I'm still not sure! This was my second bout of bc(2003 had a lumpectomy).So I can only have a diep reconstruction due to radiation tightening my skin. I have had 3 ankle operations inbetween so don't feel I can do anymore surgery at the moment. I tend to forget about my prosthesis once I'm dressed but getting undressed is still hard.I don't do" naked" anymore.I sometimes have trouble shopping for tops with a higher neckline. I've adjusted but I couldn't say I'm completely ok with living with one boob.Don't rush into recon until you are very sure about it.My surgeon told me that about a quarter of her patients go for recon. I probably haven't helped you but at least you don't feel alone coping with one boob.

                       Tonya xx