Regretting elective surgery.

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Melevans
Melevans Member Posts: 1
edited October 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

I had breast cancer almost 2 years ago as part of that treatment I had a single mastectomy without recon.

I then had an elective mastectomy on the other side 3 months ago as I'm not sure I want recon. (I did check that this wouldn't remove my rights to have recon)

I'm struggling with my new complete flatness I know it will probably take some time to get used to.

I'm just worried that I won't get used to it, but also a bit to ashamed of going back to my surgeon and telling them I made a mistake.


Has anyone had elective mastectomy and the gone on to have delay recon at a later date?

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited October 2019

    You could have reconstruction. I am so happy with my DIEP results. I had left side mastectomy recovery was a breeze for me. I consider myself fortunate.

    I had 2 tumors on the left side had mastectomy left then 4 months later DIEP.

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  • HopeWins
    HopeWins Member Posts: 181
    edited October 2019

    Melevans - forgive yourself girl, then hold your head high and say - I thought I might be ok with this, but I'm not. I had DIEP. Both PS consults said it would be close - I had not quite as much belly as breast. I thought I would be ok with it, but I'm not. At least not yet. I'm 6w out and feel better than i did at 3 or 4w, but not good.

    My hairdresser asked (innocently) if I was considering having recon.... so yeah, I'm not what I used to be. None of us are, but we deserve to get dressed, walk out the door and feel good about ourselves.

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  • smc123
    smc123 Member Posts: 71
    edited October 2019

    Melevans, Please give yourself a break...this is an extremely overwhelming process and I believe there can many paths to success...you just need to figure out what works for you. I will mention I am three years out and for various reasons have yet to adjust to my breast reconstruction. I was a stomach sleeper and every night I struggle to get comfortable. My MO just told me, yesterday, there’s a recall with some implants so I need to check in with my plastic surgeon but if mine are on the list I’m tempted to take them out and not replace. Good Luck:

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  • OnTarget
    OnTarget Member Posts: 447
    edited October 2019

    I don't think you should feel slightly bad for changing your mind. I would view it like this- you tried something out, evaluated how it made you feel, and decided that you wanted to opt for something different. This isn't even changing your mind, this is doing a test, evaluating the outcome, and making a decision based on the outcome.

    Please don't feel bad or worry what anyone thinks. You are the only person who matters, you are customer! Plus I'm sure that the docs see this all the time.

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