Breast reconstruction.

Josie2499

I am new to this group and was diagnosed with breast cancer 11/17. I have completed Chemotherapy and am having a double mastectomy. How do I decide if I should have breast reconstruction when I get the mastectomy or wait and have it later. I am suppose to get radiation after surgery. A part of me wants to just get the cancer out of my body first before I start reconstruction. Any thoughts???

Lula73

well to some extent it depends what kind of reconstruction you’re having: implants or natural tissue reconstruction. Then it depends on your PS’s preference from there. Have you decided what type of reconstruction you’re going with yet? And if so have you decided on a plastic surgeon?

mustlovepoodles

I'm actually pretty satisfied that I have delayed reconstruction. I had much difficulty healing after my BMX and I lost a lot of skin to tissue necrosis. Then my PS decided I needed a lat flap and some implants. Everything was happening so fast that I sort of panicked and put on the brakes. So glad I did. It gave me more time to really look at all my options.

I've discovered some things about myself. 1) Although I thought I'd be okay going flat, I am not. 2) I emphatically do NOT want a lat flap, NOR implants!

Having had months to research this I've decided to go for delayed DIEP in NOLA. My original PS can do a DIEP, but doesnt like to do them. The surgeons in NOLA do flap surgeries every day and have really honed their techniques. Had I gone ahead with implants, or God forbid, a lat flap, I believe I would have been terribly unhappy with the result.

No one can tell you what to do. I would urge you to take your time to determine what feels right for you. Resist the urge to just get it over with. You want to get it right the first time. Good luck.

NotVeryBrave

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Have you discussed it with your BS? Have you seen a PS for their opinion?

Some people just seem to know what they want and others need more time. Research helps a lot as does asking your questions here. You'll need to consider how you feel about the number of surgeries and the amount of recovery.

Starting with determining what options you personally have available is a good starting point. And not rushing into any decisions. If you'd rather wait until later to reconstruct - that's a valid choice.