Forum Discussion

catey's avatar
catey
Member
5 years ago

Is reconstruction right for me -

I am very new to all of this and the site. I had a diagnosis in May. Surgery within 3 weeks and then straight into chemo in June. I was told by my surgeon because my margin surgery was still not 100% that following chemo, there would be a mastectomy of my right breast. And that included a reconstruction and reduction of left breast. Well, it's moved so fast that now I've finished chemo 3 weeks ago and met the surgeon and plastic surgeon but 2 weeks out I don't know that I can face a reconstruction. I'm older, not super fit, exhausted by chemo and just not sure I can cope with reconstruction surgery. I haven't concentrated on this during chemo as I couldn't do the thinking - I know I should have. I just accepted it because that's what I was told was happening. I'm really not certain I could cope with a reconstruction.  I'm struggling but thinking at this stage I'll opt for a mastectomy but really concerned of having a large remaining heavy breast on my left side. Actually, I really don't know what to do.
breast-reconstruction
mastectomy
surgery
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    5 years ago
    Dear @Catedwyer 

    My surgeon preferred to wait a full 12 months after surgery to do any reconstruction (he was very positive about a good outcome though). That took away any pressure at a difficult time. I decided not to have any at all and have never regretted that decision (8 years on). But I can’t overestimate how personal that decision is - there are no wrongs or rights. I too am large breasted - I wear a prosthesis, find it easy and am comfortable about how my body looks. Doing something you are uncertain about is always uncomfortable - your surgeons should be able to provide options for reconstruction now and later, so that you can defer if you feel that’s the best option for you. Best wishes. 
  • catey's avatar
    catey
    Member
    5 years ago
    thanks -it's hard making the decision so appreciate all feedback and resources.  Surgery for a reconstruction seems very daunting but it's the recovery that worries me the most. But I'm not sure opting out of reconstruction is the best option just because I'm nervous about recovery.  I don't want to minimise other people's experience though -