@orchardgirl, I had a left mastectomy in late 2020 at age 65, and I healed quite well. 😊

Unfortunately, due to the two surgeries on the same breast for a lumpectomy in 2004, there wasn’t enough skin left for reconstruction.

I had TRAM flap reconstruction on my right breast in 1996 after a mastectomy, and I didn’t feel like having it again (I couldn’t anyhow) so I’ve opted for a silicone prosthetic.

Now for the elephant in this conversation: My husband died over three years ago. At the time of my left mastectomy, I couldn’t imagine having another relationship, since my husband truly was the love of my life. Now, however, there are times I wish I still had that left breast, or some semblance of it.

Alas, it’s not to be. There are times I wish that I at least had the option of reconstruction , but I don’t.