Upcoming masectomy
Hi all, Second time around for me unfortunately. Diagnosed 2016, Triple Negative breast cancer aged 37. Gene tested, negative result. Full treatment and got to almost 4 years cancer free. Fast ...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Kell these decisions are always hard when there are choices involved - both presented by highly skilled professionals. This is a very personal choice. I can only let you know what I did and why. I chose to have a BMX because I had years of monitoring my dense and complex breast tissue - sitting in the waiting zone when everyone had left because I needed a biopsy/cyst drained etc; waiting for results the next day; the relief and then of course the day came when it wasn’t relief, it was the diagnosis and everything that followed.
I also think that the pathology can sometimes change things as @FLClover has said.
I asked about saving the nipple of my good breast and was told there would be little to no sensitivity - there are no guarantees on the final outcome. I also had really large breasts, so surgery was always going to be pretty complex. There was also an issue of symmetry for me. My PS was very supportive of my decision.
I had expanders under the muscle and have switched to implants and I am extremely thrilled with my results. I will be having the nipples tattooed on later in the year.
As I said, it is a personal decision. I talked it all through with a psychologist to make sure I was at one with my choice. One of my fabulous medical team explained that each of them - the surgeons, the plastic surgeons etc have their own agendas but ultimately it is your choice. My surgeon and PS both were really encouraging to me to have what I wanted as while treatment can be hard, it is for a short time and the reconstruction is for many years to come - so it is important to have what you want. My PS was really a part of my recovery - putting me back together, listening to me and doing his absolute best to achieve the best outcome. Give your PS a call if you need more information and ask lots of questions as it all helps. All the best with your decision. Mx
I also think that the pathology can sometimes change things as @FLClover has said.
I asked about saving the nipple of my good breast and was told there would be little to no sensitivity - there are no guarantees on the final outcome. I also had really large breasts, so surgery was always going to be pretty complex. There was also an issue of symmetry for me. My PS was very supportive of my decision.
I had expanders under the muscle and have switched to implants and I am extremely thrilled with my results. I will be having the nipples tattooed on later in the year.
As I said, it is a personal decision. I talked it all through with a psychologist to make sure I was at one with my choice. One of my fabulous medical team explained that each of them - the surgeons, the plastic surgeons etc have their own agendas but ultimately it is your choice. My surgeon and PS both were really encouraging to me to have what I wanted as while treatment can be hard, it is for a short time and the reconstruction is for many years to come - so it is important to have what you want. My PS was really a part of my recovery - putting me back together, listening to me and doing his absolute best to achieve the best outcome. Give your PS a call if you need more information and ask lots of questions as it all helps. All the best with your decision. Mx