Hi I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and need a mastectomy and I need to make the decision whether simple mastectomy or reconstruction. Has anyone got any advice ?
I had the same options when I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. I found it almost impossible to decide when my emotions were high and all I wanted was the cancer to go. After compiling a list of 'pros and cons', I opted for wide area incisions as I didn't feel the grade/stage of the cancer warrented a double mastectomy, plus there is not much difference in recurrence % between the two and I didn't want a long stay in hospital.
However when the dressings came off, I saw that there had been some reconstruction.
Once I was out of the woods and could look at things more objectively, I was glad the surgeon did the reconstruction as having great looking breasts helped me come to terms with cancer and made me feel better about myself.
It is a person decision at the end of the day and no one but you will know what's best for you and your circumstances.
Thank you for letting me know your experience. You’re right it is a hard decision and I keep changing my mind from day to day as to what I am going to do.
I went flat unilateral, I am single so that probably a consideration, but I also went for quickest recovery... I can choose to reconstruct later . Its a personal thing, but do what best for you x
