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Hulos's avatar
Hulos
Member
9 years ago

What to do after a mastectomy?

Hi, i was diagnosed  in oct 2016 and started chemo  in nov 2016, 4 ac followed by further 12. 
I still have  5 sessions to go  as I've  had  hiccups along the way. Then an op and 6 weeks of radiation. My diagnosis  is lymp nodes and mastectomy of left breast .
I'm  not sure as to what to do once I've  had the mastectomy, do i have an implant..do i go without  it...it is so confusing...do i want to add more trauma to my body. ..i am just totally unsure and confused.
I have been reading the posts and i know its a personal choice,  my good its a difficult  one for me.
mastectomy

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  • Annedipa's avatar
    Annedipa
    Member
    9 years ago
    Like you i had chemo first. I was really confused before seeing the surgeon again and was not sure what i would do. In the end i made the choice to have bi lateral mastectomies and leave any decision on rectonstruction until later. To be honest i didn't actually make up my mind until i was in the surgeon's office and basically just went with my gut feeling. 2 years later and im only just starting to think about whether reconstruction is for me. Best wishes on making your decision
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi

    Can only echo the advice above. You don't have to make a decision immediately. Some people dislike being mono-boobed and can't wait for reconstruction. Four and half years on, I have no problem with one breast and a prosthesis, and will definitely not have any reconstruction. I was never very sure about it, and I now know that my body produces healing fluid at a staggering rate (and is loathe to get rid of it!!) so even more reason not to have surgery again. But it's a very personal decision. In order, you might like to think about:

    * How you feel about your body and shape after surgery (but give yourself some weeks - nobody likes drains, bandages etc!)

    * How well you tolerate surgery, and your recovery time.

    * What you like to wear - I never wore plunging necklines as a regular thing. My good surgeon left me with a very slight cleavage, which is great.

    * Whether anyone else important has a position/say in this. I think it's a woman's choice entirely, but it's worth a thought.

    There is a network group for reconstruction - I am obviously not part of it, but I am sure someone else can do the intros if you want to get the benefit of their experience.

    Best wishes for the rest of your treatment

  • Unicornkisses's avatar
    Unicornkisses
    Member
    9 years ago
    I am in the same predicament, Hulos. Perhaps check out the Reclaim your curves website and also the reconstruction group on this site. Click on groups at the top of the page to join up. They have helpful information. 
    Having to have radiation can limit your options for implants, though I have heard it may be possible.
    Do I want to do it? I don't know?
    it is not necessary to make up your mind immediately in a lot of cases as many reconstructions can be done several years later, trying to find out first what your likely options will be is helpful.
    Some reconstruction using your own tissue is quite a major operation and can involve more than one prceedure, so it is a lot to consider.
    I am 57, have had a reduction on the other side during previous lumpectomy so having the mastectomy now will not make me so radically uneven, and I may be happy with a prosthetic breast.
    I am not sure for certain that I will be having radiation but it has been mentioned, so I guess my implant options may be limited too.
    Having major operations that may affect my use of other muscle groups doesn't thrill me, and having more time off work for more operations doesn't thrill me either as I am self employed.
    I think I will just have the mastectomy and wait to see if I want reconstruction later

    As you say, there is a lot to consider.
    But first of all find out which decisions have to be made at mastectomy time and which decisions can be made at a later date, that might help you to decide what to do.

    Good luck, I hope you find an option you are happy with and helps you feel good about your body again.

  • brightspace's avatar
    brightspace
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi  i hope you are travelling ok now. Many factors at play with decisions for or not.
    I was 56 and did not want more surgery straight away.decided to wait and see how i felt in a year or two. Five years later still ok with one flat and prothesis is ok with light weight sport gel for eve r y day and bead insert for swimmimg.
    I know of someone who had recon 10 years laterl. .
    Age and if you hve diabeties or other health issues can also be o factor for no recon
    Some people also have problems with scar tissue which can be external on surface or internal ..so best to know
    Many choices for different recon types so others here will let you know of their procedures. All the bes  B