Why Reconstruction?

nancydrew8

I've read many posts on this site; specifically as it relates to mastectomies and reconstruction. There are some very well informed, knowledgeable women who know how this disease behaves and just how unpredictable it can really be.

Most of you know that with any kind of breast cancer surgery, microscopic cancer cells course through our blood stream and that prophylactic or necessary mastectomies do not guarantee a cure. Some of us have been very blessed (as I have been) to experience many years (23 years) of cancer-free living. Mine came back as a local reoccurrence in the radiated breast. My choices were limited and I chose to have a double mastectomy without reconstruction. I chose this route specifically having the knowledge that surgical cites can still harbor microscopic cancer cells and I felt the less it was tampered with the better off I would be.

So my question is: Why, if some of us know how cancer cells travel and how they can put up stakes in other parts of our body, would we take the risk of going back and having the surgical site tampered with by having reconstruction?

I often read posts by women who say: (paraphrasing) ….."I had requested a double mastectomy without reconstruction, but my breast surgeon suggested I speak with a plastic surgeon before I make up my mind, I did and chose to have reconstruction".

I have read posts by women who have had a reoccurrence with reconstruction that actually express joy that they can have their inserts replanted…..a second/third time because their plastic surgeons said they could.

I'm just curious….what do these plastic surgeons tell these women to convince them on the idea of getting cosmetic surgeries while subjecting their bodies to lengthy, painful, and oftentimes serious infections? Are they laughing all the way to the bank while we risk our long-term prognosis? Is part of the sell…."you can have the breasts you've always dreamed about nor could afford, because your insurance company will foot the bill?

I have become good friends with my nurse navigator and recently we were discussing this phenomenon of reconstruction and she related how a 71-year old patient (name withheld) had a large, nasty tumor attached to her chest wall. In order to do the surgery, first she would require chemotherapy with radiation to reduce the size of her tumor in order to proceed.

Despite this challenging outlook, her obsession was….."When can I have reconstruction?"

The more I read and learn about cancer (breast or otherwise) I realize that we can do everything right under the stars and it can still reel it's head. However, if we are armed with scientific information, shouldn't we refrain from making the wrong decisions?

Obxflygirl1

the last study that came out a year ago,cited that lumpectomy patients may have a lower reoccurrence rate than having a mastectomy. If you research these boards, it's located in the "breaking news" section. There's a lot of breast tissue left with a lumpectomy for cells to hide so I don't think choosing to have reconstruction after MX would have any bearing on whether you are messing with fate. We are all at risk for reoccurrence, whether one chooses reconstruction or not. I was thrilled to have the option . For me BC took away so much, it was wonderful to get something back. I didn't do it to have perfect breasts. For me, it was an important part of the physical and emotional healing process. My doctor was a friend and I am certain was in no way laughing all the way to the bank.

nancydrew8

" There's a lot of breast tissue left with a lumpectomy for cells to hide "

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Yes, there is, but once a lumpectomy is performed followed by radiation (if the patient chooses) nobody goes back in and tampers, over and over, with that breast. Why would anyone want to stir up the coals?

My "soap box" post was not intended to offend any one, but an attempt for some to think the process through. After all, "knowledge is power"...as little knowledge as there is out there regarding cancer...especially breast cancer.

muska

Why reconstruction? To have good body image. It's definitely a personal choice and no judgement should be passed on those who chose to have it and those who don't.

roadrash

I really think it is important that we are all well informed. I had precancer area removed in 2008 (lumpectomy) and wanted a rt bmx but my breast surgeon advised it. I was left with very large dents in my right breast and did not opt for plastic surgery and lived with it. When my bs informed me that the day had come to do a bmx. I was terrified. My bs helped me to regain my dignity by sending me to a plastic surgeon. It is a personal choice and one that I would never judge someone for exercising. I couldn't handle it without the reconstruction. For 6 weeks, I dressed in the dark in candlelight and all the mirrors in my bathroom were covered. The first time I looked at myself in the mirror I wept. I didn't weep for my boobs, I wept for the loss I experienced for a disease I never asked to be chosen for and the ultimate betrayl of my body.The rest of my life was going to be permanently changed. There was no way I could pretend that my deflated chest was ever going to be ok with me. A person needs to know their limitations. As I grow closer to my exchange, I am growing to know a tremendous group of powerful women here that have faced many of the same crossroads and challenges as me. Women empowering women, that's where I'm at and that's what I'm all about.