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Dear Mary Jo, my info is not recent, but maybe worth adding: as you may know I had a double mastectomy in 1985 and reconstruction with silicone. Maybe things are different now, but I definitely would not consider silicone again, though I would definitely explore reconstruction as you are. The silicone in my case and also in my daughter's case was a disaster. Hers was purely cosmetic, a year or so before my cancer. She had hers removed several years ago as all the silicone had leaked into her body. She had it replaced with saline and is happy about that , but she strongly believes the silicone leak has caused her serious health problems. My left side is fine, but the right side has leaked and should have been removed but I haven't done it--cowardice, I guess! Probably some of my health problems are due to the silicone. I would recommend saline or the other procedure using body fat. My sister, who had very small breasts, refused any reconstruction, but I really felt like you do, that I couldn't feel whole without reconstruction. Of course at that time there was no hint that the silicone could be a problem of any kind. I enjoy not ever wearing a bra, and even though there is a leak and slight inequality, I don't regret doing reconstruction. I just wish there had been another choice then besides silicone. Maybe there are others who can give you their experience with silicone. I was shocked when it was reinstated after being taken off the market for quite awhile. So my recommendation is to go for the reconstruction, painful as it is, but be careful in exploring what to use for it. Hope that is a little helpful--and best wishes in your decision! Hugs, Tricia
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