Hi Nicola.

Yeah as my boobs were a ff cup(and saggy due to breastfed all 4 children) they advised me diep flap(tummy one) or back one would be best. I opted for diet flap...which worked wonders on first day(was nice to have a boob that was under my chin for a change ,) but unfortunately the following day the blood vessels disattatched and so I had to go back under...they took a vein from my arm and foot to see if they could save but unfortunately it wouldn't so in the end they gave me full mastectomy but have left bit of extra skin in case in the future I opt for further surgery...but I have my prosthetic for when I go out out and I'm fine been flat on one side(but we all feel differently). I would say get as much info as you can on all and ask as many questions to the surgeons/nurses etc for their advise...but ultimately go for what you want! I wish you all the luck in the world...if what to ask anything else feel free.

Dannii

Hi dannii , 

  Thank you so much for your reply , i hope youre well now , its just such a scary time , ill ask questions and advise when i see surgeon , i know its personal preference but its hard cod i really font know what i want myself ( well i want to wake up and it all be a nightmare ) i wish the choice was taken away from me and i was just Told what im having done xx

Nicola 

It is such a hard time I agree. Yes I'm 2 years after treatment now thanku. I know how it feels at your stage...feels like never going to end etc but believe me there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Have they shown you photos of all different operations? If not maybe ask that's what helped me decide, as looked more natural plus tummy flatter was added bonus! Healing time wS abit like a c- section time scale, yes was bit uncomfortable but I think whichever you opt for you will feel this way. If you have a partner have u discussed with them? I asked for my hubby's input...tbh we'd been together over 20 years by then so he said you do what you wish...probably only time in my life I made the decision for me for once. Before you know it it will all seem lifetime ago.

Dannii

I really hope so , i only found out on monday , its grade 1 but i have a few in same boob so was told mastectomy , ive not seen surgeon , think it will be next week so macmillan nurse said , will no doubt see photos then ,  my other half , he says it's entirely my choice , he just wants me happy and he doesnt no what do , im hoping i dont need chemo but dont even know that yet , i had an mri yesterday ,hoping they dont find anything else , thank you so much for taking time to reply  , and makes me feel better for the future that you have come through it the other side ️
      Nicola xx

Hi Nicjandw,

Sorry to jump in on your chat with Danni. This is always a difficult decision and one that only you can make. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to of your Care Team.

I had a double mastectomy 12 years ago and, due to problems associated with general anaesthetic and scarring from previous non-cancer related surgery, I decided not to have reconstruction. I work with a selection of prostheses which serve me well on the whole. I did have a few embarrassing moments and some laughs with some of the swimming prostheses, but you soon work out what is right for you.

Whatever decision you reach, I hope that it is the right one for you.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you jolamine , yes it really is a hard decision especially when everything is happening so quick and i cant get my head around it yet , i think ive decided to have the tummy diep surgery , scared stiff , i dont want any if this but i also wwnt it to happen straight away to get it over and done with , the waiting is horrible xx  thank again Nicola xx

Hi Nicola,

I agree that it is the waiting that is so awful and everything seems to be happening so quickly that it is difficult to get your head around it. I am glad to hear that you think you have reached a decision.

I hope that it all goes well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you I'm trying to  look at the positives now (trying as scared stiff ) ill come out weighing less , flatter stomach , being waited on at home , and having nothing to do but rest abd watch Netflix ! Xx

Hi Nicjandw,

Nobody wants any of this , but it's something that we have to go through and, the sooner it's over the better you'll feel. The surgery itself is not nearly as bad as we all tend to imagine - I genuinely found it easier to cope with my double mastectomy than I did with my lumpectomy. 

Make the most of that time at home to recuperate. It's not often in life that we get to be waited on with nothing to do and can justify watching TV all day!

Take care,

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx