My late wife had the opportunity of reconstruction, but we discussed it and I told her that she would always be the same person foir me whatever she chose to do. I told her that I wanted her to suffer as little as possible and that it seemed to me that reconstruction would cause her more pain than a simple mastectomy. She agreed and we never regretted the decision. Sadly she died of metastatic breast cancer which hasd spread though much of her body, and apart from other problems we could not even communicate at the end because the cancer had reached her brain. My advice is to concentrate on getting curative treatment as early as possible followed by wearing a prosthesis if you wish. The treatment is bad enough to through without adding additional surgery. Don't let anything else get in the way of any part of your treatment. I wish you a complete cure and good health to follow.

Thank you for your reply and I am so sorry it wasn’t a better outcome for your wife. I will take your advice on board when I make my decision 

Hi. I have been in this very positio, 3 weeks ago. I plumped for mastectomy as after doing research my own personal opinions was give it less to come back to. Good luck. Stay strong with whatever you decide 

Thank you and good luck to you also

Hi Lesleylou,

I’ve recently been diagnosed too, and this week was told that I’d need a mastectomy, having previously been told that a mammoplasty was the plan. I’ve decided against reconstruction. Firstly, I don’t see the point of having an implant that looks different to the other side. And although the reconstruction using my own body tissues sounded better, it’s a much bigger operation with a long recovery time, and I don’t want that. I just want to get it dealt with and get on with my life as best I can. The surgeon did say that I could opt for reconstructive surgery at a later date if I wanted to, so I feel slightly better knowing that’s an option.

To be honest I’m just shocked, scared, devestated, and unable to face the fact that my life will never be the same again. But I’m hoping that in a few months time I’ll be able to look back at this is just a bump in the road of my life.

Good luck, whatever you choose xx

Hi Vicki,

Have you had your mastectomy already? How are you getting on? xx

Lesley 

is this a first time cancer or reoccurrence? 
good luck I’m whatever you decide x 

Gooner has your plan changed already ? It’s a nightmare when they change they did this with me told me no chemo not a mention of it then after operation sprung it on me then it changed again no chemo rollercoaster for sure x hope you are feeling ok xx 

Yes- I’m in bits at the moment, trying to take it all in. I had MRI last week, then on Wednesday was called unexpectedly by the hospital to go in for ultrasound. The doctor there told me the MRI had identified about another 6 tiny lesions, and the furthest apart of these were biopsied. Then yesterday I saw the consultant, and she told me that the MDT had decided I should have a mastectomy, even though she was still in favour of a mammoplasty. It was a huge shock- I’ve barely stopped crying since, although work has been a good distraction. 
My surgery is on the 24th xx

Thank you for your reply that’s exactly how I feel and I’m so glad that I’m not alone! 
scared shocked unable to comprehend that now my life will be different thank you for making me feel like it will be ok