Delaying Reconstruction or not

I got a primary breast cancer diagnosis on the 13th August. I have decided to have a mastectomy this Wednesday without reconstruction. My main reason is this will be 6+ weeks quicker than waiting to see plastic surgeon and set a date . My lovely consultant said waiting will have no affect on the outcome bit psychologically I don't want to wait. My other thinking is it's a much smaller op so any further treatment needed will happen sooner and I'm also nervous about not loving a reconstructed boob. I've read all the pros and cons for both and decided I can consider reconstruction further down the line. Does anyone here have their own experience on delaying or not they could share with me? X

  • Hi there ..

    Now I was 63 when I had my masectomy... so that probly helped my decision ... I was really scared to look the first time .. but to my surprise,  I felt nothing .. it was just o.k this is me now .. and two years down the line, I look at it, and it reminds me of the journey I've been on .. I wouldn't have a reconstruction if it was offered now .. they took my boob but gave me something far more precious.... time ...

    But if I'd have been a lot younger, I'd probly have felt different ... but whatever way you go, don't look back .. weigh everything up .... and go with your heart ....  Chrissie x

  • Thank you Chrissie. I love this. I'm 46 and feel the same now but I know I might feel differently after the fact. I'm still sure I've made the right choice so ready for op on Wednesday and the rest of the journey. X

  • Hi ...

    Keep in touch ... you've got a great attitude ... you look cancer in the eye .. get your vertual boxing gloves and get in the ring with all of us ... together well kick cancers butt ... 

    It's not a walk in the park .. and there's down days as well as strong days .. but when it knocks you down .. scream / yell and cuss at it .. then get back in the ring ... there's lots of us breast lasses on here .. and quite a few that stared with me .. 2 years ago .. and wer all still standing ... coz together wer strong ... 

    Let us know how you go ... always here if you want any questions answered .. for me the easiest bit was the op ... only needed a couple of paracetamol the next day ... some are home the same day ... feet up watching t.v by the evening ...  you can do this ... Chrissie x

  • Hi there

    I’m 47 and had a right mastectomy 12 months ago and chose no immediate reconstruction for exactly the same reasons you stated.

    12 months on and I’m quite happy with my decision. I wanted to get back to my physical normal as soon as possible. I had the op the end of October and was back running in January. Ive been quite happy using the prosthetic you slip into your bra. In fact I’ve just come back off holiday where I’ve worn a bikini. The prosthetic I used was so good you just couldn’t tell.

    One thing I did do was force myself to look at my scar immediately after the op to get used to it. I didn’t find it traumatic and have been accepting of it from the start. 

    I think the reason I have found it easier than most is because I had pretty small boobs to start with (34b). 

     

    Whether or not I change my mind in the future who knows. I’ve been told the option will still be there. X

  • Thank you hope927. I  feel and have really thought over concerns of my nearest and dearest that I could be making a rash decision but at this moment couldn't be more sure so need to trust my judgement on this. Thank you for sharing and inspiring X

  • Wishing you all the best for Wednesday Momac. Hoping it’s all straightforward and your recovery is as quick as mine. Oh and make sure you do the exercises they give you twice a day, so you get full use of your shoulder and arm back quickly. I’m still doing mine now 12 months on. X

  • Hi ya ...

    I have accepted your friend request, but it won't let me message you for some reason .. so if you can send me a message through , hopefully I'll be able to answer ... it should be now in your friends column..

    Chrissie xx

  • Hi Momac

    I've just came across this chat and found it very helpful. Firstly, how are you?How are you doing?

    I am having a double mastectomy soon and I am not doing very well with deciding what to do. My chemo  has stopped for now because of bloods and I need to have the surgery quickly followed by treatment....

    I just want to get rid of cancer first, that's my priority but when doctors offer you different reconstruction options I am more confused!!!

     

    Daizy x

  • Hi Daizy

    I am doing great thanks and got my one year all clear last month

    This site was a great help to me during treatment.

    I decided fairly quickly against reconstruction after surgery and have asked to have my good boob removed and go flat. This process, have to be referred to a panel, see a psychologist etc is on hold due to covid but hopefully next year I'll get there.

    It's such a personal decision . Because I decided against reconstruction I didn't get options to choose from so can see how difficult it must be for you. 

    I have no regrets and actually love my flat side and don't wear a prosthetic anymore but when I did no one would ever have noticed.

    Sending you positive wishes and love and please keep in touch.

    Morag X