Hi, Sorry to hear you’re going through this. It’s a big decision and I’m guessing you don’t have much time to decide so it’s very stressful too. 

I was diagnosed with DCIS on Christmas Eve but as they are still doing further tests, I don’t know my treatment plan yet other than it will be an op and I may need reconstruction. Because of the not knowing and waiting, I’ve been reading up on it all and have just found a table on the macmillan website about the types of reconstruction. It’s not letting me post a link.

Hopefuliy, someone else will reply who has already been through this. 
Take care of yourself

Thank you N1ck. I literally just received an appointment letter via email, for Wednesday 22nd Jan, for a consultation with Plastic team. I hope that they are not requiring me to take decisions on what type reconstruction I would like. As I said earlier I don't even know if I want the reconstruction yet. I am very worried about the healing time and possible complications with each of the options. I know complications can happen with any surgery so it's not a very rational fear.

Hi, 

I have inflammatory breast cancer and I am going through a similar thing in my head, the only option presented is full mastectomy of my right breast, I am struggling to comprehend that there is no scanner to ascertain healthy and unhealthy cells and skin margins, and the only way is to remove the breast then look at it under a microscope to see if treatment has been successful in terms of chemo and radiation, this seems counter intuitive to me and I wanted to avoid surgery at all costs. 

What I am going to do is speak to my oncology team to find out options if I decide not to have a mastectomy and weigh up in my head the risks etc but also I plan to look at photos of mastectomy and reconstruction, think about the risks, and also see if I can do a meet and greet with previous patients to see their mastectomies and reconstructions.  For me personally, if I opt for mastectomy I have ruled out reconstruction from the stomach as I don't want a big scar across my stomach and I think it is too risky, which would leave the option of reconstruction from my thigh (my preferred option) as people less likely to see my inner thigh or from my buttocks. 

If I go for surgery despite the complications risks and hassle of reconstruction I think I would opt for reconstruction as without breasts if I opt for mastectomy I wouldn't feel like a woman and it would rob me of sexual identity, and also I do not want just a flat scar, but I am 44 but still very youthful and I have always had big breasts 40D that I have always liked, however, if I was a lot older or a smaller cup size a or b then I personally wouldn't bother with reconstruction.  So my advice would be to look at photos of mastectomies, speak to people that have had it, try to visualise it if you can to try and cope prior to the surgery so it is not a shock, speak to your surgical team and ask lots of questions that you may have, and then seek out people/opportunities to talk to people that have had mastectomies and reconstructions, look at photos, and then weigh up pros/cons, risks but also think about psychologically what might be best for you.

In terms of being strong it can be a roller coaster of emotions so my advice is if you feel like crying have a cry, if you need to talk to someone talk to someone, etc.

Good luck for your appointment. I read that the DIEP flat from the stomach is the gold standard. I’ve got a B cup and 3cm DCIS and another area being investigated so I’m hoping that can do a lumpectomy but if it’s reconstruction, I’d also consider an implant. Let us know what they say.