Really struggling

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Mama1416
Mama1416 Member Posts: 26
edited November 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hoping to hear some input regarding surgery. I know the decision to have a mastectomy is very personal, but I'm struggling with it.

I had oncoplastic surgery May 2017 followed by Chemo and radiation. The cancer side still had a large tunneling wound throughout chemo that only healed briefly before slightly opening again during radiation. Needless to say, that breast is very disfigured and very hard to image due to fat necrosis and fibrosis.

I have a consultation with Dr Mehrara at MSK this month. I'm leaning towards a double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction. My current PS wants to fix the one breast with a Latt flap.

I'm sad, scared and confused. Feelings that I know you all understand. I thought I made the right decision last year, but here I am again ☹️

I check in here most nights. You are all like a lifeline

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  • Snickersmom
    Snickersmom Member Posts: 926
    edited November 2018

    I had a BMX last year. My surgeon originally wanted to do a lumpectomy but I had one cancerous tumor and two others that turned out to be benign. I made the decision to have a BMX instead of a uni because I didn't want to have to worry about my other breast and I also hated the thought of looking lopsided. I don't regret that decision at all. I also opted for no reconstruction and I don't regret that decision either. I did wear a mastectomy bra for a few months but found that I was so uncomfortable, and I started just going flat. Plus wearing that heavy bra in Florida summers made me miserable. Now I go flat 95% of the time. I do have a couple of summer tops that need a bra, so that's when I wear one.

    We have all second guessed our decisions and it can be really difficult to know what to do. Trust your instincts and do what YOU are comfortable with. Don't let anyone try to tell you what to do. It's your body and you will make the right decision. If your nerves are getting the best of you, ask for something to calm you down. I'm probably always going to be on Zoloft, and I really don't care. They keep me on an even keel.

    Keep posting. All of the BC sisters are wonderful and always supportive.

    Hugs,

    Ann

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  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited November 2018

    Hi, Mama, I'm sorry about your struggles, I had chemo first, one sided mastectomy after that(on my birthday! ) with tissue expander. Then radiation, then exchange for implant, and small implant on good side to even out.So eventually the radiated side tightened up , making the implant rise up and felt very firm. I decided to do the lat flap surgery. The DIEP wasn't recommended for me, I was too skinny. The surgery was easier than I expected, and the recovery went well. The result is a good match, size and shape, to my good side, and ive been able to resume my activities, including weight training, swimming, kayaking etc. It hasnt changed my abilities at all. I just wanted to tell you my experiences with the lat flap, and my decision to keep my good breast. Best wishes 😚❤

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  • Oya80
    Oya80 Member Posts: 42
    edited November 2018

    You're definitely not alone. I wish I had advice for you, but I'm going back& forth on my surgery too. Seems there's no easy answer... love&light

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited November 2018

    I had a left side mastectomy my pain was 95% emotional. Four months later I had a left DIEP. Surgery and healing went very well I took almost 2 months off of work to really rest and heal. I am so happy I did it looks good.

    I could have gone back to work sooner but I wanted the rest. The fat graphing in office procedure was definitely more bruising and soreness. For that I just had the weekend to recoup before going to my desk job.

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  • Mama1416
    Mama1416 Member Posts: 26
    edited November 2018

    Thank you all for taking the time to answer. I look forward to my consultation with the Plastic Surgeon. I'm feeling more upbeat about the whole situation. Meow, I'm so happy you're satisfied with the outcome. Oya, let's check in with each other. Ann and Cali thanks for sharing your experiences.

    You have all helped me so much😊

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