Decisions

Hiya Maz a mataz, you must be feeling overwhelmed right now after an appointment like that. Sometimes a Breast care nurse can fill in the gaps to help negotiate what you can do in your circumstances.

You mentioned that you are in the public system and would need to wait for reconstruction. My story is a bit like yours, lumpectomy did not achieve clear margins, so i decided to have a bilat mast and immediate reconstruction. i was not comfortable living with no breasts, and because the margins were not clear I was eligible to have a mastectomy with immediate recon, no waiting. No radiation.

From what you are saying, it sounds like they agree with you to have the mast, but want to delay recon due to radiation????? Radiation can have poor effects on reconstruction. However, my understanding is that you can have expanders placed at the mastectomy time, then have radiation and allow time for healing prior to having your final implants exchanged. Also, delayed reconstructions can look great as your body is well healed and mentally better prepared.

As far as having 7 operations related to reconstruction and the life long committment, it sounds like your surgeon is not keen on the reconstruction process. Is this a plastic surgeon???? breast surgeons are ofton more keen on breast conserving surgery. If you havenet seen a plastic surgeon, it would be a good idea to see one before making a decision about reconstruction. A plastic surgeon will be able to talk about other reconstruction procedures you might be eligable for also. I saw several plastics surgeons before making my choice, they seem to specialise in particular procedures.

The number of operations is a personal thing. Personally i have had 2 breast conserving surgeries (lumpectomy then re excsision), 1 mastectomy/ recon and 1 revision. It is normal to have revision surgery after reconstruction. I will be having a second revision then nipples. BUT I could have elected to have no revisions and no nipples. With implant reconstruction, it is normal to have at least 2, one for the expander, then one for exchange, then nipples. It really varies depending on you and your body. There are also some circumstances where a one step implant procedure can work. This is where there is no expander. So many options.

There is a private group here on BCNA dedicated to reconstruction you could join to chat to other ladies and see their pictures. Click on the link and request membership if you want to join. http://www.bcna.org.au/group/61026

I hope i haven't confused you, but I recall I wanted every piece of info i could get when at your stage. Take care, XXXLouie