excited :)

Erica3681

Hi Freckles2,

That's the theme of my BreastFree.org website--non-reconstruction as a positive alternative to reconstruction. Like you, once I learned I needed a mastectomy I came to feel that not having reconstruction was the least-bad option out there. And, like you, after making the decision I felt calmer and more at peace than I had for weeks (I had literally scheduled recon before changing my mind).

I hope your decision continues to feel right for you.

Barbara 

Wren44

There is a website called www.mastectomysolutions.com which has good instructions for sewing a pocket into a bra you already own (not needed for BMX, but mine was a uni). She also has instructions for making a microbead foob which is very lightweight. I tried on one of my regular bras this morning and decided I could keep it on for 20 min maybe. I volunteer on the front desk of a senior center. They keep it too warm to wear a jacket, so I haven't been back yet.

calilisa

Question ... I notice in posts that some indicate you could always make the choice to reconstruct later if you change your mind.  Is that still a possibility if the surgeon doesn't leave extra skin?  

Erica3681

Yes, still possible! If you chose delayed recon with implants, I imagine the tissue expanders would have to be expanded a bit more slowly, though I'm not sure about this, since expansion also involves stretching the pectoral muscle, which would require the same amount of stretching whether or not skin is spared. Flap reconstructions are totally possible, whether or not extra skin is left.

calilisa

Very interesting.  Thanks for the information Erica.  

beacon800

Delayed reconstruction is almost always possible.  There are some situations where it's better not to delay (has to do with radiation timing, and I'm not sure what is all involved).  Cosmetically the scar will be smaller with simultaneous recon.  But I think the fully delayed ones don't look bad either.  Timtam has a picture forum which shows plenty of delayed recon and they often work very well.  So you don't have to decide right away.

That helped me too, with the decision.  If you start without recon, it does not mean it's forever.  Some have done it years after the intial mx.