Forum Discussion

Jules74's avatar
Jules74
Member
12 years ago

Reconstruction advice pls

Although still in the midst of various pathology, CT Scans, bone scans etc I do know that mastectomy is imminent - most likely next Friday. I also know that I will be opting for a reconstruction. I am aware if the various options that are available to me but would very much like to hear about the pros & cons of each from those of you who have already walked the path. Pls share your experiences with me, your wisdom would be appreciated as I will be having to make some very big decisions in the coming few weeks. Jules x

6 Replies

  • Janey235's avatar
    Janey235
    Member
    12 years ago
    Yeah I know what you mean about those poker faces. Actually though, the radiologist who was checking for a blood clot recently said to me whilst I was on the table, "yep there it is" about the one in my eight leg. I couldn't believe that he told me on the spot. I asked my GP when I got back to the surgery and she said "oh he shouldn't have told you". Why ever not I wonder. She was going to tell me then anyway. Go figure. Take care and try to rest up Jules. Love Janey xxx
  • Jules74's avatar
    Jules74
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hey Janey, Yes, I tend to awaken at all wacky times these days & lay in my bed surfing the Internet or FB or whatever - hence my 3am post the other day - lol. Sometimes I post just to see if anyone else is awake that I can have a bit of a text chat to. :-) I've had both CT Scans & a PET Scan (bone scan) done this week as part of the staging process. I really hate when you have that stuff done & no one is willing to tell you on the spot what they may have seen on the pics. We all know the radiologists etc know exactly what they're looking at so it's like there's this secret that everybody else in the room knows but you - they've got damn good poker faces too I can tell you.

    hey - I wrote a crapload more than this, where's it all gone dammit!?

    can't be bothered with re-write - follow up appt to get results of everything is this coming Monday. Surgery date for mastectomy not confirmed but I believe it will most likely be next Friday.

    Jules Xx

  • Jeniren's avatar
    Jeniren
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Jules

    4 weeks ago I had a bilateral double mastectomy with reconstruction with spacers.  Please keep in mind that there are such things as skin sparing and nipple sparing mastectomies.  But being able to have them depends on your diagnosis and the location of your cancer.  Also, it depends on the surgeon and if they are trained in this type of surgery.

    My greatest advice to you is to make sure you go to an oncologist breast surgeon who works directly with a plastic surgeon.  Make sure that they are adepth with all of the latest surgeries that are being offered in Europe and the USA.  Do your research - there is so much information out there on the net.

    My reconstruction is going well and even though the spacers are uncomfortable at times I am finding that with each inflation of saline I am feeling better and better about the process and I am starting to see results.

    If I can help in any further way please let me know.  Best of luck with your decision making.  xxx

  • Janey235's avatar
    Janey235
    Member
    12 years ago

    I see you are an insomniac like me. Hope you get some sleep tonight. I did eventually go to sleep around 2.30am. Don't worry too much, it will all be much easier when you've made your decision and things start happen. Did you mean your surgery is this Friday for you Mastectomy? Where are you having it done? Cheers Janey xxx

  • Janey235's avatar
    Janey235
    Member
    12 years ago
    I so remember the uncertainty of reconstruction. What type, when to have it done, what will be the recovery etc etc etc. It was mind boggling! Such a tough time. I was so very lucky to be contacted by Louise Turner when posting about my uncertainty. She generously sent me her personal photos of her reconstruction journey through bilateral mastectomy and DIEP/TRAM procedure which was what I was thinking of having and did eventually have. She then created the group 'Breast Reconstruction' on this site and I was the first the join. There are now nearly 150 members and still growing and full of inspirational and intimate stories and photos of many women's experiences with reconstruction. Here is the link to the group if you'd like to join and read for yourself the many posts of invaluable information. http://www.bcna.org.au/group/61026 The group is totally private so only it's members can see photos and stories posted here. I suggest you start by reading the stories with photos and you can find these, once you're a member by clicking on the 'blog' tab and then going to the 'filter by tag' on the right hand side. Here's the link too for convenience http://www.bcna.org.au/node/61026/blog/tag/Photo%20stories I wish you good luck with your surgery on Friday Jules and also with your choice of reconstruction. Stay in touch and let us know how you get on. Hugs to you. Love Janey xxx