No reconstruction after a double mastectomy?

[wineoclocktimeyet]

I will need a double mastectomy due to breast cancer in a few months after my chemo has finished. I've got my head around having to have this done but I'm honestly not sure if I want to have reconstruction.

Reasons are:

• The recovery time is longer (and the risk of complications greater) and I need/want to get back to 'normal' as soon as possible

• I don't like the idea of having implants ie something foreign in my body

• Apparently the implants only last about 10 years so will need more surgery in the future

BUT

I'm worried if I don't have them, I'll regret it later (I know I can have them later but then will need to get the skin from somewhere else on my body which means more complicated surgery).

I know I'm wittering, I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has been in the same situation and has any words of wisdom please.

Thank you

[malteserzz]

If you come over to the tamoxigang thread in general health ( would link but I'm rubbish ) you'll get lots of advice. I myself had a lumpectomy but lots of ladies have had mx with various different decisions made over reconstruction
Hope the chemos not making you feel too rubbish. Best wishes to you

[splasheeny]

There are lots of different options with regard to reconstruction including not having implants. Have you spoken to a breast surgeon yet?

[yellowdinosauragain]

It sounds like you've got time to think about this before the mastectomies if you're having chemo first. Some places I've worked in (breast surgeon) have patient groups with ladies who have had different types of reconstructions that you can meet to get a warts and all view. Ask your breast care nurse if there is anything similar where you are being treated as this might well help you.

Certainly the are other types of reconstruction that do not include implants but they tend to be more complex operations with higher risks. You are right that doing the reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy is more straightforward as you can use the skin you already have, and because of this the result is often better too. And you're less likely to need several operations whereas delayed reconstruction often involves several operations.

I've tried to give a brief over view of the main points but it isn't black and white or simple! If you want to pm me I'm very happy to help. Or ask to meet up with your breast care nurse /breast surgeon to go through it in more detail which would be more helpful as there may be specific issues in your hospital about what can be done /how it can be done.

Either way, good luck x

[wineoclocktimeye]

Thank you - just found this again as had to name change.

I had the bmx, no reconstruction done 10 days ago and am happy with the decision I made. It's obviously v early days and the wounds look a bit gruesome but I feeling ok.