Total left mastectomy vs expander/implant?
Hi everyone - I’m newly diagnosed and have found BCN hugely helpful and reassuring. I have bilateral early cancers - invasive ductal (left side) and invasive lobular (right side). ER + PR + HER2 -.I believe ‘low grade, slow growing’. My treatment recommendation is: left side mastectomy, nipple/skin sparing with expander then later implant and right side lumpectomy. Followed by radiation and letrozole. Surgery scheduled for 22/11 at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. The choice I have is left side total mastectomy or the reconstruction? For context, I’m middle aged, slim/small breasted and physically very active. Apart from the obvious surgery and post operative worries, my other concern is around the possibility of spending many months with ongoing breast related issues. Wondering if any of you have had a similar experience….and any thoughts/advice you might have? Thank you 🎀
Recon choices
Hi all. Im torn and need to make a decision by wed I have 2nd recon appt before surgery masectomy on 7th Aug. Im starting a new job role monday too. 3 month contract to prove myself. recon surgeon will only do side with cancer. Said i qualify for tram flap. Im thinking implant immediate. As i want it over and done with as im worried about how long tjis will drag on for. Im also concered about how much time ill need off work. Running out of leave. Please dont say invome protection as its not enough pay. Im single. Teenage kids. Im just torn on what to do and feel rushed to make up my mind before Wednesday but i dont think i wantto wait. But confused and difficultto make s decision. Tram flsp seems big and long recovery.Ive been too sick with chemo and trying to work and its been hard to make decisions. If i have recon can i change mind later.?Any ideas ,suggestioms please would be much appreciated
help -lopsided reconstruction result & pain
Hi ladies, I was wondering if anyone can help me with what to expect now that I've had my reconstruction, which is not at all as expected & nothing like the surgeon said it would be. My breasts r a lot lower than the tissue expanders were, they are a lot smaller than my original breasts & expanders, and they are lopsided! Just another kick in the guts really which seems to be my 'cancer journey'. Naturally waking to something different what I was expecting was upsetting, it's now been 2 weeks, I'm still sore & struggling with some activities, my emotions are alk over the place, sadness, crying, anger, frustration & disappointment. I have been told my breasts will 'settle' I'm tipping they won't grow 3 cup sizes or end up higher up my chest where they were before