Opinions please

[Margerie]

I was going to recommend the same site as Becky. I am happy to share my reconstruction story- for people who are considering delayed recon or prophylactic mast. When I was first diagnosed and found out I needed a mastectomy- reconstruction was not on my radar at all. A year after my mastectomy, I had prophylactic mast on other side and then both breasts reconstructed with DIEP surgery. My reconstructed breasts feel and look very natural- with some assorted scars of course.

I tested negative for BRCA 1 and 2, but decided to go ahead with the other mastectomy for several reasons: DIEP is a one time only surgery (one or two breasts), I had enough tissue to do both (LOL no question there), right breast was deemed "no evidence of malignancy" but I had dense, fibrocystic breasts that are destined for lumps and mammos and biopsies and worries, I would have had to have major surgery (lift) to the right breast to get it to match the reconstructed left. I thought my onc or plastic surgeon may have a problem with me deciding to do both breasts- but they didn't hesitate to support my decision. I was 38 at dx- so I had many mammos in my future with a natural breast. And a mammo missed my cancer the year before anyway, so I didn't have a lot of confidence in catching another cancer "early."

The surgery was long (10.5 hours) and there was at least a month of recovery. I had minor (required another surgery) complications. But the results are just fabulous. To be honest, I would tell women not to expect everything to go smoothly. You know like childbirth- doesn't happen exactly as planned, hurts, but is worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. (Not the natural childbirth- what was I thinking?)

I didn't realize how much I missed having two breasts until I had them again. I didn't mind the prosthesis too much. But I am very acticve and was self-conscious about it showing. Now I do not have to wear a bra (joy) and I have not regretted doing both breasts at all. I am relieved. And yes, I know there will always remain some tissue/risk, But no more mammos for me. The side with immediate recon still has skin sensation on everything but the "nipple/areola".

After you consider your options, you have to decide of the risk, pain and suffering are worth the end result. I will never forget I had breast cancer. But I feel more like me now, like less was taken away.