What to do after a mastectomy?

bevvzy - they dont do the nipple first, if you checkout my story in breast reconstruction, you can see the reconstructed breast minus the nipple. So at revision he creates a nipple, I'll be seeing my Plastic Surgeon next week to discuss exactly how he does the nipple, as that I haven't gotten to yet. :) 

haha, sorry, I just clicked on the link and not read it, the haha was to do with the picture which was the first thing I saw. If you cant have a laugh at yourself, then your screwed lol.  I have actually bookmarked it and will definitely be looking at it, so thanks heap - yet again!

@bevvzy There are a couple of ways to do this.  This site is good.

https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/nipple-reconstruction.html

melclariity, this will sound like such an odd question, but I am a newbie to this, diagnosis 2 weeks ago IDC, and mastectomy in 2 weeks on the 20th.  YOU were talking about the nipple, which raised a question I hadn't thought of, My question is, about the nipple, how do they create a nipple when doing a reconstruction? or cant they?

Vicki, I am so pleased to hear everything went well and you sounding so very happy with the way it all went!

Just wanted to mention, I finished treatment in Dec 2015...and I only had a Mastectomy/Diep Flap reconstruction Feb 27, 2017 in the Public System and I was classified as Category 1. its because it was a recurrence and eventhough I was BRCA Gene Negative, as thats another way to be put on top of the list. My Specialists are Private but they also work in the Public System. Ive always gone private for surgery in the past 6 years but they did it this way, so I had NO out of pocket and in 6 months I also get a revision a right breast lift and left nipple and any tweaking. So all depends on your circumstances and your Surgeons, but always worth a discussion. I wasnt able to have an implant as radiation in 2011 ruined the breast skin. Im thrilled with the Diep Flap however. Big Hugs Melinda xo

Hey Vicki, thanks for this post....... I had a DIEP flap reconstruction 12 months after my mastectomy, and pleased with the outcome. Tomorrow I see the plastic surgeon to discuss the next step......liposuction to any areas that need correction and a new nipple.
It is huge trying to make the right decision, and we are well looked after.
Im so pleased that you're loving yourself back, they should be looking at your face first anyway.
Sending you a big cyber cuddle, Trace xx

thats awesome :)

I smiled when I read about looking at boobs. I did this a lot too as I was having a bilateral mastectomy with immediate delayed reconstruction. I thought I was going from a 14 E/F to a 14C. Turns out I am a DD...but that's not my final boob... await that Monday. ..I digress...yes I looked a lot wondering what I would be like after. I was pleasantly surprised with my appearance and fortunately even though no nipples I felt comfortable with my bew body and the change. Looking forward though to my softee changever though.

Hi Im sitting in the hospital right now after having right mastectomy and immediate air expander put in 5 days ago.
Before the surgery
I was devastated and very anxious and manic b4 the surgery. My diagnosis had taken ages i waited 7 weeks for lumpectomy did all the pre op. Then 2 days b4 surgery they told me my last minute  mri shows a much larger area of high grade dcis and now mastectomy is my only option. Then another month till i could get treated in brisbane. I definitely had plenty of time to consider the options. Almost 3 months. Personally i am tall and busty and do a lot of swimming as my chosen sport.  immediate recon was the only option i ever considered because i know having a new breast will help me recover emotionally and feel confident to get back to the outdoor (and indoor) activities that make  me happy.   For me It was the easiest decision ive ever made.
At this stage an implant was the only type of recon   the plastic surgeon was willing to do.They call it immediate reconstruction but its still quite a lengthy process. I liked the idea of plastic surgeon being involved in the mastectomy  operation and in the end 4 surgeons worked together Scar is still covered but i reckon its going to look very neat. Surgeon says If i dont like implant or it fails or radiation wrecks my skin i can still have diep flap in future.
Another reason i wanted immediate recon is because i had no private cover if i dont get it done now while im a category 1 patient  i might have to wait years to get back in the system. I have been told medicare covers  the cost but you arent on the urgent list anymore once the cancer is treated. ???
After the surgery
 to my suprise  instead of seeing something scarey or awful in the mirror after my surgery  i just saw myself. My eyes my face my hair my skin my body my own smile i was still me just without a breast. I realised that all the photos i had looked at started at the neck and ended at the hips they were only meant as clinical examples but behind each photo is an actual woman with a face and a heart and a soul and people who love her.
 I felt so relieved the anxiety was over and the cancer was hopefully gone. I felt an overwhelming love and compassion for that me in the mirror .  
I believe that the thought of having the next much smaller op to put in permanent implant in a few months and then my nipple tatooo later gives me a timeline to a sense of closure. Something to look forward to at what i hope will be the end of this so called journey. And this is what is making it easier to cope at the moment. 
As everyone says this is your  choice and yours alone. Whatever you decide suits you best at the moment  can b changed later your heart will tell you what to do. And  your surgeons wont suggest anything they think your body cant handle the care and compassion they give is absolutely amazing. I was so terrified of surgery of any kind i had my affairs all organised i had a box of goodies for each of my sons id given my fiancee my instructions in case i didnt wake up. Omg its such a stressful time to be making big decisions. Specially when there is no certainty no wrong or right answer and even when you find an answer theres  no guaranteed outcome. Its good to b abl to come on here and see how others have got thru it . 
Vicki xx

Give yourself time to heal and get yourself fit and well before embarking on too much. When you have your first plastic surgery appointment, your surgeon will discuss the options that best suit you. My surgeon showed me photos of what it looks like along the way. I prepared for my surgery by walking and gentle gym sessions that included core strength, it helped me to recover much quicker. Take care, Trace xx