← Return to Bilateral Mastectomy without Reconstruction Recovery Timeline

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@timbrownfl

Wow thank you so much for posting. My wife has very recently decided "no more" after four surgeries left her with only one expander, almost back to where she started. I'm still trying to hold back my thoughts about that Dr (I have a detailed document on the whole process). She is having them take the last expander out, and, like you, go with prostheses. Your statement "Make sure they don't leave extra tissue for changing your mind" is now my next priority.

That's a big deal. You're really helping us! Thanks again.

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Replies to "Wow thank you so much for posting. My wife has very recently decided "no more" after..."

How frustrating to go through all those surgeries with no results. The frustrating part about the side tissue is it wasn't there before the mastectomy. They told me it happens when they remove breasts and unsupported remaining tissue then falls to the sides. The cosmetic surgeon warned me before the mastectomy that that is the #1 complaint from women post mastectomy, but reconstruction would pull that tissue back around to the front. He called them side boobs. I thought it was swelling after surgery and was shocked when it never went away. I thought it was really insensitive when my former oncologist told me "we call those dog ears" and chuckled. I felt like saying, "Is that helpful and are you 12?" If your wife has that excess now, they can go back and remove it -- sadly another surgery. I can't do that because it would leave keloid scars on my sides that would be so painful with my arms rubbing on them. Wish I could. It adds 4" to my chest circumference causing me to buy a larger size top.

Let me say that I think you're a wonderful husband for supporting your wife in her decision to go with prostheses. You're also wonderful for being on this group chat trying to find ways to help her. Thank you for being you. Blessings to both of you.