Hi @Ballerina33
I remember the other website now - if you click on the BCNA Choosing Breast reconstruction group (or join if you haven't) and scroll down there are two links - one is the the BCNA Breast Reconstruction page, the other one is to the Reclaim Your Curves website - that was the one that I couldn't remember but accessed and read prior to surgery.
There is also a BCNA Flat Chat - No Breast Reconstruction group which I didn't join but may be worthwhile for you to look at
The BCNA Breast Reconstruction page had many stories and amazing photos - ladies were so generous to share their experiences and photos.
I did join a Going flat FB website which was also helpful in making my decision.
I had planned to not have a reconstruction. I thought it would be fine to not do that but my surgeon:
1. explained that he would only do the surgery while I was well and relatively healthy and
2. what could happen if the bc came back in the breast and spread further, then I wouldn't have the option
3. showed me photos of ladies that had no reconstruction.
It can minimise the tumor load and also help some people psychologically - which correct be correct for some
but I didn't want to not have the surgery then later on, if the bc returned, not have the option.
As everyone tells you, it is a very personal choice.
My oncologist said that the surgery won't necessarily save my life.
I also thought that I would prefer to use my own body fat etc but I didn't have enough so had to have the implant.
Also the surgeon advised that if we did try to go ahead with the surgery where you use your own body fat/muscle it is a longer surgery with a much longer recovery time and when we weighed up all the options, the quicker surgery with quicker recovery time was a better choice for me. I did have some complications in hospital as I am on asprin due to a heart condition and had very low bp following surgery with a blackout, icu for one night, cardiac ward for 3 nights then a shared ward in the public hospital for about another 3 nights. I retained a lot of blood/fluid around the implant due to the asprin which the surgeon has to draw out in his surgery with a needle. I did really worry about the surgery as I had not had any prior to this.
I made the best decision that I could with the information that I had.
Do you have a MBC nurse to talk to? if you are regional like some of us, there is a McGrath mbc nurse available over the phone.
I tapped in to all the resources that I could. Including those out of my area.
have you thought about another opinion?? or opinions?
all the best with your decisions <3 <3
