Forum Discussion

gurneys's avatar
gurneys
Member
9 years ago

Mastectomy

One week since my last chemo, one week since I learnt that I have the BRCA2 mutation.

I met with my surgeon today and we've decided double mastectomy is first on the cards seeing as I won't be having radiation now and therefore my cancer treatment is only half done. I didn't realise that meant they will now need to remove the sentinel nodes on my non-cancer side too, just to double check. Boo.

In terms of reconstruction, I need to decide - using my own body tissue or implants. I only have little boobies and have no wish to go bigger so I'm leaning towards my own body tissue. Would like to hear what others decided on and whether you were happy with the results. And nipples? Did you keep them or get new ones? (that sounds weird). If new ones, how do they look?

So much to process, so much to decide. Sigh. I'm a little over it.

x-Sherril

 

BRCA1-BRCA2
mastectomy

5 Replies

  • gurneys's avatar
    gurneys
    Member
    9 years ago

    Wow ,thanks so much for sharing that. Some great information there.

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    This is 10 weeks following surgery with tissue expanders....teardrop shape . Nb. I had very large breasts...hense skin reduction scars. So I still have an expansion and then changeover to go. I have skin sensation...and they are not cold as people often suggest...they are under skin and muscle. Kath.

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    Its a temporary implant that is expanded over time to stretch muscle and skin as needed. Once fully done it is then swapped over to a permanent implant. Mine was inserted at time of mastectomy so I awoke with breasts.  My surgeon put in a lot of expansion fluid so I wouldn't need to see him until after chemo...as I live 500km away. They look pretty good even though not complete. I have another expansion and changeover surgery to go...and probably some skin adjustment at same time.

  • gurneys's avatar
    gurneys
    Member
    9 years ago

    I think I'm a little confused about the tissue expander thing. What are they?

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    I had a bilateral but they only did sentinal nodes on the side the breast cancer was found. I always thought for preventative they didn't do nodes. I have had tissue expander reconstructions and am happy with the result. Have yet to replace my nipples. I couldn't keep the one on affected side so opted to not bother on the other. Hope all goes well.