Newly Diagnosed

I had a lumpectomy back last December after being rushed into making a decision within a week... Four days ago I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate free TRAM flap reconstruction. In hindsight I would have gone for this option right up front. I reasearched radiotherapy and was totally terrified of the long term side effects and in the end withdrew from them very early and changed the plan to this. All the doctors and nurses who have seen these new perky "barby boobs" have used the word amazing :-) I am very happy with the shape and size and cleavage and will get new nipples and tattooed areolas early next year. To do this you need a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon to work together. It was a 12 hour surgery and it is costing us many thousands out of pocket ($1000 gap for the BS, $8000 gap for the PS and $4000 gap for the anaesthetist). But hubby and I agree that the outcome and freedom from future worry of more BC in my breasts is worth it. Now I just need to worry about distant metastatic disease developing in other places. But for 85% of women it never does. Jenn