Just diagnosed young questions

im so sorry you have to face this at such a young age. It's just not fair. I would strongly recommend seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist. The therapist does weekly talk therapy, but does not do meds. The psychiatrist manages meds, but doesn't do talk therapy. IMO, both would be helpful. Many, many of us have found that medication helped us through this ordeal. And if you and the psychiatrist feel strongly that you not want to use meds, she can help you find alternatives.

I'm so sorry you're joining this club, but welcome! Hysterectomy with ovaries removed will mean you can go on an aromatase inhibitor (AI) from the start which does not interact with many anti-depressant like tamoxifen does. Taking an AI means you should be able to stay on your current anti-depression regimen. With the loss of estrogen you may need to add another medI would still seek psychological or psychiatric help as this is a lot to deal with especially being so young.

On the reconstruction-there are options beyond implants as well. I went with natural tissue recon called DIEP. It was done during the same surgery as the BMX. Hopefully you'll be able to have skin sparing if not nipple sparing BMX which makes a huge difference in appearance. Largely I went with natural tissue recon because it meant my breasts would be soft and warm (both to the outside touch and to the feeling of the on your chest). They would move and age with me like my originals would. No risk of leaks, no tissue expanders, no ripples, no fills every week, and no replacing them down the road like with implants. Here's a link to A group referred to as NOLA that according to many including me is the center that does natural tissue recon the best. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me or post here. Hope this helps!

www.breastcenter.com

Alylasley - I am not as young as you, but I was also diagnosed young-ish at 32. I'm sorry you are going through this, but I'm glad you reached out here.

I had a single mastectomy and started implant reconstruction, and so far the results have been pretty good. Implants are nice in the sense that you don't have to have surgery on any extra parts of your body, but they have their drawbacks too. I am still getting used to the weird feeling of a foreign object being lodged in my body - I used to be a stomach sleeper, but not anymore! I do think DIEP seems to have the most natural results, and it's nice that they are with you for life, but it's a bigger surgery up front and not as widely available. I have often thought that if my implant fails for any reason, I would try for DIEP reconstruction. In the end, I recommend doing whatever you feel happiest and most comfortable with, since any reconstruction option can have complications and drawbacks. Take the time to be fully informed about your reconstruction options - it will help you come to a decision you are truly comfortable with.

Although I don't have depression, I had some anxiety issues before breast cancer, and I tried to be proactive in managing that. I saw a health psychologist who specializes in cancer, and it did help. I think seeking help is probably a good idea, even if it's just to stay ahead of any emotional difficulties. I figure when it comes to breast cancer, we can use all the help we can get! Best wishes to you.