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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

@polianad22

How are you feeling?

Jump to this post

@polianad22
I'm doing fine. Because of my diagnosis of invasive cancer and neuroendocrine cancer, I have to continue with PET scans, but so far (and it's been 4 years), so good. I walk daily about 3 miles and usually peter out by the afternoon and stop to rest for a bit. Let us know how you do.

REPLY
@trixie1313

@polianad22
I'm doing fine. Because of my diagnosis of invasive cancer and neuroendocrine cancer, I have to continue with PET scans, but so far (and it's been 4 years), so good. I walk daily about 3 miles and usually peter out by the afternoon and stop to rest for a bit. Let us know how you do.

Jump to this post

I am very happy for you that you are doing well. My surgeon from Memorial Sloan Kettering said that she feels lumpectomy is the route and doesn't see any problem with it besides not getting cleaned margins which she will go back with a second surgery to clean the margins. I am very tempted to do the lumpectomy, but the mastectomy feels safer. I definitely like my second surgeon. Now, I have to decide between lumpectomy and mastectomy.

REPLY
@polianad22

What is your plastician's name?

Jump to this post

With the expander s. Do you have to have a revision later

REPLY
@scarffy1

With the expander s. Do you have to have a revision later

Jump to this post

I don't understand your answer.

REPLY

I had two mastectomies and "went flat." I don't wear a bra or prostheses of any kind. I am very comfortable but I am older and don't have a partner (divorced). Surgeries were easy (I had a paravertebral block so little pain at first and no pain meds after surgery.)

REPLY

I had a mastectomy and went for the reconstruction for a more balanced body.
However, I had an inept plastic surgeon, and I got a very bad reconstruction.
I had another plastic surgeon look at me and said he could correct the damage, but because of my
age, he did not recommend it. Then he offered me a painted nipple, said I might feel better.
Here I am with another incentive male doctor thinking this would all go away by putting a
painted nipple in place.
This has been a terrible journey with the lack of sensitive care I received. with my cancer.

REPLY
@millard

I had a mastectomy and went for the reconstruction for a more balanced body.
However, I had an inept plastic surgeon, and I got a very bad reconstruction.
I had another plastic surgeon look at me and said he could correct the damage, but because of my
age, he did not recommend it. Then he offered me a painted nipple, said I might feel better.
Here I am with another incentive male doctor thinking this would all go away by putting a
painted nipple in place.
This has been a terrible journey with the lack of sensitive care I received. with my cancer.

Jump to this post

Disgraceful and insensitive. Reconstruction of nipple and /or nipple tattoos are definitely options but NOT a solution to a botched reconstruction. I’m so sorry this happened to you ; as if we haven’t already gone through the trauma of the diagnosis and surgery!

I recommend another plastic opinion. If you live in the NY metro area I would recommend my doc.

REPLY

Just want to say that I was told we have a right to symmetry, so a second mastectomy needs to be covered. I had some medical reasons for mastectomy of my non-cancer breast, but I also didn't like having one breast. With both gone, I feel balanced and symmetrical and don't need prostheses.

REPLY
@azme

I decided to remain flat also. I am 3.5 years out and very happy with my decision. I had 3 tumors in one breast. I had my surgery at Mayo in AZ. I am happy to talk with anyone who has questions re: flat closure.

Jump to this post

Did you have Multifocal?

REPLY
@trixie1313

@polianad22
I'm doing fine. Because of my diagnosis of invasive cancer and neuroendocrine cancer, I have to continue with PET scans, but so far (and it's been 4 years), so good. I walk daily about 3 miles and usually peter out by the afternoon and stop to rest for a bit. Let us know how you do.

Jump to this post

@trixie1313 . It looks like you had multifocal tumors. Correct?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.