my initial concern was over self esteem and about what type of reconstruction was possible.i think I was in denial about the health impact, but I wasn’t given a choice  The surgeon said he’d try his best to save what he could of the breast and I could decide at a later date what to do cosmetically.   When it was opened up unfortunately there were 2 tumours. A pea sized one on top of a rather large one underneath. He took away what was called 2 quartiles, ( basically the inner side of my breast) and retained the nipple (pointing in an odd direction) to use if I decided to opt for reconstruction later. I also had lymph nodes removed because the cancer was spreading. I then had 7 months of chemotherapy followed by 6 weeks of radiotherapy. By the end of all that I could not face reconstruction. I wore a prosthesis for a while but because it was cleavage that was missing it was difficult to get one that either wouldn’t show or would fall out of my bra. I returned to the surgeon who advised not to have reconstructive surgery because it  would make mammograms and check ups more difficult and any new problems could be missed. On the positive side I have now lived with it for 27 years. My cousin always says remember our breasts are sisters not twins”. If I had my time to do again I would let the surgeon choose for me. Food for thought but it really is a personal decision.  Best wishes. 

my initial concern was over self esteem and about what type of reconstruction was possible.i think I was in denial about the health impact, but I wasn’t given a choice  The surgeon said he’d try his best to save what he could of the breast and I could decide at a later date what to do cosmetically.   When it was opened up unfortunately there were 2 tumours. A pea sized one on top of a rather large one underneath. He took away what was called 2 quartiles, ( basically the inner side of my breast) and retained the nipple (pointing in an odd direction) to use if I decided to opt for reconstruction later. I also had lymph nodes removed because the cancer was spreading. I then had 7 months of chemotherapy followed by 6 weeks of radiotherapy. By the end of all that I could not face reconstruction. I wore a prosthesis for a while but because it was cleavage that was missing it was difficult to get one that either wouldn’t show or would fall out of my bra. I returned to the surgeon who advised not to have reconstructive surgery because it  would make mammograms and check ups more difficult and any new problems could be missed. On the positive side I have now lived with it for 27 years. My cousin always says remember our breasts are sisters not twins”. If I had my time to do again I would let the surgeon choose for me. Food for thought but it really is a personal decision.  Best wishes.