Decisions

Yes I still have numbness across the scarline and naval area even after six months. I don't think that will ever go away completely. (I had a knee reconstruction 25 years ago and the scar is still numb). A lot of nerves have to be severed and they don't normally regenerate. Sometimes small nerve clusters regain some feeling but my Plastic Surgeon informs me that this is not the norm. The same thing with the reconstructed breasts, they don't have any feeling and it is quite weird but I'm getting used to it.

I had both breasts removed and reconstructed at the same time so I can't really answer your question about whether your other breast will be orgmented to match your mastecomy side. I believe that this is the case when you only have the one done and you can work that out with your PS. I had the two tumours and extensive DCIS in my left breast but I decided I wanted a prophylactic (preventative) removal of my right breast because I knew I would worry (probably for the rest of my life) about cancer in that breast and I didn't want to ever go through BC again. One of the deciding factors for me is that if I only had one breast removed by the tissue transfer method (TRAM/DIEP) and if I did have to have my right breast removed in the future, I could not do it by that method again. I would have to have an implant and that was definitely out of the question for me and, after researching, I believe that it is harder to achieve symmetry by using different methods. I am very happy with the results of my surgery. My new breasts are soft and warm and very natural looking. All I'm waiting for now is nipples and I will be complete :)

I am wishing you good luck with your coming surgery Sue and all the very best for the future.

Love Janey xxx