Breast Reconstruction - I Need Advise...

Sacha - posted on 06/29/2010

HI there... i had reconstruction on just one side after having a mascetomy. It was a decision that came very easy. i was not ready to have that part of my gone and i wanted it back. My husband was very supportive. He wanted me to do what i wanted but didnt care either way. He said he loved me either way. So i did it. i had the expander in for about 6 months to stretch the muscle and skin to the size i wanted and then i got a saline implant placed. That one was the wrong shape for my body so the dr was on board in replacing it with a different shape. so far im good with my decision. i did not have a nipple placed as of yet. and im not sure if i will... the only thing i would have done different is to have the other side done at the same time. now i have 1 real and 1 fake. the fake stays the same size and the real will change with my weight. i wore alot of sporties when i was pregnant cause i wanted it to hold the real side tight but as i lose weight it will become more the size of the fake one. my hole expierence with this was great. i also think that will depend on the dr you choose for the surgery.

let me know if i can help you in any way. i do volenteer with the reach to recovery program for the cancer society. i may have stuff you could use.

Becky - posted on 02/17/2010

I haven't had the procedure done yet. I did meet with a surgeon who specializes with Breast Cancer patients. Due to my radiation treatments the only procedure I can have done is the Deip Flap (not sure on spelling) procedure where they take skin and fat from my abs and use it to reconstruct my breast. I was told the procedure was 4-6 hours long with at least 1-2 months recovery time (providing things go as planned). I'm putting off my decision due to not having a support system to take care of not only me during recovery but also my young children. Please keep the advise and stories coming.

Crystal - posted on 02/17/2010

Hi Becky! I am wandering if you have made a decision yet. If not let me know and I will give you alittle advice. I have had a trans flap reconstruction and may be able to shed light on the subject for you.

Lisa - posted on 12/01/2009

Sorry you are struggling with this, I had a lumpectomy. My right breast is scarred and deformed but insurance would not pay tohave it reconstructed, therefore I will just live with it. I had a friend who chose to reconstruct and she has had a lot of difficulty with the operations. No reconstruction will make your breasts look like they did before. I wish I could help you with your decision, but don't know what I would do in your shoes.