Mastectomy scheduled - pretty sure i don't want recon?

Hi bassetlover!    is that your baby in your picture?? So sorry to hear that you have had a reoccurence after 24 years!!

There is no reason to do recon if you don't want to. There are foobs (prosthetics) in every size. There are lots of nice MX bras out there now. Our very own goddess Ariom is an expert at such things!  She has a foob-moire!! Be sure and visit Erica's page at breastfree.org.   Those 2 ladies are extremely helpful with foobs and bras and camisoles.

Feel welcome to ask any questions and we will try to help.

I had bmx, from the beginning I told my BS no recon. I've been flat since then. I didn't want more surgery, I'm retired, if somebody has a problem with me being flat, so what

Hello bassetlover! another Uni here and Glennie is right, I do have a FoobMoire!LOL

I was another who had that gut feeling that recon was not for me and over 2 years down the track, I have never regretted that decision. Please make the decision based on what you want, not what someone else thinks you should do.

If you decide that you don't want recon, you must make sure your Surgeon is on the same page, you need to make your wishes very clear. I told my Surgeon I wanted a very straight scar and flat chest.

There isn't any rush, I was assured that I could always reconstruct later if I changed my mind. I can't see it ever being something, I'd want to do, but it is good to have the option.You'll be surprised how many of us there are, both Uni's and BMX. The bras, clothing and forms available now, are pretty impressive.

Take your time, try not to feel pressured. You can ask anything here, we are all happy to share our experiences.

Bassetlover, I too knew right from the start that I had no interest in any recon. In fact as it turned out none of the options would work for me anyway. Nobody ever tried to talk me into it and I had NO idea that some surgeons are so arrogant that they leave some extra skin "for when you change your mind"! I was flabbergasted at some of the things I heard about, here!

My scar is nice and flat and I rarely think much about it. There is still a fair amount of tenderness around the whole area. But my boob was always ouchy anyway so no big difference.

I never had any other surgery so have nothing to compare it to, but it was a pretty quick recovery. I only had UMX so I still have one good arm. The arm with the SNB will be not much use for awhile. Be careful not to stretch it up at all for the first couple weeks. But I was back at work one week after surgery (nothing strenuous and nothing that can't be done one-handed). The drain came out on day 6. It was no big deal.

i went back to work after 4 weeks,,, desk job,,, really I could have gone back sooner, but I have TONS of sick time and wanted to be off longer!

That's great bassetlover! Glad to hear your Surgeon understands just what you want, that's something you don't need to worry about!

crystalphm is right, there are many pics around that you can look at and even copy and show to your Surgeon if you want to. I also checked out breastfree.org and the Scar Project too.

The truth be known though, having had a Mother, who was also a Uni, made it much easier for me. Her scar was not the best looking scar, she had a radical Umx and full Axillary clearance in '94, just 4 months after we lost my Dad.

I must have learned a lot from her, without even realizing it. She was a very sophisticated, well groomed lady, but she handled being Dx and losing her breast with such grace, at such an emotional time, but she also had a wicked sense of humor, which got her through, too!

Take it easy and let us know how you're doing.

bassetlover, Welcome to this side, of the surgery experience. I am so pleased to hear you're doing well and have a good scar result. When you are ready, take a look through the All things bras and prosthesis thread, there are lots of tips there to help you transition into being a Uni! Take it easy and let us know how you're getting on.