What makes you have a reconstruction?
I had a mastectomy done and didn't choose implant or reconstruction as I had wanted to get into surgery quickly before Xmas. I didn't want to see a plastic surgeon as it was so close to Xmas and was f...
Forum Discussion
@Jane221 Thankyou for your story.
I agree about the benefits to general health but I often feel because I chose reconstruction I am being judged for not wanting to tough it out with having scars (well I still have those). Campaigns for bc now show women without reconstruction, which is great, but you almost feel that you haven't suffered the same as you chose a different path. I don't know that I am explaining this well. I often show women my reconstruction not to boast but to show it is possible. Such small numbers of Australian women have reconstruction. ..but so many who don't do suffer physically and psychologically due to the physical trauma caused from the treatment that hopefully saves our lives.
I attended an YWCA encore program where there were a number of younger women present. A passing comment by the person running it stung me..."I never felt the need to or could see the necessity of having a reconstruction." Hmmm. Unfortunately I can't incorporate her tone here adequately. Whilst I happily support all women's choices ...I don't feel you should be made to feel that you are "vain" or "shallow" because you chose the path....or that you suffered less. (hell the surgery is even worse for reconstruction) I've always prided myself in accepting who I am...I wear little make up, have allowed myself to go grey (which skyrocketed with chemo) and don't spend much money on clothing, cosmetics or even shampoo.
Nobody would suggest if you lost a nose or an ear if they could reconstruct that you shouldn't. The function doesn't really return with those reconstructions either but for psychological reasons it is considered very important. So why are not breasts thought of in the same way?
Just food for thought.
I hope all women are given the choice to reconstruct or not. I also hope all women are supported with their decisions either way and also are informed if they are unhappy with their choice it can be reconsidered later, regardless of age.
I agree about the benefits to general health but I often feel because I chose reconstruction I am being judged for not wanting to tough it out with having scars (well I still have those). Campaigns for bc now show women without reconstruction, which is great, but you almost feel that you haven't suffered the same as you chose a different path. I don't know that I am explaining this well. I often show women my reconstruction not to boast but to show it is possible. Such small numbers of Australian women have reconstruction. ..but so many who don't do suffer physically and psychologically due to the physical trauma caused from the treatment that hopefully saves our lives.
I attended an YWCA encore program where there were a number of younger women present. A passing comment by the person running it stung me..."I never felt the need to or could see the necessity of having a reconstruction." Hmmm. Unfortunately I can't incorporate her tone here adequately. Whilst I happily support all women's choices ...I don't feel you should be made to feel that you are "vain" or "shallow" because you chose the path....or that you suffered less. (hell the surgery is even worse for reconstruction) I've always prided myself in accepting who I am...I wear little make up, have allowed myself to go grey (which skyrocketed with chemo) and don't spend much money on clothing, cosmetics or even shampoo.
Nobody would suggest if you lost a nose or an ear if they could reconstruct that you shouldn't. The function doesn't really return with those reconstructions either but for psychological reasons it is considered very important. So why are not breasts thought of in the same way?
Just food for thought.
I hope all women are given the choice to reconstruct or not. I also hope all women are supported with their decisions either way and also are informed if they are unhappy with their choice it can be reconsidered later, regardless of age.