Jan 18, 2014 01:45AM - edited Jan 18, 2014 01:59AM by Hindsfeet
If I were to do it all over again the last choice would be mastectomy. I had no idea how uncomfortable, unnatural, and painful it is...at least for me. I wish I had read more of the reconstructive bco threads. My reconstructive implant is like wearing a iron bra. It is like wearing a too small/tight bra that you want to rip off but you can't. Every time I drive, stir food, or use the right side of my body my implant contracts. I feel it against my ribs. It constantly reminds me that I had cancer. No fun. Oh, plus once a year I have to have a mri to make sure the implant is ok...and see my oncologist a few times a year.
My P.S. recommends that I again go through surgery to replace it and put a gummy-bear on top of my pec muscle do to contractures and that scar tissue is forming around it hardening the implant. If I go through with it this will be my 5th reconstruction surgery! If I could chose again I would had again gotten a lumpectomy with radiation.
With that said there are those who are ok with it. It is better than dying from cancer. For a low grade cancer I know I wouldn't do it. I am so happy that I kept my left breast. Nothing like the feel of the real you.
It's a tough decision and I feel for you.
Want to add here is Beese was a huge encouragement and help to me when going through my cancer journey and has been on this board a long time dedicated a balance voice to those caught between a hard place and a rock. She has given a lot of time and by no means intends to hurt anyone. In the beginning of my cancer journey I was one annoying know it all. :)