Ok, I get it now. That procedure wasn't even brought into the discussion when I met with the breast surgeon. Maybe because she thought I didn't have enough extra fat in my belly! 😅 I'm guessing of course. Thank you, for your response.
In 2004 I had a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and have not regretted it for a minute. I love the comfort (no bra) and that I can feel my chest in case of recurrence. It irritates me that the medical community pushes reconstruction. There are lots of women choosing to go flat so there is a lot of support for not reconstructing. I suggest listening to your heart and not letting anyone push you into doing something you don't want to do. Reconstruction has risks of infection; going flat had no side effects.
About 17 years ago, I had the lateral mastectomy with the abdomen surgery at the same time. It took 6 hours of surgery and 8 weeks of recovery, but since then I’ve had no problems. The look and feel are excellent. At the time, I asked about a bilateral and was told no need. I had early stage cancer with no genetic link. Fast forward about six years later, I had to have the second mastectomy. This time I didn’t have the option of abdominal reconstruction. I had to get an implant if I wanted reconstruction. The implant looks and has always looked awful. Now it looks to be shrinking, almost 10 years later. Every person is different and I had the two different experiences. If I had to do it over, I would have had the bilateral with abdominal reconstruction or no reconstruction at all. Hindsight is always perfect, but the choice is truly a personal one. Make the one that you feel best about. Others may have an opinion but you have be comfortable with your choice.
I don't understand the abdominal tissue reconstruction. I had my right breast mastectomy, and at the same time the plastic surgeon put in an expander. I now can have the per?permanent implant put in. I'll hopefully get that done before the end of the year.
Silicon implants after mastectomies was a terrible decision for me. They leaked and caused tons of NEW SERIOUS medical problems. I settled in The Dow Corning lawsuit without an attorney…did it on my own.
Silicon implants after mastectomies was a terrible decision for me. They leaked and caused tons of NEW SERIOUS medical problems. I settled in The Dow Corning lawsuit without an attorney…did it on my own.
That's terrible. What year was that? Nineteen years ago I had the gel implants. I had my first breast cancer 26 years ago. So I waited 7 years before getting the gel implants. Didn't have a problem with them. The surgeon I have now said that since it is 19 years old, it needs to be replaced. I had my second cancer, right breast this time. Had the mastectomy and expander put in at the same time. Now have my final implant surgery set for Dec. 10th. I have my Pre-OP on Nov. 18th. I will be questioning him about the type of implants and how safe they are. After not having any problems arise with the gel implants; I'm going to request getting them again. I'm so sorry you had to go through that pain and suffering.
I was told abdominal tissue use prolongs the recovery so I opted for the expanders. I have yet to be expanded. That is scheduled for next Friday. I am 53 and figured I still want to wear swim suits and look sexy for my husband even if I am ok with being flat. It’s all a personal choice. I was a B so that is what my target is unless I get to a point where I can no o get deal with the pain which is nominal but extremely uncomfortable.
After having DCIS , a Dr Cutting thru the tumor, I choose to have a bilateral Mastectomy, This was about 17 years ago. I went to Sweedish Hospital for the surgery, Under their advise and appointments set by them, I visited with two different Plastic surgeons regarding reconstructions and risk. i choose not to have reconstruction and to this day I have never been sorry with this decision.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
That is definitely a consideration. Lol
In 2004 I had a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction and have not regretted it for a minute. I love the comfort (no bra) and that I can feel my chest in case of recurrence. It irritates me that the medical community pushes reconstruction. There are lots of women choosing to go flat so there is a lot of support for not reconstructing. I suggest listening to your heart and not letting anyone push you into doing something you don't want to do. Reconstruction has risks of infection; going flat had no side effects.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsAbout 17 years ago, I had the lateral mastectomy with the abdomen surgery at the same time. It took 6 hours of surgery and 8 weeks of recovery, but since then I’ve had no problems. The look and feel are excellent. At the time, I asked about a bilateral and was told no need. I had early stage cancer with no genetic link. Fast forward about six years later, I had to have the second mastectomy. This time I didn’t have the option of abdominal reconstruction. I had to get an implant if I wanted reconstruction. The implant looks and has always looked awful. Now it looks to be shrinking, almost 10 years later. Every person is different and I had the two different experiences. If I had to do it over, I would have had the bilateral with abdominal reconstruction or no reconstruction at all. Hindsight is always perfect, but the choice is truly a personal one. Make the one that you feel best about. Others may have an opinion but you have be comfortable with your choice.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsSilicon implants after mastectomies was a terrible decision for me. They leaked and caused tons of NEW SERIOUS medical problems. I settled in The Dow Corning lawsuit without an attorney…did it on my own.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThat's terrible. What year was that? Nineteen years ago I had the gel implants. I had my first breast cancer 26 years ago. So I waited 7 years before getting the gel implants. Didn't have a problem with them. The surgeon I have now said that since it is 19 years old, it needs to be replaced. I had my second cancer, right breast this time. Had the mastectomy and expander put in at the same time. Now have my final implant surgery set for Dec. 10th. I have my Pre-OP on Nov. 18th. I will be questioning him about the type of implants and how safe they are. After not having any problems arise with the gel implants; I'm going to request getting them again. I'm so sorry you had to go through that pain and suffering.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was told abdominal tissue use prolongs the recovery so I opted for the expanders. I have yet to be expanded. That is scheduled for next Friday. I am 53 and figured I still want to wear swim suits and look sexy for my husband even if I am ok with being flat. It’s all a personal choice. I was a B so that is what my target is unless I get to a point where I can no o get deal with the pain which is nominal but extremely uncomfortable.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI love being flat. My surgeries were easy and I don't have any problems with clothing. I don't wear prostheses.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI know that only the people here will get this, but………I envy you! Lol
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAfter having DCIS , a Dr Cutting thru the tumor, I choose to have a bilateral Mastectomy, This was about 17 years ago. I went to Sweedish Hospital for the surgery, Under their advise and appointments set by them, I visited with two different Plastic surgeons regarding reconstructions and risk. i choose not to have reconstruction and to this day I have never been sorry with this decision.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionFor those that have done reconstruction. Im just a 3 months out of my final surgery and so far its great.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions