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Trying to decide on reconstruction: Would you recommend it?

Posted by mlooys @mlooys, May 20 3:30pm

Hi, I had a double mastectomy in March due to DCIS on both sides. It was detected early but was extensive, including lymph nodes in my left side. The surgeon had to take more cancerous skin than she’d planned, so the plastic surgeon couldn’t start my reconstruction at the time of surgery. I’m healing well and scheduled to start reconstruction in July. My question concerns whether those of you who have gone through reconstruction recommend it? I’m happy wearing sports bras & recently got a couple of bras with silicone prosthetics—they’re comfortable & I’m happy with the look. Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks!

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christylv | @christylv | Jun 10 9:59am

Hi! Honestly it will really depend on how you feel about your body image after . I think most younger women chose reconstruction. I am 46, if I had to have a mastectomy I would definitely go for the implants! No doubt! I would NOT be ready to loose my boobs. And I am a conservative dresser. No low cut tops, etc. I would just feel much much better wearing a swimsuit, and just overall in general looking In the mirrior in certain tops. Now I know Implants are not for everyone. If you can wear a bra with prosthetics and you are ok with that. I would go for that. To me In warmer weather, you may sweat etc. and the bra , implants could get annoying having to wash them constantly. But again, this all depends on where you live, if it’s hot there or not. Do you swim? Yoga? That may be annoying to find swimwear that take prothetic devices. I am just thinking of all the possibilities. I would way the pros and cons of both. Everyone is different! I just know for me personally, I would not go flat with prosthetics. Breast cancer for me is hard enough. Let alone loosing a big piece of my woman hood if I had a mastectomy. Which again , I did not. I had a lumpectomy. Good luck with whatever you choose! 🙂

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thora902 | @thora902 | Jun 10 1:30pm

I thought DCIS was contained in the cell walls. How did it get into your lymph nodes? Isn't that unusual? Just curious.

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cyndi002 | @cyndi002 | Jun 19 3:52pm
In reply to @lisay1 "I personally would not recommend it. I also had a double mastectomy and had silicone implants..." + (show)
@lisay1

I personally would not recommend it. I also had a double mastectomy and had silicone implants done at the same time as the surgery. They were uncomfortable and felt very foreign. I had them removed and had a "diep flap" procedure done. This is where they remove fat from your abdomen (or thighs) and make your new breasts. Mine are small and I have no nipples but I feel better having something there. I do have to say the best part of the whole cancer journey is I no longer have my tummy pouch. This does involve an extensive surgery so I would research it thoroughly. I hope this helps and wish you the best. 🦋

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Where did you have the DIEP flap reconstruction surgery done?

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marymary69 | @marymary69 | Jun 19 6:55pm

I just had dcis 2 month ago but I waiting for plastic surgeon to do the oncoplastic reduction due my breast is way to big and I have scare to do the mastectomy because I am 38 g and the doctor recommended lumpectomy ,she said is the best way ,but again Iam afraid I waiting to long for the Reduccion

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