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Mastectomy and breast reconstruction pros and cons?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jun 20 5:47am | Replies (229)Comment receiving replies
I have had bilateral breast cancer and just found out I have the CHEK2 gene mutation and know in my mind that the best way I can go now is prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction. I am struggling with this. I would like to hear from others about their experiences...what they went through making this decision and then if they were pleased with their decision and how they feel now about it. I would also like to know if they chose not to take this course and how they feel about that decision now.
Replies to "I have had bilateral breast cancer and just found out I have the CHEK2 gene mutation..."
Sandy@dyr, where do I begin? Had stage 2 breast cancer left 27 years ago. Had lumpectomy, chemo, rad, tamoxifen. May 2019 diagnosed with DCIS right breast multifocal. Making the decision about reconstruction was the toughest decision i have ever made. For two weeks I waffled back and forth daily about what to do! The more people I spoke with, the more confused I got. Final decision was immediate implant( was open to expander then implant). Plastic surgeon felt he could do immediate implant. At 2 weeks post op, plastic surgeon said”it’s too big. It has to come out’”. It was flat but twice the diameter of other breast( tissue tension may have caused it to flatten). I did not like the look nor the feel of the implant( felt like a board on my chest). Had implant removed and had DIEP flap done. It looks like a breast. DIEP flap surgery is big surgery but not really painful. Much happier with flap. Also, when I finish with “nip and tuck” surgery(outpatient) I will never need another surgery. Implants will need to be changed periodically. I wish you good luck with whatever surgery you choose. And, I wish you an uncomplicated recovery and return to normal activities.
Hi @sandyjr @betsyk and @trixie1313, you'll notice that I moved your messages to this existing discussion of the same name "Mastectomy and breast reconstruction pros and cons?" I did this so you can connect with other members who have faced these decisions before you. Click VIEW & REPLY to read through the past messages and experiences.
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@sandyjr
Sandy, I can only tell you what my surgeon advised me. I was ready to have mastectomy and surgeon told me no as even with mastectomy, women can still get breast cancer as they cannot remove all tissue. For this reason, I was given partial mastectomy. She also advised me that with full mastectomy, due to all the nerves running through that women oftentimes would have nerve pain for a lifetime. Ask questions from different specialists and go for second opinions with surgeons. My first surgeon was all ready to just go for full mastectomies and I am glad that I opted for the second advice, but it is purely your choice. All the best to you.