Hello Laurenren,

With so much information floating around it can be easy to get confused, so no wonder you feel like your brain is fried right now. Hopefully other ladies who have gone through breast reconstruction will come along shortly to share their experiences with you and help you to make a decision.

In the meantime I thought that perhaps you might want to check this thread: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-chat/thread/breast-reconstruction where another forum member, @Dannii, seem to have similar questions.

I hope this is helpful.

With best wishes,

Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Lauren

I had masectomy Dec 2019 followed by chemo and then radiotherapy. I am now considering reconstruction, it is a major op but I am unhappy living with one flat side. If I had a choice, which I didn't at the time,  I would have had reconstruction at the same time as masectomy. My friend had that though and then had radiotherapy which affected the reconstruction. It might be worth asking your consultant about that if you need radiotherapy.

It is confusing and a big decision, this is only my story. It is so personal but I am sure you will make the best decision for you. 
Wishing you all the best

Silver 

Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it! I think I do want immediate reconstruction but I do need radiotherapy yes so the consultant said some people do wait. Was your friends reconstruction an implant? I think I read that radiotherapy affects that but not sure if it affects reconstruction from fat/tissue. Sooooo much to think about! I kind of wish someone would just tell me what to do haha! It is just good to hear other peoples journeys. 
 

Sending you love and positive vibes x

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your reply and the link you have sent :)

I'm not sure if she had implant or fat/ muscle. I remember her saying that she would have to go back in for another op. You could make a list to ask your consultant. My radiotherapy was on my chest wall and yours may not be. You have some time yet if you're having more chemo. But I do think that if you have masectomy and reconstruction at the same time it gets it over with in one go. Have you read 'Dear Cancer Love Victoria' by Victoria Devonshire, she had masectomy and reconstruction. She's BBC reporter and describes her story in detail. There's chemo brain as well which doesn't help! If I have reconstruction my other breast will need lifting to make it even as well.. Its is difficult living with one breast, always having to think of prothesis......I might just have that boob job but don't want to sway you either way.... 

Silver 

Yeah I feel like I'm swaying more towards getting it all done at once! Just a few things freaking me out. I also feel like I want to go with the option of using my stomach to reconstruct it but that kind of scares me too. Basically everything scares me haha. I'm having meeting with plastic surgeon soon to see if that can help me make my mind up. I haven't read that but will definitely have a look for it. 
Thanks so much for your replies, so kind of you. I hope you get your op soon x

Hi lauren , ill be having a mastectomy soon , dont know date yet , seeing surgeon next week , im like you , have no idea what to do , im scared of everything and cant believe im going through this . I was thinking of just mastectomy so that i could be in and out in day but then thought it might be best having reconstruction and get it all over and done with . Ive no idea whether to go for implants or use stomache fat , but then think will that be more pain . Its all so scary . How are you now ? Xx Nicola

Hi,

It's just something we never think we'll have to even deal with is it!

I have finally made a decision, because my chemo ends in 3wks and they need the op booked in. Had meeting with surgeon and then surgery nurse and they have been incredible.

I've decided to go for immediate reconstruction from stomach, diep. I'm still scared and my mind makes me freak out about stuff but I'm glad to have made the decision and I trust in the team.

Whatever you do, will be right for you. Don't rush a decision and I'm here anytime you need to talk xx

Awww thank you , its so scary isnt it , glad youve come to a decision , hopefully when i speak to surgeon he/she might help me , still cant believe it :-( let me know how you get on please , ive just ordered some post surgery bras , button front pj's and v shaped pillows as ive heard these are all good to have xx