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What type of breast reconstruction did you decide to have and why did you choose that option?
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member4487 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 03 / 10 / 2012
I chose not to have reconstruction at all. I was 55, had lived with the same partner for over three decades and nursed two children. For me, the discomfort, additional procedures and potential for complications weren’t worth it. As a yoga enthusiast, I was eager to get back on the mat and have full use of all my muscles as soon as possible. I know that many women feel breasts are critical to their self-image. But for me, they weren’t that important anymore. That said, I consulted an excellent plastic surgeon to go over my options, and I spent some time making a list of pros and cons.
In the end, I asked my breast surgeon to make me look like a 10-year-old. And she did a marvelous job. I was back on my yoga mat within two weeks of my bilateral mastectomy. My chest is not at all scary to look at. It’s nice and flat, and five years out, my scars are the merest scratch marks. A while ago, my daughter was looking through before and after photos and said, “Mom, you looked really weird with boobs!”
At work I usually wear foam breast forms in a camisole. But outside work, I go flat. I know I could get delayed reconstruction, but it turns out I still don’t feel the need for it. I would encourage women considering reconstruction to also at least think about the possibility of not reconstructing. It’s a viable option—and your doctor may not suggest it.
In the end, I asked my breast surgeon to make me look like a 10-year-old. And she did a marvelous job. I was back on my yoga mat within two weeks of my bilateral mastectomy. My chest is not at all scary to look at. It’s nice and flat, and five years out, my scars are the merest scratch marks. A while ago, my daughter was looking through before and after photos and said, “Mom, you looked really weird with boobs!”
At work I usually wear foam breast forms in a camisole. But outside work, I go flat. I know I could get delayed reconstruction, but it turns out I still don’t feel the need for it. I would encourage women considering reconstruction to also at least think about the possibility of not reconstructing. It’s a viable option—and your doctor may not suggest it.
PositivelyPat (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 03 / 10 / 2012
I had implants because I didn't know any better. Since then I've learned about a 3rd option for breast reconstruction. Dr. Roger Khouri at the Miami Breast Center builds ENTIRE breasts from your own fat.
I've met dozens of women who have had this done. It's incredible. No scars. No incisions. No foreign objects in your body. No traumatic surgery (it's all done with little needles and lipo). AND women keep near-normal sensation in their breasts (something I'll never have). Check him out:
www.MiamiBreastCenter.com
I've met dozens of women who have had this done. It's incredible. No scars. No incisions. No foreign objects in your body. No traumatic surgery (it's all done with little needles and lipo). AND women keep near-normal sensation in their breasts (something I'll never have). Check him out:
www.MiamiBreastCenter.com
DeeAnne_Barker (Current Patient) - 03 / 12 / 2012
Such an important and personal question at the same time! I opted for immediate reconstruction (during the mastectomy surgery) with breast expanders and eventual silicone implants. In a nutshell, I did a great amount of research, spoke with surgeons and survivors and then researched more before making a final decision. Plus, I took into account my age (51 years young), my lifestyle and clothing that I prefer to wear. I’m a V-neck gal and didn’t want to give that up. Scoop necks and high-necked clothing have always irritated me and made me feel uncomfortable and I didn’t want to feel the need to ‘cover up’ my chest as recommended by a very negative survivor that I spoke with during my decision making process. Bottom line, I wanted to go for the least invasive procedure if possible.
As for nipples (we must discuss them), my surgeons were able to save the non-cancerous nipple while also preserving part of the areola on the breast of the current cancer. I have also consulted with a very reputable tattoo artist and have scheduled an appointment to finish off the areola on my left breast. In essence, I didn’t want to feel like I was a ‘blank canvas’ every time I walked past the mirror. Again, a personal decision.
Also, I cannot say enough about how important it is to keep having dialogue with your team of surgeons. I asked them how much time I had to make my final decision (“3 weeks-ish”) and continued to work closely with them as we eventually decided, albeit slightly risky (30% failure rate), not to go with any of the flap surgeries. My plastic surgeon said that if for some reason, my 20-year-old radiated breast didn’t work, then the next step would be to do a Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap (LDMF) surgery. So knowing what potentially lie ahead of me along with a plan ‘B’ – I felt confident and ready to move on with plan ‘A’ - the implant option.
Lastly, a very dear and wise nursing friend of mine gave me the best advice that I have continued to operate on throughout this journey: “If you have the time, weigh all of your options. Make a choice. Live with it for 4-5 days. Make that choice again. Give yourself 1-2 days. See how it feels. Then move on with your final decision.”
As for nipples (we must discuss them), my surgeons were able to save the non-cancerous nipple while also preserving part of the areola on the breast of the current cancer. I have also consulted with a very reputable tattoo artist and have scheduled an appointment to finish off the areola on my left breast. In essence, I didn’t want to feel like I was a ‘blank canvas’ every time I walked past the mirror. Again, a personal decision.
Also, I cannot say enough about how important it is to keep having dialogue with your team of surgeons. I asked them how much time I had to make my final decision (“3 weeks-ish”) and continued to work closely with them as we eventually decided, albeit slightly risky (30% failure rate), not to go with any of the flap surgeries. My plastic surgeon said that if for some reason, my 20-year-old radiated breast didn’t work, then the next step would be to do a Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap (LDMF) surgery. So knowing what potentially lie ahead of me along with a plan ‘B’ – I felt confident and ready to move on with plan ‘A’ - the implant option.
Lastly, a very dear and wise nursing friend of mine gave me the best advice that I have continued to operate on throughout this journey: “If you have the time, weigh all of your options. Make a choice. Live with it for 4-5 days. Make that choice again. Give yourself 1-2 days. See how it feels. Then move on with your final decision.”
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