reconstruction surgeon

I highly recommend Dr. Marga Massey in Charleston. I live in Oregon and it was worth the trip. I didn't even go back for Stage 2 surgery because she did such a lovely job at Stage 1.

I opted for BMX because some suspicious spots on the opposite side were seen in an MRI, but nothing was found in the contralateral breast. Had I known then what I know now, I would definitely opt for a UMX for the following reasons:

1. I thought of my breasts as a set, and wanted to have symmetry. However, a BMX means double the risk of complications. I had complications on my cancer side that requires a re-do a few years later. I would have deeply regretted removing a healthy breast and then having complications.

2. It's really nice to have a good arm and strong side when recovering from this surgery.

3. The numbness in that area took a while to get used to, but it would be nice to have feeling there still.

These reasons don't take into consideration your diagnosis and personal risk for cancer occurrence in the opposite breast. Your MO should be able to tell you if you have any additional risk that should be considered.

Some reasons for BMX might include:

1. Reduced risk, if applicable

2. Flaps will be taken from both sides of your abdomen regardless of your decision because you will need to be symmetric in your abdomen, so there would not be an option to have a second DIEP later.

3. If you need to have a reduction or lift to be symmetric on the other side, you could consider going all the way and having DIEP, but it is more complicated to build a breast than to modify a breast.

Just some thoughts from someone who has had to think about some of these issues. I hope you make the decision that brings you the most peace and emerge with a great prognosis and beautiful results!

lily lily,

You don’t mention the type of breast cancer you have (hormone receptors/her2) or the grade for either of your diagnoses. I would expect that to factor into the ‘no more monitoring’ idea if you have a BMX.

In response to your original question, I didn’t use the plastic surgeon recommended by my breast surgeon and I didn’t follow the surgical plan suggested by my breast surgeon. I liked him and he did my mastectomy. He recommended BMX with implants. The PS he recommended was super and supportive but was not interested in doing flap reconstruction. She gave me good information and recommended the PS who did my DIEP.

LAstar covered many of the things that went into my decision for unilateral mastectomy. Removing healthy breast doubles surgical risk. The flap can fail and it could fail on the healthy side. A bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction would have resulted in significantly smaller breasts for me. My reconstructed breast is the same size as my natural breast. BMX doesn’t change my recurrence risk.

Almost three years after making the decision and 18 months after DIEP I am happy with the decision. You need to make the UMX or BMX decision that is right for you. You’ll know it’s right when you aren’t second guessing it.