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9 months down the line. Looking into reconstruction.

Judy-T
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hi

On my 72 birthday I was given the news that I had breast cancer.

Nine months down the line I have had a mastectomy, lymph node removal and radiotherapy ( no chemo.)

It has been a very difficult year but all I can say to others in the same situation is just take one day at a time. It is difficult to take everything onboard but if you just take one thing at a time you get through it. The treatment I have received has been excellent and I feel very lucky & positive. 

I am now thinking of reconstruction surgery. Have any of you been through it at my age ( 70's ) and would you recommend it? Would be interested in your thoughts.

thank you

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    Hi Judy , well done for getting through this . I don’t believe age is a barrier to reconstruction , it depends on your general health and whether you have any other underlying health issues such as diabetes or whether you smoke . This is for an own tissue reconstruction . Good luck x Let us know how you get on x

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    Hi I think you are amazing for even considering it and  your positive attitude is plain to see ,I can't see any reason not to if that's what you want and you are in good health , I personally don't think I would bother although maybe I would change my mind if I had to ,I hope others come on that have had it done so they can give their experiences ,I'm sure someone will ,let us know what you decide .

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    Hi Judy,

    This first year is always a hard one, but that is nearly over. The best person to decide whether or not you'd be a suitable candidate for reconstruction, is probably your surgeon. A lot will depend upon how viable your skin still is, as s/he will want to ensure that it will heal properly. A good indication of this is possibly how well you healed after your mastectomy.

    I have had a double mastectomy and wasn't a suitable candidate for reconstruction, as a result of previous, non-cancer-related surgeries. I manage fairly well with an assortment of  prostheses for different activities. As you have probably discovered, many people who have had a single, tend to feel somewhat lop-sided afterwards. There does seem to be quite a wait for retrospective reconstruction, so make sure to factor this into your decision, if necessary.

    I hope that some of those ladies who have had reconstructions will come along to give their thoughts soon.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi JudyT ,great to hear you are doing well and possibly going for reconstruction.I had bilateral mastectomies last September ,at the time I felt quite happy to go flat .As the summer came ,I felt some clothes just didn’t hang well and I have been wearing my prosthesis. I went to see about reconstruction and the consultant mentioned having done it on a 70 year old lady . Age is not a problem ,I don’t think ,as long as you are pretty healthy ,and a consultation will tell you . Go for it ,if that is what you want . I decided on the implants as I feel the diep flap has a longer recovery , but they will discuss all this with you . Good luck xx

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