Forum Discussion

hilsandglen's avatar
hilsandglen
Member
14 years ago

Reconstruction

Its been a while since I have written on my blog. I have been reading some posts by some wonderfully brave ladies xxx

I am about to finish my herceptin and have very mixed feelings about that ! I was just wondering if there are any of you out there who have chosen not to have a reconstruction after a mastectomy ?

Everyone I know has started their reconstructions and I feel quite odd that I dont want have one.

I am just not ready to have more operations but more importantly I feel that my new body is fine.

Would love to hear of others feelings about this xxx

Regards Hilary 

8 Replies

  • Sue_F's avatar
    Sue_F
    Member
    14 years ago
    Like you Hilary I have chosen not to have reconstruction after my mastectomy in Nov last year. I had to return to theatre with a haematoma six hours after surgery and lost 1 litre of blood . This set me back considerably as my blood pressure remained very low for several days as well as a low blood count. After some thought I decided against more surgery, and although I am not happy with only one boob, like Tonya once I am dressed for the day I forget about it. Everyone makes their own individual decision for whatever reason and are hopefully happy with it. Take care Sue
  • Sue_F's avatar
    Sue_F
    Member
    14 years ago
    Like you Hilary I have chosen not to have reconstruction after my mastectomy in Nov last year. I had to return to theatre with a haematoma six hours after surgery and lost 1 litre of blood . This set me back considerably as my blood pressure remained very low for several days as well as a low blood count. After some thought I decided against more surgery, and although I am not happy with only one boob, like Tonya once I am dressed for the day I forget about it. Everyone makes their own individual decision for whatever reason and are hopefully happy with it. Take care Sue
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    14 years ago

    I'm abit like you in the way that I couldn't stomach anymore surgery for the moment. In a space of 7 years I had 2 breast surgeries and 3 ankle operations.I couldn't say that I am comfortable with only one boob but I don't dwell on it.Once I'm dressed I forget about it for the day.My surgeon is the only person who sees me topless now. I find it hard sometimes to buy higher neckline tops.I won't completely rule out reconstruction down the track but just not jumping into for now.

                                                              Tonya xx

  • hilsandglen's avatar
    hilsandglen
    Member
    14 years ago

    I would love to have my other breast off, am going to ask my surgeon next time I see him x I am not excactly happy with my new body I just don't want to have more surgery. I thought your age was a typo LOL hope you are doing well xxx

  • hilsandglen's avatar
    hilsandglen
    Member
    14 years ago

    I would love to have my other breast off, am going to ask my surgeon next time I see him x I am not excactly happy with my new body I just don't want to have more surgery. I thought your age was a typo LOL hope you are doing well xxx

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    14 years ago

    sorry if im 401 years old im doing well!!meant to be 41!!!

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Hilary im 401 years old and had my mastectomey chemo radiation and herceptin.I chose not to have a reconstruction.After all the treatment i just didnt feel a need to have more surgery.I looked at options but found there would be a lot of scarring and then tattooing a nipple on.I thought i wouldnt be to satisfied with it anyway and didnt want to risk infection or something going wrong.

    If i had of known what i know now i would of asked them to take my other breast as well.I dont like being left with one.Maybe down the track i might see if something can be done about it.

     everyone is differant and has their own personal choice about it.So glad you are happy with your body.Im still not quite comfortable in my new skin.

    Take care Annie

  • Shazinoz's avatar
    Shazinoz
    Member
    14 years ago

    You don't have to have one. It is your right and decision to make this choice. To have a reconstruction like you said entails more surgery, and if you are happy with your body and don't want more surgery (now or ever) that is YOUR choice.

    I say you go girl with any choice you make. And good on you for being comfortable with your new body. that may be the difference between you adn the other women you mentioned, they may never have got to the "I'm fine with my new body" stage.

    I persoanlly had a reconstruction and I had mine at the time of my mastectomy and I personally am happy with that, but again this was MY choice, and this is YOUR chioce. WE are all different (isn't that WONDERFUL), so what is right for one woman (or even 100 other women) is not right for all women.