Direction needed, and anything I should ask?

Options
Teel
Teel Member Posts: 41
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Hello everyone,

 I am newly diagnosed and will be having a bilateral mastectomy soon.  I can't really say why, but from the moment I learned that there were women out there who chose not to reconstruct - that's where I landed. 

My surgeon won't schedule the Mastectomy until I at least meet with the plastic surgeon and I agree that is a good thing since my feeling about this is just that -- a feeling, and not based on any real information or data.   My view of reconstruction is also colored by my mother's not great experience thirty years ago, I'm sure. 

I''ve read some good information here and on breastfree, thank you.  My appt with the surgeon is Wednesday and I wonder if there are any questions that are a "must" to ask the plastic surgeon?  Anything you wish you would have known then, done differently, asked, etc.?  I really know nothing - not the best place to be when making such a huge decision. 

Many thanks,

T 

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • smithlme
    smithlme Member Posts: 1,322
    edited November 2009

    Hi T,

    Welcome to the board. Trust your feelings. I'm the product of two different BC diagnosis, two mastectomies, a failed TRAM and finally, scar revision surgery almost 3 weeks ago to bring my chest flat and clean up the awful scar from the failed TRAM. After the second mastectomy I chose not to reconstruct. I also carry the BRCA 2 gene and I don't trust my body. I've had 6 surgeries in all.

    When I went to speak with my PS about leveling out my chest she went through my recon choices, just to be sure I had all the information I needed. I told her that I can feel all the way to my ribs and I was worried that if I got implants I wouldn't be able to feel under them. She agreed that I was making the right choice for me. I also choose not to wear prostheses. (not sure what the plural is) For me they tend to be heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable.

    The question I would ask, if you choose to not have recon, is to make the chest area as flat as possible the first time. This means no "dog ears" or fat left under the arms.

    Best of luck to you...

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Stonebrook108
    Stonebrook108 Member Posts: 237
    edited November 2009

    Teel,

    I had LCIS and decided to have a BM with one step implants. This was back in Jan. of this year. I'm so glad I was able to have the one step surgery. Because waking up from surgery and having "new breasts" was a huge part of my decision to have the the BM surgery. My PS here on LI, NY did a fantastic job. Here is a list of questions for you to look at and take to the PS when you go.

    Good luck and send me a PM if I can help answer any questions

    Ann

    implants or expanders?

     Can breast reconstruction be done in my case?

    • When can I have reconstruction done?
    • What types of reconstruction are possible for me?
    • What is the average cost of each type? Will my insurance cover them?
    • What type of reconstruction do you think would be best for me? Why?
    • How many of these procedures have you (plastic surgeon) done?
    • What results are realistic for me?
    • How will my reconstructed breast feel to the touch?
    • Will I have any feeling in my reconstructed breast?
    • What possible complications should I know about?
    • How much discomfort or pain will I feel?
    • How long will I be in the hospital?
    • Will I need blood transfusions? If so, can I donate my own blood?
    • How long is the recovery time?
    • What will I need to do at home to care for my surgical wound?
    • How much help will I need at home to take care of my drain (tube that lets fluid out) and wound?
    • When can I start my exercises?
    • How much activity can I do at home?
    • What do I do if my arm swells (lymph edema)?
    • When will I be able to return to normal activity such as driving and working?
    • Can I talk with other women who have had the same surgery?
    • How long will the implant last?
    • What kinds of changes to the breast can I expect over time?
    • How will aging affect the reconstructed breast?
    • What happens if I gain or lose weight?
    • Are there any new reconstruction options that I should know about?
    • Nipple Sparing mastectomy?
    • Tissue expanders? Are they painful?
    • How long till the surgery for implants?
    • Will there be drains
    • What type of implants, silicone or saline?
    • How long will the implants last?
    • Are the implants painful?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited November 2009

    Regardless of what you decide decide, I think it is a good idea to meet with a PS.  I waffled about it and ended up meeting with 3 different PS.  In the end, I just didn't feel that the recon options were a good fit *for me*.  But, I feel good knowing that I explored the options.  Ann's questions are good ones.  A lot of this will be a *gut feeling* for *you*.  Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JANET_FROM_PA
    JANET_FROM_PA Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2009

    I reconstructed my left and had a reduction on my right.  My PS said I was going too small; he was right.  I have a hard time getting clothes that fit properly because they are made for women my size as their breasts are typically bigger.  My secretary went flat after a double; she has her clothes altered.  What to ask the PS?  The standard is to ask for the types of reconstruction but also ask him/her what type of recon there are they he/she might not do.  No one in my area did DIEP so I went to Serletti at UofP in Philly.  If I had it to do all over again?  I'd have an implant instead of a DIEP.  Remember....there is no wrong answer.  It's what's right for you.  Stay strong.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories