Topic: If You've Had a Reduction with Your Reconstruction -

TexasGal,

I think it is totally understandable for you to miss your old breasts and your old figure.

I was also quite busty before I had a bilateral mastectomy. I decided not to have reconstruction, so my situation is somewhat different to yours. That said, I am slowly getting used to being flat chested but I miss my old shape. I was used to it. The worst thing about it is becuase I don't have any breasts, I notice my too big belly, which bugs the heck out of me.

My friends generally like my flat chested silouette. I remember getting one puzzled look from a friend at the gym, so I had to explain to him. Another friend's comment was "well, you look different." An honest man. :) But for the most part, people don't seem to notice that my siloutte has changed..

My husband initially expressed a preference for reconsruction, so I "would look the same" but I haven't heard any complaints about my appearance from him. After he learned what was involved with reconstruction, he did say he could see why I chose not to have it.

We are going to see my sisters at Thankgiving. I haven't seen them since my mastectomy, so I am looking forward to their reactions. Should be interesting. :)

I had my surgery in July and am stillgetting used to it. I was a 36DD and now am barely a C. I look at my reduced boob and wonder who it belongs to!! I just had a mammo and US and they saw the same cysts I have had, but to me they felldifferent and are not in the same place! I cannot find omfortable bras and my clothes donot feel the same. i always "overflowed" my bras, and now....

As for DH, he has looked but not touched. We just started sleeping in same bed. He tells me it doesn't matter, but obviously it must!

Did you read the 'I miss my boobs?' thread ? I do miss mine. I feel like they took 1 full boob and 1/2 of the other.

D

My first recon had a lift and reduction to match a too small implant.  Worst parts are that I was only told of the reduction the morning of exchange and lift as I was being marked.

the recon side had been severly encapsulated and never really got bigger than an A, even tho the ps said all was well.  When finished I looked like a 12 year old===I, too, am a plus size  woman and almost ruined my posture hunching over to hide my stomach with thses tiny boobs.  He also lied to me, saying nothing could be done and even if it could, ins. wouldn't cover it.

My gut had told me not to let him do the exchange but I didn't listen.  Eventually, I cancelled the nipple and got 3 more consults and yes, ins. paid for a redo by another ps.  The second one listened to all my concerns and questions and addressed them all.  I'm now a 42 D and even tho I've not lost that 40 lbs I gained after diagnosis, I am at least balanced.

always listen to your gut!  Don't believe every thing they tell you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way to go!  You are smarter than I was.

Hey!  Congrats on making the first year!  Here's to the next 20!  That first few mammos can be really stressful, I'm glad you stopped in to let us keep our fingers crossed for you.

I think you can plan on a good mammo and that they really know what they are doing.  If you don't feel they've done a good job, just ask to talk with the radiologist and explain your concerns.

When I go in, I always warn them that I'll be sitting there till I get results---I refuse to leave till the rads doc has looked at the films and determines that I'm fine.  I absolutely see NO reason that we who have had positive mammos are kept waiting to learn results when they can be given the same time we are there.  NO WAY, no how!  You just don't need the added stress of waiting for a letter.