Reconstruction Questions & Concerns

BeamDancer

Hi everyone!

I was diagnosed with ADH and LCIS last summer, and subsequently had a lumpectomy. The diagnosis, coupled with the fact that my mum had passed from breast cancer in 2012, prompted me to have genetic testing done. The results showed I had a CHEK2 mutation and so I told my doctor that I needed time to think about it but would consider having a double mastectomy. She advised me to take the summer to think about everything because it was a big decision to make, but ultimately thought it would be the right thing to do. I went back for a follow-up appointment with her in October and had an ultrasound followed up by an MRI, which flagged something else suspicious. I had an MRI guided biopsy and got upgraded to DCIS and LCIS. That pretty much helped me make my decision and so I had a double mastectomy with an immediate reconstruction on January 2nd this year.

I would really love to hear from anyone else who had immediate reconstruction after a double mastectomy just like me because I'd like to compare what our breasts feel and look like now. My PS did show me before and after photos of other patients but the way my body feels and looks now isn't at all what I expected so I don't know if this is how it's meant to be or not.

Please excuse any typos. I'm all fingers and thumbs on an iPad!

Almost forgot, I had silicone implants above the muscle and my nipples were spared.

klnapier2020

I had my bilateral mastectomy on April 6 - and expanders were put in. I am definitely curious as to what to expect as we go towards reconstruction. Reconstruction is considered elective, so I won't have it until COVID restrictions are lifted, which is fine - but I am going to the plastic surgeon in two weeks to get a fill (not sure the right term). Ultimately, we will get to my new size and then the expanders come out and implants go in. I would love to hear what to expect on this!

Thanks!