Friend needs help

Hi! My friend is going to have a mastectomy of one breast. She is wondering if she should have reconstructive surgery or not. I had a mastectomy 5 years ago without the reconstruction, so I can't really give her the pros and cons. If anyone had the surgery or knows any reason why she should or should not have it, please post. Thanks! God Bless- Cathy1

[Sheila]

Cathy

I had a mastectomy 4 years ago...I didn't think about reconstruction at the time...2 years ago, I decided I wanted reconstruction. I had a tissue expander put in, then 4 mos later a silicone implant....it is a personal decision...am I happy I did it? NO! I have developed capsillary contractures or tightening with scar tissue around the implant....it tightens at the least bit of arm use, hurts like crazy in the cold weather, and it still sore to the touch 2 years later....I want to have it out, but don't relish the thought of another surgery and need to get my neck lymph mets under control 1st....my advice is have her talk to others who have had reconstruction, and what kinds....it is a big decision, one I wish I hadn't made!

[Lisa]

At 41 and married, I, too, had to choose. I chose against and here's why:


1. I was told by my respected PT that the reconstructive surgery was much worse to recover from than the mastectomy.

2. I didn't want to be 70 and have one "up" and one "down."

3. When you lose weight, the breast is usually the first to go. I preferred to keep them the same size, so...

4. I chose a breast form, which hasn't been great, but O.K.

5. Never thought I would, but frequently I go "without". Not with tight t-shirts, but with looser clothes.

If doing it over, I'd probably have a double mastectomy. That way I wouldn't have to wear a bra at all!

It's such a personal decision. I'm sure you'll get all kinds of responses. And thanks for helping your friend.

Love and light,

Lisa


Love and ligh

[Cynthia]

I chose to have a double mastectomy in part because I wanted them to match. I had immediate reconstructive surgery to avoid having to have another major surgery down the road. I had tissue expanders and then silicone implants. I had nipples reconstructed a month ago and will get my tatoos in a couple of weeks. I must say that I am amazed at how good and real they look. I am thrilled I did it (but mind you I have had no problems to speak of and would probably have a different view of things if I did). I love to show off my cleavage when appropriate because I consider sideways glances from men as my little joke on the world.

Cynthia

[lu ann]

I was first dx. with BC 09/26/91 at age 35. I had immediate tram flap reconstruction and a lift of the other breast. I was horrified by the result. My recon. breast was oversized and my real breast was odly shaped. One year after surgery I had my first revison which included lyposuction of the breast and tummy area and surgery to the nipple area of the real breast. Both sides started to look symetric. It took 2 more revisions which included more lyposuction and nipple reconstruction then finally tatooing of the nipple and areola. The nipple was recon. with surrounding tissue not a donor sight. I was very pleased with the result as I was and now able to go without a bra and noone can tell the difference. I felt sensation in the reconstructed breast when I went into the frozen food section in the grocery store. The down side of all this is I think from all the nerve damage caused by the surgery, the local reoccurrance in my mediastynime went undetected until it metastisized to my spine and pelvic bones. Blessings, Lu Ann