Prophilactic options?

AnaMaria34

Hi Everyone!

I have cancer in one breast and will not be able to save skin or nipple. I have decided to remove both breasts. What options do I have for the healthy breast? Can I/should I save the skin? The nipple? Can I have an expander put in and filled to my breast's original size immediately after mastectomy? Right now I'm leaning toward a diep flap reconstruction after the rest of my treatments, though I am still open to the idea of implants. What are your experiences? Is there an option that would give me a better result? I'd love to keep my healthy nipple if I could (if it would have feeling). Are there any websites that specifically discuss options for this situation?Thank you!

mustlovepoodles

While I am personally not in favor of implants due to my own experience with complications following BMX, they are preferred by the vast majority of those who have reconstruction. At the time of my BMX I did not choose reconstruction. Since then I have changed my mind. I am very glad NOW that my PS did a skin-sparing BMX because it will make DIEP flap easier and more likely to get a good outcome. I did not have nipple-sparing BMX because I have 2 gene mutations--I couldn't take the chance of having scraps of breast tissue left behind (at least, not any more than necessary. It's impossible to get every single bit out.)