Stressed about reconstruction vs asymmetrical for exercise

Catdreamer

I am an artist who makes copper enamel sculpture and jewelry. Which means I spend hours hammering, folding and drilling copper sheet metal. In addition, I am very active, cardio, weights, running, camping, hiking and (hopefully soon) backpacking. So, I am wondering whether reconstruction vs going asymmetrical is easier or harder to deal with These activities.

My current bra size is 34D, if that matters.

When I was originally diagnosed, I just had two small IDC masses close together in my left breast and was told I was an excellent candidate for lumpectomy. But, my MRI showed two more masses that were confirmed with a followup ultrasound. Now we are looking at masses spread over a space approximately 8 centimeters wide. So, now lumpectomy is out. The cancer is only in the left breast with no sign of lymph node spread. I am considered low risk for recurrence. So, there is no need to do anything with the other breast.

My immediate reaction was reconstruction. But, In reading, I have seen comments about muscle weakness, cut muscles, and leaking implants. At this point I have not yet met with a plastic surgeon (hopefully next week). And I have been told I will get all kinds of education.

Having one breast removed feels like it would be weirder and weirder feeling than having both breasts gone. Of course, I am not going through that, so what do I know?

Honestly, I am having more stress about reconstruction vs going asymmetrical than I did about the cancer diagnosis.

Any thought comments or information would be appreciated.

Catdreamer

nash

My advice would be to have the mx and live lopsided for awhile to see how you feel. You may find that wearing a prosthesis is no big deal. Or not.

I had a unilateral mx with immediate direct-to-implant LD flap reconstruction. Biggest mistake of my life. I'd gone into my PS appt not wanting reconstruction, and she talked me into it, saying I'd be fine and it would be an 8 week recovery. I am a competitive adult figure skater, and very active.

Over two years later, I live in constant 24/7 pain and discomfort. Because the reconstruction was immediate, there is no way to sort out what is a result of the mx, what is a result of the axillary dissection, and what is the result of the LD flap. Even my PS says she wishes we had done just the mx and waited on the LD flap..

I'm not saying you will have post-reconstruction problems like I do, but you might. Doing this whole process in phases would help to sort out whatever problems you may end up with.

Jennie93

I would read this first:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...