Hi. I had bilateral mastectomies in January 2014 and haven't had reconstruction and don't wear prostheses. I already had a secondary in my spine at diagnosis. I always had huge breasts and love not wearing a bra but wonder whether I may become more selfconscious the further I get from diagnosis although I was very sick with a nasty wound infection after my mastectomies so surgery makes me a little anxious. Anyone else feel like this?
Unless its a life threatening thing where I need further surgery I am happy with must my left mastectomy and auxillary clearance. I loathe going to hospitals even to visit any one. Quite happy with how I look but the only problem I have is with buttons. I must remember to pull the shirt forward and down so they line up properly from the bottom. I don't know how many times I have forgotten that and ended up with lopsided buttons done up.
Hi DoubleD,
There is absolutely no right or wrong here - just what is best for you. As the other ladies have said, if at some time in the future you want to have reconstruction, then that is usually an option - even many years down the track - but there are lots of women who are quite happy to forego any more surgery and are living very happily without reconstruction. The important thing is that women are informed of all the choices available to them so that they can make the decision that is right for them.
You might be interested in this website, which celebrates women post-mastectomy who have chosen not to reconstruct: flatandfabulous.org If you do decide you want to explore reconstruction, please feel free to join the Breast Reconstruction group here, or check out the information and resources available on the Reclaim Your Curves website.
Best wishes, Jane xx
Hi Doubled,
You love not wearing a bra after years of having huge breasts. That is your answer right there. YOU are more comfortable just the way you are right now. That is all that matters.
I had a single mastectomy in 2013. I have never had reconstruction and for me, that is the right decision. I wear a prosthesis and bras that are comfortable and allow me to lead an active life. It is not a problem for me and does not affect my quality of life. I am very comfortable with how I look to the rest of the world (dressed and even in my swimmers too) and very ok with what I see in the mirror undressed too.
If I was not happy I know that I have the option of reconstruction even years later. All that matters is how you feel about your own situation. It can be different for everyone because there are so many variables. If you are comfortable now then just go with that. In my experience I have not changed my mind or wished that I had done anything differently.
Just keep enjoying the comfort of no bra!! Deanne xxx
Hi I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction because that is what I wanted and was right for me. I believe it is a very personal choice and one that is right for you. I have no regrets it has been a long process. So as long as you are happy bugger any one else
I've started my reconstruction but do feel even with it I have such a different body shape. I too had really big boobs but tiny shoulders with an enormous bottom and legs which balanced nicely, now I feel very bottom heavy ...especially as gaining weight with treatment. The reconstruction though has meant I am comfortable undressing (except my current tummy due to weight gain lol). I had an immediate tissue expander implant reconstruction and am happy with the appearance even though not complete.
If you feel comfortable then that's fine. I guess however if you begin to feel very self conscious or unhappy then you can always reconsider. Kath x
Hi Doubled
I had one mastectomy only and do wear a prosthesis (would look distinctly odd and lop sided otherwise as, like you, I have/had big boobs), but nearly 4 years later have no regrets about not having reconstruction. Hard to tell when it's not you but if I had lost both I suspect I may have made the same decision too.
My decision was partly because I really don't want any more surgery ( I had a year long seroma, which resulted in a number of infections, the last one really serious) and because I don't want any more scars, implants or anything else.
I am comfortable with how I look, so is my husband, and I am not in the habit of stripping off elsewhere (although after cancer treatment, you do get used to stripping off at the drop of a hat!).
My breast surgeon (who would love to do a reconstruction, but has never tried to influence me) says it's not something you need to make a decision on in a hurry, it can be done quite a lot later.
So nota problem if you change your mind in the future. Good luck with whatever you decide.
