Double Mastectomy
First post. I am scheduled for a double mastectomy I have choose not to have reconstuction . I am going though such a deep depression. The thought of loosing my breasts is so devestating to me . I would like to talk to others that have gone though this and help me to know what to expect and how you managed to get though the psychological part of this ! ty
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Hi sweetie, I went through this 12 years ago, at age 47. It was not nearly as bad as I thought….surgery went well and I only needed couple of oral pain tablets for first few days. The drains were a bit of a nuisance but were out after week or so. Recovery fairly easy and really not much pain at all. I play a lot of sport so not having boobs bouncing around was a real benefit!! Not sure of your support system, but my husband was absolutely amazing, as were my four children. Not once did anyone question my choice to forego reconstruction….they just wanted me alive and happy. I have never regretted my decision and am at peace with it….I am more than a pair of boobs! Sadly, I lost my darling husband four years ago, however now have four grandchildren and live my life around my family. Happy to answer any questions you may have, if you'd like to message me :)
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@doubledipper - We're sorry you have to go through this, and hope you find support and information here in this great community.
We wanted to share this topic where members talk about their experiences Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy. We hope it helps you connect with others who have faced similar choices and challenges. When is your surgery scheduled? We would love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
The Mods
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I had my double mastectomy without reconstruction three years ago. I don't regret it, but I do miss them. I was an A cup, but still had to redo my wardrobe to find tops that flattered me. I feel fine, and I have discovered that people do not notice that I am flat chested. I don't wear tight fitting clothes and you cannot tell at all. It doesn't matter to my husband, either. For me, having reconstruction would have been psychologically more difficult than staying flat. I think you will find that the adjustment is not as bad as you are fearing.
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I just had a double mastectomy in July, I'm 51. Now I do plan to have some reconstruction & have expanders currently, so I realize a little different, but wanted to reach out as at the end of the day we are all in this together.
I was ok with the loss of my breasts, tho they had gotten to be overly large.... But I won't lie, I woke up from surgery & kept asking "what did I do?!" I kept asking for pain meds. Now, I give the recovery nurse the humor credit, she told me I'd have to ask the doctors what I did! (It was what I needed at the time.)
My surgeon said her patients that do the best take the pain meds on schedule, & I would definitely suggest that! Stay ahead of it, it will help in the long run. Take it easy, and get all the help you can! It's not a simple procedure, but if you take your time you'll be ok.
And @rowan47 is right, the drains are a pain & the worst part in my opinion. Once those came out I felt more human!
Listen to me being only 33 days post surgery!
For me now it's the expanders bothering me, and I started chemo last week.....
I do plan on making lemonade out of the lemons I was handed tho.... Planning on the DIEP flap reconstruction (after I finish chemo, so sometime next year) .... Figure I've been "growing" my own replacement & will get a better tummy out of the deal too! I'm calling them my future "belly boobs!"
I'm new on here too & am open to any advice, connections, etc.
Stay positive & strong!
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Keep in mind your breasts tried to kill you.
I chose no reconstruction, I did not want anything else.
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I had TNBC at age 59. I’ve always been a tomboy. Tried to stay fit but ate junk food all the time. I had double mastectomy and my surgeon, shout out to Dr. Samantha Beck was the best. The scars look awesome. No problem with drainage. I love not wearing any kind of bra. I’m sure people might notice how flat I am. I don’t care. Good luck to you. Boobs are highly overrated!
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Hi, @tericoble! Welcome to the community! We’re sorry you’ve had to go through this, but glad you’re here with us. Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re here if you need anything or just want to talk.
Sending gentle hugs,
The Mods
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I had lumpectomy a couple of months ago. A week or so later surgeon called and told me she didn't get it all. So I had a single mastectomy about ten days ago with the intention of having an implant and a lift on the other side. The plastic surgeon wasn't able to put the expander in during the mastectomy so I'm left with a mound of skin on one side. I have to decide now whether to go for another surgery to put the expander in (after a few months of healing) and then a few months later an implant with lift on the other side. Or he could do autologous grafting where they take some fat from the abdomen and put it into the breast. He said the largest he could bring me to with that would probably be a small B cup and I'm a D on the other side. So if I went with that consider a reduction on the other side. But with that I'd only have one more surgery and no drain.
Or I could just wear a prosthetic. I'm 74. If I go with the expander I'd be 75 by the time I had the implant and apparently a lot of women don't like the risk of leaking and other problems with implants.
my plastic surgeon says make your decision based on what outcome you want, not what procedures you want. my husband thinks I won't be happy with just having the mound I have right now.
any opinion or similar experience would be appreciated
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