Can someone who’s had a mastectomy share the psychological effects ?

Thank you all for suggestions and kind words.
My doctor referred to to a psychologist; it may be a while before I get in but I think I'm heading in the right directions.
I wish I could hug all of you for your kindness and supportive words. Let's hope we all fight the good fight in battling this disease.
Hugs to all!
Cathy

I was really surprised at his well I did psychologically after the surgery. My breast (only one removed & no reconstruction) didn’t define me. I was 66 years young 😉 at time of surgery. It took time to look at my area, but that’s me dealing with wounds. I’m 4 yrs post surgery & doing well.
You will be fine. Cancer will be out of you and that’s the important point. Blessings. Stay positive & strong.

When I first found out I had triple negative BC, my first instinct was to get rid of them! All of it! Go Flat! I would be okay with that. The thought of just having a scar line across each breast was daunting though...always there to remind me of my journey. Then I no longer had an option, I tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. I was offered a consult with the Plastic Surgeon, so I wanted to see what they had to say. I had heard some reconstructions take many surgeries to complete taking maybe a year and a half or more. I did not want to go that route. I just wanted to get on with my life, as I am very active! I chose to have reconstruction with my bilateral mastectomy after my consult with plastics. The reason is, I am 61 years old and a small frame at 5'4" and was a 34B. My plastic surgeon said it was going to be very easy to have reconstruction due to my size. They removed all my tissue and put in tissue extenders last March 21, 2023. It was a nipple sparring double mastectomy at the Mayo. I am waiting for my exchange operation (they will take out tissue extenders and replace with implants) which is scheduled for Oct 10, 2023. My first surgery was not that bad. After 6 weeks I was back doing everything like swimming and weight lifting and have my full range of motion soon after that. What I really liked about having the reconstruction was that I felt like myself. There was not trauma mentally and I had my nipples and breasts intact! I went up up a size to a C cup, hey, silver linings. If you're bigger in size, I am sure things are different as they have to move your nipples and maybe transfer tissue from your back or belly, but if you consult with a plastic surgeon, they will be able to tell you how you might do and what is involved for your body type. Good luck!

Can you tell me who your surgeons were at Mayo? Which Mayo were you at? Thanks!

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I'm 50 & had to have both breasts removed due to CHCK2+ gene. I was fairly large to start out so I didn't need the expanders but both nipples were taken & quite a bit of skin also. Which was fine but the implants that I have now are heavy & I'm struggling with lymphedema in my right arm & chest wall so I do OT every week. The lady that works with me is fantastic & I can't go without seeing her. Unfortunately I feel different with the implants & I guess it's just something that I'll have to work through. I am married & my husband even says they're too big, that I should have surgery to reduce them. But again that's another major surgery with the wonderful 4 drain tubes for 6 weeks. Yuck! I really struggled after my surgery. But every woman is different & every recovery is different too. Good luck to you with your journey.