BRCA 1 Positive-Double Mastectomy and Reconstruction

Welcome Stephanie, although I am sorry you have a need to be here. This is (in my opinion) the absolute best place on the internet to get information about all things related to breast cancer.

For anyone looking at reconstruction, I recommend "The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook" by Kathy Steligo. It's not very long, and it's an easy read. The book can explain all your reconstruction options, which is so helpful.

Breast reconstruction should have no effect on your ability to have children, but it may effect your ability to breast feed.

I am going through the reconstructive process right now. I chose to do a free flap option called DIEP, where fat/tissue from my tummy was used to create a new breast for me. I think it's a great option for us young folks (I was diagnosed at age 32). By using our own tissue, we don't have to worry about implants needing to be replaced in the future. And my new breast is warm and soft. I have nothing against implants, but I was a little uncomfortable with putting a foreign object in my body, and I loathed the thought of the possibility of the implants needing to be replaced in the future. Free flap surgeries are pretty intense and not fun to recover from, but if you are young and in good health it is very doable.

Feel free to meet with a couple of different reconstructive surgeons; it is so important to be working with a surgeon you feel comfortable with, and is comfortable with the type of reconstruction you want. Not all surgeons are comfortable doing all types of reconstruction, and you want to choose a surgeon who does the kind you want, frequently.

Good luck to you, and good for you for being so proactive in taking care of your health.

Carebear122 - I had a BMX, placement of TE, and a bilateral oopherectomy all on the same day. My best advice would be sure to line someone up to help you almost round the clock for the first week. I have an electric recliner that allowed me to get up and down on my own. I could not, however, get in and out of bed by myself during that time. I also did not have the strength to drain my own drains, and needed someone to do this for me. I made charts ahead of time to record my meds, so I would not miss any doses and could stay ahead of the pain. This also allowed people to help me in shifts and see when my meds were taken last. Be sure as well to have a lanyard for your drains in the shower. A shower chair is a must as well - I used a camping cooler to sit on, but an outdoor chair will work also. Wishing you the best. Hugs!

Carebear - I had my husband and my sister who flew in caring for me as well!Sounds like you are in good hands! The recliner is a good investment; I would have been lost without it.