|
|
advertisement
|
 |
The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth. More Treatment Stories
I have implants. I did not opt for immediate reconstruction after my double mastectomy, as, to be honest, I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted. I waited a year, really wanted to go with a TRAM flap, but my oncologist and surgeon both said that if there were complications, I could be in a position to never return to karate (which is a big deal to me). So in the end, I went with implants. I had the expanders put in, and they are very painful—they go into your chest muscle—[but in the end], all is good. Good luck with your decision. I have implants on both sides, but I also have a latissimus flap on the radiated side. I have a friend who had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (expanders), and her breasts are just about perfect! There are good and bad things about having immediate reconstruction, and there are so many options. With immediate reconstruction, you wake up after the surgery with some semblance of breasts. This can be very helpful in coping with the loss of your natural breasts. If you have delayed reconstruction, it gives you more time to decide what type of reconstruction you want to have. There really is no time limit on how long after you can choose to have it done. If you think that you want the DIEP surgery, you could always wait until after you have the baby to get it done. And you can always have the implants now and then down the road decide to have the DIEP surgery. I would discuss these options with your plastic surgeon. Reconstruction is such a personal decision. Weigh your options and gather as much information as you can so that you can make the most informed decision for yourself. Good luck! What's Next: Chemotherapy Stories
|
|
advertisement
Share with others
|
How has breast cancer affected your life? Share with the iVillage community, |
advertisement
|
|
