No reconstruction after double mast

All the best for your surgery, @Vix1963

If you join the reconstruction group, there should be an array of pics to check out .... but if you have a look here, you can check out the tattoos that many others have had done.
https://www.google.com/search?q=mastectomy+tattoos&tbm=isch&hl=en-GB&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj08J2v_v75AhV8gGMGHeL7Do0QrNwCKAB6BQgBEPUB&biw=1834&bih=946

The 2nd one (almost the full chest with shoulder straps) is quite well known & rather stunning!

Take care & all the best xx

Hi @Marketta
As most have said it is such a personal decision and you will know what is right for you. I had a single mastectomy in April with no reconstruction and am waiting to see my surgeon in October for a check up and to discuss having my other breast removed no reconstruction as soon as I can which will probably be after chemo finishes next year. I had chemo first prior to surgery and found that gave me time to think about what I wanted pros and cons etc, and I just knew that I didn't want anything foreign in my body more that what I was already kind of having and didn't want the risk of anything more going wrong or having to have further surgery for things to be removed etc.
I don't think I have ever really been attached to my breasts if that makes sense, I don't feel like I will be any less of who I am with them gone. If I had a smaller breast size I may have considered not having the other one removed and would just get on with the prosthesis and one breast but I am a C/D cup and would rather just go flat and also reduce any risk no matter how small that risk may be. 
I wish you luck and all the best making the decision that is right for you xx 

Stage 2b invasive lobular cancer of L breast.
double mastectomy bad for Oct 6th- was initially offered DIEP but after two strokes, hoke in heart repair and 6 months chemo I’ve decided body had enough and needs to repair. I don’t want to go thru op after op fixing up issues from DIEP (necrosis etc) implants too. I’ve decided to embrace the flat brigade- I asked my surgeon for Aesthetic Flat closure- a form of reconstruction of the chest wall at the time of mastectomy, so my chest will be smooth and flat, no dog ears, no concave - I hope.
eventually a tattoo acros scar
would anyone here kindly share their pic please?.

@Marketta Hi, as others have said u have to feel that your decision is right for you! In my case I have had a sh** 12 mths and having DIEP reconstruction 2 weeks ago of both breasts from my abdomen, including mastectomy of my "good" breast performed by my original surgeon in conjunction with my wonderful Plastic Surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk, Kawana has made me feel so optimistic for the future. I would have been happy to stay flat, however my original surgeon would not do my "good" breast when I was first diagnosed so I was very lopsided. I also had a persistent seroma (later diagnosed as low grade staph. Infection and treated after 7 mths with special antibiotics) so always had a small painful size A  breast anyway on the b/c side. I decided to investigate DIEP and was assured the seroma pocket would b removed and it was. I am so relieved that the op. and recovery was so easy. Left hospital less than 5 days later and could get in and out of bed, didn't need an electronic chair to sleep in. Best decision FOR me. All the best making your decision

@Marketta as every one has said it's each to their own and what you feel is for you. There's no right or wrong on this part of the journey. I'm nearly 2 years since diagnosis (Oct 2017) and turning 53 next month. I initially had left removed then additional nodes a month later. Surgeon refused to remove both so I went through chemo and radiation with just the right boob. Oh a sad saggy bag it was! Anyway I finally had it removed last November and the feeling of freedom both mentally anf physically was instant. I've chosen for the moment not to have reconstruction as I wanted to get on with life and find my new normal. In no hurry to have more surgery.It really hasn't bothered me not having boobs. If I go out I wear the prosthetics (I wear the swimming ones) and have used them in bathers too. To be honest growing my hair back or slowing shifting weight gained from chemo bothers me more. With that said, never say never. I might wake up one day and want some new boobies.
Good luck x

hi Marketta, sorry this is a bit late in replying to you.... been away for a week. 
I had a double mastectomy and no reconstruction back in 2012... 
I am very happy with my decision and dont even wear prothesises

I have lots of allergies and decided 1 surgery was enough 

@Marketta it's a very personal decision, I also wanted to say without any shadow of a doubt, reconstruction and particularly a Diep flap has nothing to do with vanity. I know speaking for myself if thats why I had my single mastectomy/diep flap?? I would never be happy. In terms of courage, reconstruction takes an enormous amount, it is a very tough road for recovery. My decision to reconstruct had nothing to do with my appearance, that got left at the door when I had a recurrence in 2015 and had to undergo further surgery and chemo. Did I grieve the long blonde hair? size 10? and D cups I were? sure did! but how I looked had nothing on how I actually felt, this was the clincher of my decision, I love myself more than I ever have inspite of my physicality that Ive lost these past few years. The reconstruction was so much deeper for me it was psychological, but what I learnt prior to doing it was, it wasnt about how they looked whether I reconstructed or not, it was about how I psychologically could cope with loving me and feeling the most normal.

Take your time, it is super personal and none of it is brave, to do it or not, its all very hard. M 

Thank you @Zoffiel - found your post and commented.  You have helped me with my indecision !  Anne

I've sent you a DM.  :)

@BlackWidow it was a post called something like 11 years 8 ops in the CBR group