Hi Dannii, 

I noticed you hadn't had a reply yet so I just wanted to stop by to say hello and see if you were any closer to making a decision about what type of reconstruction - if any - you were going to have.

We have information about mastectomy and breast reconstruction on our website if you'd like to find out more but hopefully some of our members will stop by when they can to share their advice and experiences with you.

There is a big group of breast cancer ladies that regularly chat on this discussion so do join in if you want to as they're very welcoming and will do all that they can to help.

I hope you're able to make a decision soon and that all goes well as you move forward on your cancer journey.

Kind regards, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi, my journey is only just beginning.  I too have the mindset that if possible, I'd be swayed into double. 

I hope you can get some responses from those that have been at the point you are and post all options so you can make your decision. Wishing you the very best. 

Hi Steph,

Thanku for replying. No still not made mind up as yet...I am more after talking to other people that have breast cancer, looking at implant but again there's pros and cons for any reconstruction. 

Alot of people have told me to get double masectomy too, is this worth it?

Thanku

Dannii x

Bassetmum,

Thanku. I have been told by few people that if it was them they'd opt for both, but I always think if doesn't need fixing leave alone mind set.

I've still got bit of time, so will read up a bit more.

Hope ur journey goes well xx

Hi danii

Ive recently  had single mastectomy with implant reconstruction. My decision was based on my breast shape lending itself well to an implant, plus quicker recovery time for this compared with tissue flap methods...tissue flap means 2 surgery sites not one, hence the extra recovery time and risks.

A relative had the LD flap though and was very happy with it.

As for bilateral mastectomy. Lots of friends said why not have both sides done? Bear in mind this is a natural human reaction not necessarily a medical one. It’s a question for your surgeon or oncologist really.

My surgeon said they don’t  recommended BMX for my type of cancer as the other breast is disease free so there’s no advantage (well other than preventing a totally new cancer in the other breast, which is v unlikely but hey, let’s cross that bridge if it happens...). The other treatments like chemo, radio, HT etc are really the insurance policy against cancer recurring as I understand it, though there may be specific situations like if you have the BRCA gene where bilateral mastectomy is a valid preventative measure. Talk to your specialist though.

To be honest, surgery on one side was quite enough to cope with. Though it was all very manageable, post - op I found myself wondering why anyone would put themselves through elective breast surgery on both sides! I had pain, stiffness, bruising and swelling plus 2 drains immediately post op and found any sort of small movement difficult. I likened it to being stabbed with a bread knife and run over by a tank (Fortunately this pain was short-lived and the nurses introduced me to liquid morphine, which is amazing.... take all available pain killers, they really help!)

I’m now 3 weeks post surgery and feeling pretty good, though my body will never be 100% the same...no reconstruction is.

I’d ask lots of questions to figure out what’s most important to you as every method comes with different pros and cons. 

Good luck and keep us posted x

Should point out that I also had 2 levels of lymph nodes removed which no doubt added to my pain and recovery time and also meant I had 2 drains where you’d probably just have one with just the mastectomy. What this did illustrate to me though was the more surgery you have, in one go, the more recovery you’ll have to do.

It’s understandable. My initial thoughts were to get rid of both boobs as well being honest! Once you’ve come out of that original fear mode and start to ask questions things get clearer as you work out your priorities. 

The going south thing...valid concern and my surgeon recommended ADM for a more natural look...ask if it would work for you. It’s a type of pig tissue they use with an implant. The tissue creates a pocket for the implant to sit in. The benefit is it gives you that natural droop in the underboob area that you don’t get with an implant alone (silicone implants a la page 3 tend to stick straight out). 

I had a Becker implant, half saline half silicone as I’m due radiotherapy which can risk failure of silicone implants. The saline part has only been partially inflated which allows more scope for radio without damaging the implant. 

Later on they will fully inflate the saline bit. Ive been told I’ll probably need a breast lift on the other side too to regain symmetry as I had to lose the nipple (another question to ask!), therefore the reconstructed side is slightly higher. I can also have nipple recon & tatoo. This all feels quite low down my list at the mo.

Crucially if my implant does fail I still have the tissue flap options open to me later on, whereas if I didn’t have the immediate implant recon now (ie before radio), the implant option is off the table as radio damages the skin.  Something to consider...

I’m really chuffed with my appearance already even though its early days and not the finished job. Most of my bruising and swelling has gone and the recon looks great. 

Anyway will keep you updated and good luck!

Think I'm going more towards implant now, mostly for the quicker recovery time as wanting to return to work as soon as can, plus I've dobe a pros and cons list and the implant came out top lol.

Thanku for giving me your story, it was really eye opening I appreciate your honesty with it all...I hope I'm as brave as you by then!

Best wishes

Dannii xx

Hi dannii , hope you dont mind me asking 3 years after your post , what reconstruction did you go for ? Im due to have mastectomy and have no idea , i thought maybe no reconstruction as i want to be out of hospital asap , but then thought i may later regret it , im 45 and breast fed all 3 of my children ( so havent got the perkiest of boobs ) was thinking of implant ,but would that look odd  , then thought tummy one , but that means more surgery , im so worried and scared and have no idea what to do , yhanks in advance for any advice , Nicola xx