I am having a hard time deciding. Any thoughts on living without a breast, I feel like I will ok in theory but then I wonder what the reality will be like. I am 48 years old and married, my husband is very supportive. I just don't know if I can go through any of the reconstruciton options. Many thanks, Renae

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

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

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

Hi girls :) it has been 2 yrs since I was diagnosed with bc and finally I have made the decision for a bilateral mastectomy and recon with expanders/ implants. I'm booked in for the 23rd July . I've lived with one boob for 2yrs and I'm now over it !!!! Im nervous as hell but have confidence with my doctors . Xxxx

Your post it just what I needed, in the same boat with the ducts/ nipples and choosing to take my other breast. I'm turning 40 in jan and have 2 boys 6 and 8 .one thing I didn't ask my surgeon is do they make the nipples when they do the exchange ? I've read to different ways, one said at the exchange they use the skin to make a new nipple. And another site said its done by a skin graft at a later time.Did u wake up ok from the op? How long b4 u could drive your children o school or move around freely? Sorry about all the questions.... Lol but I don't really know that many young lady's to ask :)) thanks again xx kel

Deciding on Reconstruction or not

58 Replies

kel016
Member
14 years ago
Thanks Lara , I had the first mastectomy 2yrs ago but it's taken this long to feel I could go back for more surgery.this time I've asked for the second mastectomy and then the start of inflaters.i came to the decision for two reasons, firstly they can't really see through my right breast tissue properly. And for me I would love to have a leakage again, not to wear low tops but o wear normal tops. The top of my mast has a bit of a dent there so all my tops are high:/// drives me mad in summer. Although it may take awhile to get used to boobs that look a little fake!!! I'm looking forward to getting rid of the tissue.i live in the country so u get support but u also get everyone knowing what u hae done b4 u do. So b4 I get asked a upfront question and stutter to get a answer out I'm preparing myself a one liner. So if someone was to say" have u got fake tits"? I'll quickly replyYES .... My real ones tried to kill me, so I had to cut them off!! Oh along with prior surgery, chemo , rays and medication!!! Lol not really a one liner but people can b really judgmental which I guess is human nature:) other than getting fit and eating healthy, enjoying my family and trying my hardest not to let anxiety get the better of me. This is the last thing I can do for them and me to try to prevent it from coming back at least in my breast. Didn't someone say that your 30's are the best yrs? Hugs kell xx
FD
Member
14 years ago
Good luck kel016 for Monday. Once the big one is over it is such a relief. Hang in there you can do it.

Lara xx
kel016
Member
14 years ago
Im booked in for surgery this coming Monday! Will be good to get the first part over with. Nervous !!!
kel016
Member
14 years ago
Im booked in for surgery this coming Monday! Will be good to get the first part over with. Nervous !!!
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Pauline, I forgot to mention about the pillows. I bought a boomerang pillow from Target, and then stacked another 2 pillows on top, so I was almost sitting up. I found this to support my back and shoulders quite well, and I did get use to sleeping like this for a few months. I also put a pillow under my knees, and that took the pressure off my back and was quite comfy. Now I can sleep comfortably on my side like before and it is wonderful. Good luck with your surgery. I have had no regrets about mine. Love Chris xx
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Pauline, I forgot to mention about the pillows. I bought a boomerang pillow from Target, and then stacked another 2 pillows on top, so I was almost sitting up. I found this to support my back and shoulders quite well, and I did get use to sleeping like this for a few months. I also put a pillow under my knees, and that took the pressure off my back and was quite comfy. Now I can sleep comfortably on my side like before and it is wonderful. Good luck with your surgery. I have had no regrets about mine. Love Chris xx
FD
Member
14 years ago
That last statement made me laugh. Also if someone had told me I would have to sleep on my back for a month I would have been concerned. I am a side sleeper. I actually slept half propped up for the most part and at times I did get quite sore all I could manage was about 5 hours straight. However one night in hospital a lovely nurse offered to get me a heat bag and it made a difference so get yourself one of those too. Try not to worry the first day is the worst and you will sleep most of it. The second day although stiff is much better I was up walking around (slowly) and just on a high of relief that the big surgery was over. You can do it promise xx
pauline263
Member
14 years ago
Hi Lara

Thanks for that. I am feeling much more comfortable with my decision and also not as worried about the pain.I wll try and get those piilows. I am a little concerened about sleeping on my back as I fractured my coxxyc last year and it still gets a bit sore If I lie flat for long periods of time.

I intend to take all the painkillers I can. Will be celebratng my 49th birthday on drugs - reminiscent of my 20's

pauline
FD
Member
14 years ago
I got my pillows from the Zonta District - google them and then send them an email telling them you are about to undergo double mastectomies and they will see you get them. That was in WA but I am sure it is worldwide. I also got two from a breast cancer nurse at Breast Cancer Care WA. So I donated the ones I got from Zonta back to Breast Cancer Care WA. They are free so worthwhile trying. I found I had to sleep on my back for the first month so I didn't use them as much as I originally thought but I felt better knowing they were there just in case. I used them in the car to protect the area from the pressure of a seatbelt and it helped then.

I hope that helps and good luck with your surgery I too have had a bilateral mastectomies and managed really well. As Chris said stiff at first but we manage. Just accept all painkillers offered, now is not the time to try and go without.

Lara xx
FD
Member
14 years ago
I got my pillows from the Zonta District - google them and then send them an email telling them you are about to undergo double mastectomies and they will see you get them. That was in WA but I am sure it is worldwide. I also got two from a breast cancer nurse at Breast Cancer Care WA. So I donated the ones I got from Zonta back to Breast Cancer Care WA. They are free so worthwhile trying. I found I had to sleep on my back for the first month so I didn't use them as much as I originally thought but I felt better knowing they were there just in case. I used them in the car to protect the area from the pressure of a seatbelt and it helped then.

I hope that helps and good luck with your surgery I too have had a bilateral mastectomies and managed really well. As Chris said stiff at first but we manage. Just accept all painkillers offered, now is not the time to try and go without.

Lara xx

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Deciding on Reconstruction or not

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