Hey rmscj,

Firstly, I'm really sorry to hear you're having to go through this. I had chemo last jan, surgery in Jun and then 2 weeks of radiotherapy in Sept last year. This may sound crazy but for me, the surgery and reconstruction was actually a really positive experience. Firstly, I wanted that tumour gone! I found it quite tough mentally to know it was inside me for so long during the chemo so by the time it came to the surgery, I was very relieved to just get it done. Secondly I, like you, was keen to get it all sorted in 1 operation. My main aim of reconstruction was to feel confident in a swimming costume and to be able to get back to doing my active job and lots of sports as soon as possible. I also didn't want any more surgery scars than absolutely necessary so felt like the implant was the right choice for me. I absolutely haven't looked back since making that decision. I don't ever really think about it in clothes, you absolutely can't tell at all, even with lower cut tops I feel confident and like me again. I feel perfectly happy in a swimming costume and triathlon suit. In fact, I did an Ironman last month, just over a year after my surgery and I didn't give my boob a second thought!

The radiotherapy has certainly hardened my implant slightly so it feels quite firm to the touch but that is really all. And it is still far better than I ever imagined before the surgery and I am still very pleased with it. I may look at some more cosmetic options in the future such as fat transfer where the edges feel a bit wrinkled but im in no rush for that.

For me it was definitely the right decision and I've been able to move on with my life and get back to doing all the things I love pretty quickly. I hope that your surgery goes well and you too get back on your feet ASAP. 
 

Amy xx

Hi,

I had relayed reconstruction. So had to go from flat to expanders 18mths later - surgeon decided this because of radiotherapy. However when I sat in the waiting room for my radiotherapy most of the women already had implants and were delighted with them (better than there old boobs they said) I sooooo wish I could of gone straight to implant. It been such a long long road for me to get back two boobs. I would know - also I've had straight to implant on the other side and it's amazing. If only I could of had two like this! 
 

I'm hindsight I would of push to go straight to implant. Even if radiotherapy ruins it, it can be replaced and you've already got the skin there. It's a no brainer! 
 

hope that helps. Sorry to be so frank but I wish I'd had that advice. 
 

wishing you all the very best xxxx