[Margerie]

LOL- sorry I ramble Michelle. Warning: another long rambler here!

I meant you have to make your own chart for yourself to help make your decision:

*what is your predicted risk of getting another tumor in either breast (my personal thoughts on this were: but really, been burned by statistics before)
*will tests always reveal a reoccurence
* how risky is the surgery for you ( a question for your docs)
*can you afford the down time- no running with scissors- LOL or hauling laundry, groceries etc. for a good 6 weeks and no driving for awhile
*what are your reconstruction options and what are the possible complications
*will insurance cover my reconstruction, etc.

vs.
*will the surgery give you the esthetic results you want
* the peace of mind you want
* some people elect no reconstruction at all and are happy with their decision.

So if the benefits outweigh the risks- then you know you are on to something.

I also asked questions about being able to detect a recurrence with my kind of reconstruction (a few opinions here, but the general opinion was the recon is not going to hinder finding most recurrences, heaven forbid) and what kind of scans/screening post-reconstruction I would need- answer was no more mammograms!

I had my tumor-laden breast removed before chemo and then I had both sides reconstructed a few months after I finished chemo. So one side was a prophylactic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, the other side was considered "delayed" reconstruction. So I did get both sides done. I think with DIEP it is a one time deal- either one or both breasts, but you can't go back back later to do the other one with Diep.

And thanks for the tattoo compliment! The gal that tattooed my areolas uses medical grade ink (no carbon, no black) and the colors are just beautiful. I asked her to go out of her box (she is not in a tatto parlor-LOL) to do my abdominal tattoo. She was game and I almost have the entire branch done. After I get the flowers and little leaves done, maybe I will post a photo. The cherry blossom branch has some significance for me:

Chinese Cherry Blossom
For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.
Japanese Cherry Blossom
For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional during difficult situations because it will all pass in time.