So many decisions...

kcobb

I had a MX of my right breast in 2008 followed by chemo and radiation.  At that time I had no desire to even discuss reconstruction.  Now, however, I'm very interested and have met with a PS. 

Before we can decide on the type of reconstruction I first must decide whether to have a prophalactic MX on my left breast.  The Oncologist says it is not medically necessary and will only improve my chances of a reoccurence slightly.  However, if it is affecting my state of mind then she feels it is still necessary and will perform the surgery.  So, first question up for discussion -- would you have the PMX? 

 If I have the PMX then the PS says we will have him prepare my right side while the Oncology surgeon does the PBX and then, during the same surgery, will do a double LDFlap with expanders and later implants.  If I decide not to do the PMX then the first surgery will be a DIEP to the right breast and then a second surgery to do a lift on the left breast.  So, second question, knowing the different types of surgery what would you do?

satisfied_survivor

I was diagnosed with Paget's disease of the nipple with underlying DCIS in 2009.  I opted for double mastectomy with simultaneous reconstruction with silicone implants.  I needed to know the cancer was gone and not have to worry about Paget's or any other cancer showing up later in the other breast..  My recovery was quick and uncomplicated  (back to work in 4 weeks) and I completed nipple reconstruction and tatooting over the next 8 months.  I have been extremely pleased with my choices.  I have never once had a shred of regret over my decision and am glad that I did both at the same time.  I was able to get on with my life with greatly reduced  threat of recurrence hanging over my head.  I did not undergo any further treatment.  I am scheduled to see an oncologist this week to discuss whether or not I should consider  additional treatment.  Paget's is rare and therefore there doesn't seem to be a concensus on post mastectomy treatment for early stage cancers that have not spread to the nodes.  I am on a fact finding mission as we speak.      I knew that I would never sleep well waiting for cancer to strike again and have never once regretted my decision for even a second.  Peace of mind is priceless!    Good luck with your decision making;  listen to your heart and you gut and go with it!  The choice is different for every woman;  trust that you will make the right decision for you!

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Foxlairfrm

I had a left mastectomy 14 yrs ago. They were supposed to do recon with an implant at the same time. Because there was so much involvement in the nodes, they didn't do it. Imagine the disappointment when I woke up! I was 36 yrs old. I am now 51 and I wish I had both removed back then but vanity and sexuality blinded me. I never went back for recon because I didn't want to put my body through any more. Now with a reccurence in the bones (not due to the other breast). I am wishing again that I had the other removed. The only time I have wished for recon is when wearing evening gowns, bathing suits and occasionally around the house braless. Good luck with your decision! I don't mind no reconstruction. If it wasn't for the "surgery" part, I would have it done I think. Lol

Deborah

satisfied_survivor

I can only imagine the shock when you woke up!  Now this recurrence.  You have been through a lot.  I probably would not have decided on DMX when I was 36 either.  My 80+ year old Mother-in-law opted for DMX when she develped BC. At first I was shocked, but when she talked about it, she made a lot of sense to me.  Why would I want to take the chance on going through that twice?  So by the time I got the biopsy results back, my intellectual decision had already been made.  The emotional acceptance of the decision was not far behind.  The simultaneous reconstruction defintiely made it much easier emotionally. But, I was much older than you when I had to make the choice.   My BH probably was more able to  accept it  than he might have been earlier.  A longterm commited realtionship made it no more than a blip on the radar for us.  He was  and is amazingly supportive making it abundantly clear that I  am still the same person in every way.  

ElenaMarie62

After reading a lot of posts on here about whether to do single or double mastectomy surgery, I believe that when you are younger, it is harder to think of losing a breast, let alone two. But, I was diagnosed at the age of 62, my husband has been dead since 2005, and I live alone, so at this point in my life, I chose to have the double mastectomy. I did not want to go through worrying about the possibility of cancer returning to the left breast. Trouble is, my left breast gave me the most problems. I had cellulitis from an infection, and my breast surgeon told my daughter (who is a PA at the same hospital) that it seems a lot of women have more problems with the breast taken off prophylactically sometimes, but I still do not regret that I had both done together. 

I also had expanders put in, but never had them pumped with any saline, due to the infection, and I just wanted them out, because to me, they felt like two bricks that were duct taped to my chest. I had my implant surgery done about 7 weeks after the original surgery. But, at least both of the 'fake' breasts seem even and don't look too bad at all. I am at this time not even considering nipple reconstruction, but my PS did ask me the other day if I wanted it done. At 62, I am really going for 'less' surgery than more. But, perhaps if I were younger and had a husband, I would choose differently.

If losing your other breast does not bother you too much, and you are going to have surgery on it anyway, then I would probably choose to have the prophylactic removal of that breast as well.

I do have to say, though, and maybe it is only the way my body is, that the two implants, which are the medium size that the PS used, still feel like two large oranges duct taped to my chest. I am getting used to them more and more, but I only wish I had had more time to have researched all of this stuff before the first surgery.

I believe that when we are first diagnosed, we are undergoing the shock of breast cancer alone, and it is hard to even think about reconstruction, etc. when we are living in that state of shock. At least that is how I seemed to feel.

Best wishes on your decision!