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

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 

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 

Hi Lesleylou,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

Like you, I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer within a year of one another. First time around, I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen for a year. Six months after my first diagnosis, I discovered another lump in my other breast. My surgeon was  pretty sure that this was another cancer, but fortunately, biopsy proved otherwise.

Almost a year to the date of my first diagnosis, I discovered another lump in my original breast, but this time I wasn't so lucky and it was a second cancer. My surgeon advised a double mastectomy, as he said that the lump in my other breast was pre-cancerous.

I wasn't a good candidate for autologous reconstruction, due to scarring from previous non-cancer related surgery. I have also stopped breathing on the operating table, whilst under anaesthetic, so I decided not to bother with reconstruction. All in all, I manage fairly well with an assortment of different prostheses for different activities and I am quite happy with my decision. I am fortunate that my hubby was quite happy with the least dangerous option for me at the time and he has always been fully supportive of my decision. I have now had 14 years since my surgery and I am fortunate in that I am still living life to the full.

A mastectomy sounds like a huge hurdle, but I recovered better from that than I did from the lumpectomy. Have you got a date for your surgery yet? Feel free to ask any further questions if you have any.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on and remember, that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi again Lesleylou,

You are definitely not alone. It’s so hard to come to terms with, and it’s hard for anyone that hasn’t been through it to advise in any way. If you want to chat at any time, feel free to message me xx

Hello Lesleylou,sorry to hear you are in this position .I was diagnosed last July and also found another cancer in my other breast .I was told that reconstruction was an option ,I decided to have bilateral mastectomies to just get rid of anything there and put reconstruction on hold .Had chemo and finished that in March ,felt quite happy with wearing the prosthesis but very hot in our summer months . I am now awaiting reconstructive surgery . 
Take each day as it comes and take your time recovering ,you might want to go for reconstruction later ,you may not . In the end ,it’s your decision and see how you feel . Hope all goes well for you . The op is not painful and everyone is very supportive. Good luck now xx

Thank you for your reply I’m so glad things are working out for you I will take on board what you’ve told me good luck for the future and thanks again xx