unilateral mastectomy and then decide to do bimx

I took it one step at a time, just like you are doing.  I had my left MX, waited for the pathology report, met with the oncologist, waited for the oncotype DX results, started hormonal therapy, and then decided to have the second mastectomy when I began reconstruction with implants.  Along the way, the information I received helped me make an informed decision.  The things that influenced me were the fact that I wanted to do reconstruction one time.  And the fact that if I had a prophylactic mastectomy, no lymph nodes needed to be removed other than any found within the breast itself.  And my plastic surgeon would be doing the surgery.  She was much neater than the surgeon was!  Because I took it slowly, I am happy with each decision I have made.  Good luck and make the right decision for you!

Hi Abrown- I had a unil. and then they found precancerous in the other side. Go figure- I only had .5 percent chance per year of getting cancer in the opposite breast. All my surgeons informed me I had minimal chances of getting cancer in the opposite breast. ALL were very surprised of the atypical cells.  Anyway, long story short- had a mx in the other precanc. side two years later. Have been having complications with reconstruction now. UGH. Overall, I don't have the worry of the disease.... I couldn't live with that. So, I am glad I did it-  Its taught me to have patience. 

I had a unilateral mastectomy with (a problematic) DIEP reconstruction following a multifocal bc diagnosis. My breast surgeon at the time did not mention the possibility of a prophylactic mastectomy on my "good"  side. 

 As time passed I did a lot of research and became much more knowledgeable.  I had also started seeing some new physicians (a new oncologist and new breast surgeon). The realization that I had dense breast tissue which made detection difficult and a first degree relative who was diagnosed with bc before the age of 50 made me consider a prophylactic mastectomy.  Four years after my original mastectomy I had a prophylactic nipple sparing mastectomy and sGAP reconstruction. ( I  traveled to New Orleans for the surgery.  My New Orleans ps also greatly improved my DIEP reconstruction.) 

 When I was considering a prophylactic surgery I talked to my local physicians about the option.  All of them except one told me that if they were in my shoes they would personally choose the prophylactic surgery.  The one physician who told me that, in my place she would not, also told me that without the prophylactic surgery I would need to be willing to deal with the possibility of a new bc diagnosis and the treatment that would entail.  In retrospect, I absolutely made the right decision for me. 

(As an aside -in New Orleans a breast surgeon did the nipple sparing mastectomy and a team of plastic surgeons did the sGAP reconstruction.)

Besa,

how many surgeriesrevisions did you have with NOLA. If my revision doesn't work out I am considering going there.

Were you in network? PM me Pleassssee. thanks

abrown1126 - I am lucky. I have pretty normal feeling in about 1/2 to possibly 2/3 of my breast on my nipple sparing (sGAP) side (but no feeling in the nipple itself). About the same on my skin sparing (DIEP) side. I think I can feel pressure pretty much throughout the reconstructions but I am guessing that the movement from the pressure is transferred until it reaches nerves that haven't been cut... just my guess.

From what I have read if nerves regenerate it happens very slowly so it could take a year or a year and a half to know what you are really dealing with. I don't know if there is a difference between implant and tissue (fat) reconstruction.