Reconstruction

Mary Jo · 09-17-2006, 04:38 AM

Hi Stephanie,

I, like you, opted out of reconstruction when I had my mastectomy. When treatment was all over they biopsied a suspicious area in my other breast. Thankfully, all was benign but I opted for yet another mastectomy at that time. The breast cancer side (right) was removed with clear margins - microscopic cell in first node - left breast removed and no cancer found at all. I, also like you, never regretted my "new look" and felt I needed to do what I did for me. It was the best decision for me.

At this time I don't think I'll opt for reconstruction. The length of surgery and all sounds awful to me. I HATE surgery and the whole medical scene (boy wasn't I lucky to get cancer - LOL LOL LOL). After reading your post I am thankful I didn't go through that either.

Good luck to you AND I'm thankful you are doing well.

Mary Jo

Sheila · 09-17-2006, 05:08 AM

Stephanie....I know exactly how you feel...I have walked in your shoes...or your bra!
I went for reconstruction 1 1/2 years post mastectomy, had the tissue expander placed....had it filled every 2 weeks...then in the midst of all of this, I developed mets to the supraclavicular area so they went fast paced to remove the tissue expander and put the silicone implant in....I developed capsular adhesions around the implant, it is hard, sore snd unnatural looking....I had a silicone implant made by Mentor.....needless to say, I never went back for nipple reconstruction, the breast lift on the other breast etc....I wish I had never done the reconstruction! So now, 3 years later, I look back and wonder why I went through all of that to look and feel like I do....I felt much better without the reconstruction.....if I do go back for surgery, it will be to get it removed....life was simpler with a prosthesis!...Oh and by the way, I did achieve one benefit from reconstruction, from the way the muscles were shelved and lifted to hold the implant, I can now wink with my left breast.....what a benefit!!!!

Yorkiegirl · 09-17-2006, 06:09 AM

Stephanie I don't have any experience with this, BUT am glad you posted. As I now 18 months out and I have just now decided to think about implants on both sides. I will go and get a consult, I want implants only and nothing else done since I don't have any help except the dog's. ( hubby oversea's)

I only want to have a B size implant and I hope this can be done. BUT you have made me really think now.

Monica · 09-17-2006, 10:19 AM

You have me worried now. After waiting two years, I just scheduled reconstruction for the end of next month, and I'm an A. My surgeon prides himself on making women's breast symmetrical and the way they looked pre-cancer. I know women who are very happy with his work, but now I'm wondering if that's because they were larger breasted. I always thought smaller breasts would be easier, but that just shows how much I know. I'll have to talk to him about his experience with smaller breasted women.

Monica

jener8er · 09-17-2006, 11:09 AM

Hi girls, I think I can comment on this thread! I had my mastectomy, left side, Oct 04 and didn't do any kind of reconstruction at the time - couldn't even think about. I THOUGHT I wouldn't ever bother, but being lop-sided bothered me more than I ever thought it would. After doing TONS of research, I went to UCLA for DIEP this past June. While the op was no picnic, I am SO glad I did it. I feel so much better not having to worry about a prosthesis. I also had a prophylactic mastectomy on my "good" side for peace of mind, symmetry and just cos I was only going to do it once! I go back in November for revisions/nipples and then will just need to get tattoos done. I can honestly say I feel so much better having made the decision and going through with it. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions anyone has. It is a tough decision and one that's not right for everyone - YOU have to decide what you can live with. I couldn't live with one breast.
Jen

sally · 09-17-2006, 01:26 PM

I had a lumpectomy and partial mastectomy. I am barely a B cup. I had two surgeries which involved moving my tissure around to form a roundness again and pop the nipple back out. My surgeon said he could but a very small implant in to fill in the dent but I chose not to. One side is smaller than the other but looks o.k. with a bra on. I know a couple of people first hand that said they wished they had never put the implants in. I hope this can be of some help to you. Good luck. Sally

Bev · 09-17-2006, 07:19 PM

Anna. John Hopkins has an ask a nurse forum. Diep's seem to be one of their specialties. BB