Mastectomy----not Having Reconstruction

LOPSIDED · 04-09-2006, 08:10 AM

IS ANYONE ELSE NOT HAVING RECONSTRUCTION AFTER MASTECTOMY? I JUST CAN'T BEAR THE THOUGHT OF SURGERY. I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF RADIATION AND WILL HAVE TO DO 1 YEAR OF HERCEPTIN WKLY TREATMENTS. I DON'T HAVE ANY MORE LEAVE TIME AT WORK. I WAS JUST OFF FOR 3 MONTHS (FMLA) WHILE I FINISHED UP WITH CHEMO (12 TAXOTERE WKLY TREATMENTS) AND STARTED RADIATION. SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE I AM THE ONLY ONE NOT DOING RECONSTRUCTION.

Yorkiegirl · 04-09-2006, 08:40 AM

I didn't have reconstruction. I had a Mod. Rad Mas on the right side last April.

This past January I had a simple Mastecomy done on my left side due increased
microcalfications.

I also didn't want to thru any more surgery and for me this is the best.

Vicki

dogladybarks · 04-09-2006, 09:23 AM

I had a right, radical mastectomy this past July. Reconstruction wasn't offered, and I was not interested. In my opinion, there's too much risk for additional problems with this procedure. There are worse things in life, than being lopsided.

Sue

CLTann · 04-09-2006, 09:31 AM

Add my name to the list of those without reconstruction. We have more important things to deal with. All matters is your own state of mind.

Ann

Alice · 04-09-2006, 09:54 AM

I had a right mast in oct 05 with radiation ending in feb 06. I know the options for reconstruction after rad. are a little different than without rads.I'm with you in the feeling right now that I just can't bear the thought of another surgery. I know with some of the proceedures it takes more than one. I also don't like the option of loosing some of my back muscles as the stomach proceedure is not an option for me. I guess for now I will just be lopsided It's not that bad all things considered. I may feel different in a couple of years.

Alice

Lisa · 04-09-2006, 10:52 AM

No reconstruction here. I have occasionally wished I'd had both removed for "equality" sake. But I have no regrets. Reconstruction is not a simple surgery. I chose no.

Love and light,

Lisa

Monica · 04-09-2006, 10:58 AM

I had a mastectomy on my right side over two years ago. I spoke to a couple of plastic surgeons about options, but in the end I decided I simply wasn't up to having more surgery. My body had been through enough and then some. After I made the decision, I felt incredibly relieved. Now, two years later, I am actually planning to see one of the plastic surgeons this week - mainly because I want to wear whatever I feel like during the summer. I'm only interested in the least invasive surgery - implants - which has the fewest complications and fastest recovery. We'll see how I feel this coming week after talking to the surgeon - I may decide I want to wait longer. The bottom line is you'll know when and if you're ready.
Best,
Monica

sassy · 04-09-2006, 11:11 AM

I had left modified mast Feb 05 and have not had recon. The option is still open to me and my insurance will pay for it for up to three years after the initial surgery. So I do not feel pressured to make that decision right now. I know there are other women who have had recon many years after mast. Don't feel like you have to work under anyone's time frame except your own.

Sassy
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Lolly · 04-09-2006, 05:29 PM

I had a left mrm at primary diagnosis with no reconstruction, then 2 & 1/2 years when NED a right simple mast due to increased micro calcifications, still no reconstruction. I'm flatter than a fritter and don't mind it at all.

<3 Lolly

jener8er · 04-09-2006, 06:17 PM

I just got my recon surgery date this week - had left Mod Rad Mast 10/04. Wish I'd done both, then I probably wouldn't bother with the recon. I'm having prophylactic mast with bilateral DIEP recon (that sounds SO technical!) June 21st. Vowed not to consider it until this year, but I hate being lopsided. Would rather have nothing at all. Hope that I feel more "even" after this major surgery, then I'll be done and won't have to worry about the "good" side every 6 months. This is a personal decision and you will do what's right for YOU. Good luck!