Mastectomy and breast reconstruction pros and cons?

Posted by kruzin @kruzin, Jul 8, 2018

Being treated for breast cancer, having a mastectomy and was wondering what people did for reconstruction?

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@auntieoakley

Abdominal tissue reconstruction is where they can take the tissue from the stomach area to use to fill in the breast instead of an implant. The joke of course is you get breast reconstruction and a tummy tuck all at once.

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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.

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@d13

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.

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That is definitely a consideration. Lol

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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.

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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.

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@d13

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.

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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.

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@basslakebabe19

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.

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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.

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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.

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I love being flat. My surgeries were easy and I don't have any problems with clothing. I don't wear prostheses.

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@windyshores

I love being flat. My surgeries were easy and I don't have any problems with clothing. I don't wear prostheses.

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I know that only the people here will get this, but………I envy you! Lol

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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.

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