Who Else Has Decided NOT To Have Implants or Reconstructive Surgery?

For me, knowledge is power to make good decisions, but I am very happy and encouraged that you have survived cancer free for such a long time. I hope you enjoy many more years.

I wish you ALL GOOD THINGS. I think it might help you to understand my thoughts a little better to know, I had surgery, (this is all) no chemo, no radiation, no followup meds. I truly am a walking miracle and it gives me pleasure to be able to give hope to all those who follow me.
Gina 5009

@gina5009 - you have some valid points about not having all this additional information that we now have access to; but on the other hand this additional information helps us (depending on the person) make informed decisions about the type of treatment available and what we're willing to do to minimize recurrence. It also alerted me to the fact that I carry the BRCA2 mutation and fortunately did not pass to my daughter; but unfortunately passed to my son. He will need to start early screenings to minimize or detect any impact this gene may cause to his risk for cancer.

I'm curious after surgery where you told you were "cured" and what if any follow-up care you were provided afterwards?

I think that if after our treatment (whatever that is) we were told we were "cured" that would place a totally different mindset for the patient; then getting all these statistics of recurrence and survival rates for whatever type of BC was our dx. I believe part of what can help in our longevity is our mental state - which can be a roller coaster ride.

Good afternoon, No I was not told I was cured. I simply was told, the operation was a success, My nodes were sent to the Lab to determine if they were malignant, and we would have to wait and see. In the back of my mind I thought 5 years, but I would live the best I could for those 5 years. When you are 36, have two children 5, and 8, it is pretty scary, but I think I mentioned before, my husband got up at 5:30 each morning to drive across town, to Mass, pray for me, and then go to w ork. He did this for 1 year after my operation. Lymph nodes came back negative, and that brought a ray of sunshine to our home. I think I also mentioned before that my father took care of my daughter while I was in the hospital. (this was two weeks after surgery in those days). He knew how upset she was, so he took her out and bought her a bird.) Big success. Please belive me, I am not saying that living through the (after) is easy, anything but ! But try to find all the good fun things you can, and let the rest of the world and yourself know God is sitting on your shoulder.
Gina5009

I had a left mastectomy with a tram-flap reconstruction. It took forever to heal from and never felt “normal.” I had issues with lymphedema in the left arm and back weakness from the abdominal surgery for the flap, all to deal with during chemotherapy. Ten years later I had a reoccurrence with cancer in the other side. This time I opted for double mastectomy and no reconstruction. The surgery was so much easier to heal from and I was better able to cope with chemo a second time. Wearing a bra and prosthesis is not difficult; being flat is easy. I don’t understand why doctors don’t offer this as an option but push immediately for reconstruction. (Oh, yes… big bucks.)

My doctor did not recommend reconstruction or not. She simply told me honestly what would be involved: more surgeries, inconvenience, costs, pain. Seemed clear to me and I decided not to do that. I’m fine with my one side flat and one side busty. All healed up and so far (6 mos out) no lymphedema. All good! We all have different factors involved. We do what we think is best. Best wishes to all on their journies.

I just today was told by surgeon to have mastectomy on left breast. Chemo got all the cancer but he says there's a lot of calcification ans that, with family history, makes me very high risk for new cancer to grow there. Very disappointing news after 6 rounds of chemo.

I had a bilateral mastectomy 1 year ago. The reason I did was I’m positive for the BRCA gene and family history. I did have cancer in my left breast. I’m 77 years old and did not want to go through getting implants. I’m not sorry I did, it’s very freeing and with my history my surgeon said my chances of it coming back were very high. I have a wonderful husband that loves me no matter what, after 58 years of marriage our bond is not going anywhere. It’s a very personal decision do what you feel is right. God bless ❤️

I had a bilateral mastectomy, cancer on one side, the other side clear. I have a friend who had bilateral and chose reconstruction. She regretted her decision and said she had more misery with that procedure than the original mastectomy. In part I was responding to her experience. On my own I just decided that I didn’t want optional surgery and pain. I have no regrets. I have a padded bra when I want to feel proportional. My husband was a little surprised at my decision but is fully supportive. It’s an intensely personal choice. Had I been younger I’m sure I would have had the reconstruction. Good luck to you and readers here who are considering their options.

Thank you for commenting. I've decided to go with no reconstruction. And largely due to what other women have said. It's such a hard choice to make and your experience made the difference. I'm 67 and don't need the hassle. Or the more complicated surgery.