Surgery options

FrenchPorsche

I’ve had my biopsy results now and confirmed a large area intermediate and high grade DCIS so I’m going to have a mastectomy. There are many options at the mo and I think I know what I want but would love some insight into outcomes for others who have been through this.

It looks like I can have the mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and they may be able to spare skin and nipple (with an implant), or I can go for a simple mastectomy and consider reconstruction at a later stage. I think the immediate reconstruction sounds like a good idea, but not sure of the longer term implications of this.

Please share if you’ve had this done? :-)

specky14

I had a double mastectomy, because of cancer in the left breast and family history, with reconstruction at the same time. The left side, with the cancer has been good with no problems and little discomfort and I did nipple and skin sparring. The right side had some issues and I was not able to get the expander, had an arterial bleed the same day as surgery so had to emergently have a second surgery, which caused the nipple and other skin to die. I needed another surgery to remove that skin which caused an open wound due to having to pull the skin so tight to close the tissue at the "T" part of the incision.. Probably won't be able to get an expander on that side. I'm sure my issues were the exception but know all your options and do what is in your heart and not what others think you should do

FrenchPorsche

Hi specky14. I’m so sorry about your post surgery issues. I hope they will be able to sort it out to the point that you’re happy with the result. I thought of bmx but since there is currently no evidence of cancer in my left breast and I’m not high risk for the genetic thing I’ve decided to leave to just the right. I guess I will be lopsided but will deal with that later.

We’re seeing the consultant on Tuesday to confirm the nature of the surgery and reconstruction. I might have limited options as I vape, and still with nicotine, which I believe is a no-no on the plastic surgery side. Have to be nicotine free for six weeks, which doesn’t look likely now as surgery is due to happen in the next few weeks. Hmmmmm..

jessie123

Have you considered a lumpectomy. It's quick surgery and you go home the same day. I was home by 11:30 in the morning and never had any pain at all -- although my incision was very large. A lumpectomy has the exact same long term prognosis as a mastectomy. It took me forever to decide -- then someone told me to start small and go big later if I have to. You do have radiation after, but that doesn't scare me.

FrenchPorsche

Thank you Jessie. Sadly I don’t have the option of a lumpectomy as the overall area is too large. I’m glad yours seems ok