Mastectomy and breast reconstruction pros and cons?

@jdh65, As you probably already know, fat grafting (or autologous fat transfer) is a new breast reconstruction technique. Because fat grafting is so new, no large clinical studies have been done on the procedure. The studies that have been done involve fewer than 100 women and the average follow-up time is less than 4 years.

I believe @boathouse @kwyskiel @jboisjolie @celica have had fat grafting reconstruction done or considered it.

JDH, what factors are you considering as you make your decision?

Feeling apprehensive. I have necrosis in the breast to be grafted. My breast is very tender and hard/solid in most of the areas. By the end of the day wearing a bra is very uncomfortable. I am large breasted and will also be doing reduction in the other breast after completing the grafting. Concerned about the added fat causing more discomfort. Concerned about the newness of the procedure as well.

For those with reconstruction implants do you feeling a tightness in the front or uncomfortable feeling ? I thought I read that this can happen… just trying to gather information. Thanks

@laurak6022. are you getting reconstruction?

Just at the VERY beginning of my journey and interested in any info on the pros and cons of DIEP vs Implants. Overwhelmed, scared and SO MUCH to process.

Hello Cowgirl. Its an overwhelming process trying to make a decision.
I will speak for myself. I did not do reconstruction on my double mastectomy. I wear cammies with bra pieces you insert. I can wear a bra with the rubber inserts. But now, I dont even wear a bra any more. On special occasions I will take the girls out with me. My husband knew when I made this decision it was mine alone. He understood and said it was my body and he said it was my choice. I met with a marvelous plastic surgeon in Dallas as said if I changed my mind, he’d be the one doing the surgery. The most important thing is to do what YOU want. I have to say, its been sooo freeing not wearing a bra. Most people dont know because of the patterns I wear. But if I feel I would look more balanced in an outfit, i just put a cammie on.
Youl knows what to do. In time youll be over the fear. One day at a time. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Take Joy!

Go to the FDA website and familiarize yourself with the risks of implants. Also research the process and risks of DIEP . It’s a tough decision but the more you know the more a decision starts to form. Wishing you the best. 🌸

The ultrasound showed a relatively small mass on my breast but the MRI found it to be much larger... 9 cm x 4 x 2. I'm meeting with the oncologist in a couple of days. Her treatment plan for me was chemo/lumpectomy/radiation. With this much larger tumour, I'm thinking I may no longer be a candidate for lumpectomy and will be advised to get mastectomy. Both my sisters had breast cancer, and my oldest sister just died because it had come back for the third time and metastasized to lungs and brain. My second oldest sister had a double mastectomy and it never came back.
So, if I'm no longer a candidate for lumpectomy, I'm thinking of double mastectomy with reconstruction.

I'm thinking that sounds like a VERY good option for you, considering your family history. I will have the DIEP procedure in 2 weeks. My appointment with the oncology surgeon is today, I have my plastic surgeon all ready to go.
I've read it's super painful and that a pain block is the way to go. Also a pain pump to go home with. Not sure of the proper names...
Anyhow. I responded really well to the chemo with HER2+. What type of cancer do you have ?
Also I can't imagine that this new procedure has not gone through larger studies. Crazy! I'm going to look in to that for sure.

@cowgirl0713, I can imagine you're overwhelmed with all the information and decision making. You got helpful responses from several members.

Have you been able to make a decision? How are you doing?