Breast reconstruction

I had a Mastectomy 10 years ago I had considered reconstruction but having discussed my options with the Plastic Surgeon I decided against it.The Surgeon who performed the Mastectomy unbeknown to me did a skin sparing one thinking I could just have an implant but as I had radiotherapy this was'nt possible.The P Surgeon said he would have to take skin from my shoulder blade area to do the reconstruction.To make both breasts the same size I would need a reduction op on my healthy breast.He also said he would need to move my nipple at this point I said no as I have one healthy breast and nipple so why mess with it.I wear a prosthesis which matches perfectly and am quite happy with it.If it had been an easier op to reconstruct I definately would have had it as I am left with a lumpy area which is not great to look at.

Thank you @Maryella‍ for sharing your experience with us!

I had my mastectomy and breast reconstruction on the same day. That was in June 2017. The surgeon took muscle from my back and a silicone imply From the time I was told I had breast cancer I knew that I was going to have the reconstruction on the same day. I couldn’t face waking up and not seeing my breast there but that just me I wouldn’t have coped. The operation was major there are side effects ie. nerve pain at times weaker on that side. A big scar on my back some numbness  But I would do it again if I had to. A positive attitude and prayers is what’s keeping me going. I hope this helps. If u have any questions I will gladly answer them

I had my reconstruction started 2 years after my mastectomy, not from choice! The hospital where I had my initial treatment didn't offer reconstruction and I was told I'd have to wait 12 months after mastectomy for a referral to a plastic surgeon. I hated that waiting time, loathed wearing a prosthetic, I felt like a freak!

I had a total of 2 procedures and a tattoo to complete the reconstruction, the entire process taking about 18 months to complete, with waiting times and recovery times. But it was worth it and I'd do it all again. I'm delighted with the results. I have a scar across my back running from my spine to my armpit, a chunk of muscle missing from my back, some weakness on my right side as a result but I don't care. 

Yep I’m glad I did it as well

Hi

I had a mastectomy and reconstruction on the same day, June 2017. This was only on one breast, as i had cancer in the milk ducts. I had my nipple taken and the whole of the right breast. Reconstruction, came from my tummy. I also knew I didn’t want implants, and that i would be using any fat from my tummy. I had a tight closure, as didn’t have much tummy fat. I have now had the nipple reconstructed and tattooed. I am so pleased with the result, i have been put back together. 

That’s great NatalieG. I went through something similar. I lost my nipple, was reconstructed but no tattoo yet. Its important to feel as normal as possible for me anyway. 

Jellag

I am in the process of reconstruction. I had a right Mastectomy and lymph node clearance in 2012 then a year after was put on the waiting list for a Tram flap.

I had this but suffered complications due to a drop in blood pressure resulting in the loss of a large proportion of the flap and a long recovery lasting from August to March. I have since had two fat transfers the last being in January this year. I still need further fat transfers to even up as there is still a significant size difference between my breast. It is a long journey but I know I will be right in the end. 

I do not regret any of the surgeries as the prosthesis was an absolute nightmare and gave me shoulder impingement and lots of problems.

I hope this story does not put others off as i would still advocate for this type of surgery and am aware I am just one of few who have complications.

I had a mastectomy on my left breast  and removal of lymph nodes in 2010 and subsequent chemotherapy and radium. I was informed of my choices for reconstruction and advised against having it done too soon as the radium could damage the area. I had an implant put in at the time of the mastectomy to keep the skin that was left viable and which could be stretched slowly by injecting water into the valve just under the skin. I started my reconstruction about 18 months later where I had the muscle from my back transferred to the breast area and fat taken from my stomach. The operation was not much fun but was well looked after; was immobilised for 3 days where I was confined to a hugger which gave me the best chance for the reconstruction to take and the blood supply to the moved muscle to reestablish. In hospital for two weeks with this first operation. Over the next three years I had further operations to build up the breast tissue with fat taken from my stomach and a nipple made and tattooed. I'm very pleased with the outcome although I was scheduled to have another operation for filling again but decided enough was enough. Have my reconstructed breast slightly smaller then my own breast but such a small difference doesn't matter to me. Constructed breast itself feels real and looks very realistic.

I do have numbness on my back where the muscle was removed and on my reconstructed side but feeling has been returning slowly over the last three years as it appears to take a long time for the body to heal and repair itself.

I would tell anyone in the same position to go with what they feel is right for them. I did not want a fake implant which would have been quicker and less intrusive but did not feel right for me. My sister, who also had breast cancer did go with the fake implant and is quite happy with it so it really does depend on each individuals own preference.