Hi there ..

Everyone has to decide what's right for them ...

I plumped for masectomy , no reconstruction... I'm 64 though which helped make my mind up .. I was very apprehensive when I first looked, not knowing what my reaction would be .. so was prepaired for anything ... I was so surprised,  I was fine ... and it reminds me of the journey I've been on ... and I just think , for me it's a small price to pay, for still being here ... but that's just my thoughts .. I've never regretted it .. 

My auntie who's 69 had the same a few months after .. she's fine with it too .. we both have funny stories to share ...  but think carefully.. many feel differently from me ... but once you make your mind up, don't look back ... just move forward whatever you choose ...

By the way ... the masectomy for a few of us on here, wasn't half as painfull as we'd thought it would be .. the hardest part was the run up to the op... it's the big unknown that's scary ...  but there's lots of us breast lasses on here... all doing o.k ... so take heart, it has come a long way ...  

Chrissie xx

Hi Doggo,

I am so sorry to hear about your predicament. This is one that I can fully relate to. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. The first was 8 years ago and I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen, the second was a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 years. I stopped taking the Letrozole in July 2017.

I couldn't have reconstruction, due to scarring from non-cancer related surgery previously, but I have coped well with a selection of prostheses and modesty panels. I still manage to swim and go to the gym regularly. I have had a problem with some evening dresses, but a modesty panel can usually do the trick on such occasions. I don't wear low cut dresses, but I do wear compression bras, which come up a little higher than what I used to wear.

I must say that I have never regretted not having reconstruction, but you need to be happy in yourself that you can live with your decision.

Sadly, this is a decision that only you can take, so I sincerely hope that you make the right one for you.

When are you booked in for your mastectomy? I hope that it all goes well.

Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi doggo, 

Just reading your post as I am at the verge of making decision on reconstruction too, please what did you finally decide? If you did reconstruction, what type? And how are you?

Cheers xxx

Hello,

Thank you all for the replies and input, I appreciated it. 

AWW I decided at the very last minute not to go ahead with reconstruction. I had the odd wobble after the mastectomy and struggled at first to find the right underwear that fitted and that gave me enough confidence. 

Four months on and I have no regrets at all. Recovery was quick and once I’m dressed in a morning, I look just as I did on the outside and it very quickly became part of who I am on the inside. 

But it really is a decision you have to work out for yourself. It really helped me to write the pros and cons down at the time. 

Good luck, trust yourself and your thoughts, you will make the decision that is right for you xx

Thank you doggo for your quick reply, very much appreciated. 

OK you are right, will speak my surgeon om Monday, after that I should be able to make an informed decision.

Thanks once again. 

Cheers xxx

HI Doggo,

I am glad to hear that you eventually reached a decision that you are happy with. You are quite right in that you still look the same on the outside and you quickly get used to the new you under your clothing.

I hope that you have managed to find suitable underwear by now.

If you did eventually change your mind, you could always have reconstruction at a later date.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

AWW honestly you will work it out, it just takes a bit of agonising over to get there :) xx

Hi Jolamine, 

Thank you, I hope you are doing well and I’m glad you had no regrets either :) xx

Hi AWW,

All the best for your appointment tomorrow. Make sure that you ask all the necessary questions to give you a rounded view from both sides.

I hope that you reach the right decision for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine, saw the surgeon today and I decided on immediate recon with expandable implant.

Has anyone else done this type of recon? Please share your experience.if so..

Cheers.