Reconstruction/no reconstruction decisions

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Valentine99
Valentine99 Member Posts: 75
edited May 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

I had my BMX in March, and 3 weeks later had to have a TE replaced. Now I am 4 weeks past the 2nd surgery, and have had to abandon expansion because of very slow healing on my cancer side, risk of infection and splitting again, and needing to start radiation. I was very relieved to not start expansion because I was so worried about splitting again.

So now I am going back and forth about reconstruction or no. I could have a DIEP procedure, but with the problems I've been having healing I'm worried about having that many incisions and the potential risks. I've also been seriously considering removing the TEs and calling it quits.

When you made the decision about reconstruction, did you automatically know what was right for you? It all seemed very straightforward in the beginning, but the speedbumps are throwing me for a spin.

Thanks!

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  • grammakathy
    grammakathy Member Posts: 407
    edited May 2015

    I started out slowly, and made a decision each step of the way.  First I had the Mx on my cancer side, read the pathology report, met with the MO, waited for the Oncotype DX results, then decided on a prophylactic Mx on my other side with tissue expanders.  Because I made my decisions slowly, gathering additional information along the way, I was comfortable with my decisions.  My only recommendation is for you to step back and see how your healing goes.  Then make up your mind.  I'm so sorry you are having these challenges.  Hugs!

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