Just found out I have breast cancer. Please help about surgery, implants, decisions.

Thank you for all your support, and for all the links. It never occurred to me to mention my age, I'll be 52 in August. It seems unfair that I get a diagnosis one week and news that I should have a bi-lat mas. the next. But given the markers-I started my 1st period just before I turned 12, I've had precancerous breast disease since 2000, very dense, w/several cysts, it's sort of making sense...sort of.
I know I write like I'm doing great, but that's my game-face. I'm a great pretender to the world when I can get away with it. This is my biggest challenge and it has zapped me of my energy. I spent all day in bed on Saturday hiding from the world and all those who tried to contact me. I couldn't eat for two days, I forced myself to get a little down twice during that period, and tried to drink water when I could. I'm only communicating via email at this point because that's all I have the courage for right now. It hurts to hear the pain in their voices. When I get a little stronger I'll be able to face them again.

I have ordered the Breast Reconstruction Guidebook, but it won't get her till after my 1st appointment with the Plastic Surgeon. That appointment will be this coming Wednesday, then I meet again with my general surgeon on Tuesday morning to get more details and perhaps a To-Do List if I'm lucky. I do like my surgeon, he has handled a previous breast surgery and my needle biopsies, and has a good bed-side manner, but as another valuable contact who is much further along in her breast cancer journey put it, "You're in the 'big-time' now and you need to consider a specialist." It's all happening so fast I'm not sure I have time to seek out a second opinion at this point but I will try.
Thank you again, for everything.

I'm sorry about your bad news. Best of luck with whatever treatment you decide on.

Deb, I have to say that for someone who just received a tough diagnosis, you are doing great!!

You are doing exactly what you should be doing right now: Seeking information, asking questions, speaking to your doctors, and working through the decision options in the best way for you.

The best news of all is that your cancer hasn't spread. After the surgery, you won't have to deal with chemotherapy or radiation, and you'll be able to get back to your life more quickly after recovery. I'm so glad to hear that this is the case.

I wanted to point you toward some EmpowHer entries where women wrote about their own bilateral mastectomies and/or reconstruction:

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/04/16/recovering-my-prophylactic-bilateral-mastectomy

https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/i-am-37-and-underwent-bilateral-mastectomy-diep-flap-immediate-reconstruction-reconstr

https://www.empowher.com/news/2009/04/29/more-women-breast-cancer-are-choosing-double-mastectomies

In terms of whether or not you choose reconstruction, it is an entirely personal decision. You didn't mention how old you are (unless I missed it), but we totally plan to have you around until you're 80 or beyond! And if you're still sailing your boat then, I don't think it would be at all out of line for your entire body to be fit and "perky," not just your breasts, LOL. But seriously, in addition to body image and strength, you may also want to consider the fact that we deal with our bodies every day when we get dressed, or go shopping. I have a friend who had a mastectomy and no reconstruction who found it very difficult to find clothing in her proper size (which was probably a 12) where she didn't look "empty" up top unless she wore a prosthesis. After about 20 years she ended up having a reconstruction and is very happy with it, primarily for this reason.

You might like this worksheet that is based on helping you with a decision about whether to have reconstruction. It outlines key points (including different kinds of reconstruction surgeries, for instance). It also lists some references and books at the end:

http://health.yahoo.com/other-other/should-i-have-breast-reconstruction-after-a-mastectomy/healthwise--tb1934.html

Here is the American Cancer Society's page on breast reconstruction, including a list of questions to ask your plastic surgeon:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Breast_Reconstruction_After_Mastectomy_5.asp

Here is the breast reconstruction surgery site from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There are before-and-after pictures, patient stories and surgery details here:

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Reconstructive_Procedures/Breast_Reconstruction.html

And this might be an awesome resource for you: There is a book called "The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook" on Amazon.com that has been given 5 stars by its 25 customer reviewers. Here is what it says about the book:

"The best-selling guide to mastectomy and reconstruction has been rewritten and updated. This new 2nd edition of The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook retains all the comprehensive information, descriptions ad explanation of the original issue, along with new information about the lattest implant and flap reconstruction procedures, how to find a surgeon who specializes in these newer techniques and much more. No woman wants to lose her breasts. But having a mastectomy doesn't have to mean living without them. How do you find answers about mastectomy and reconstruction when you're still overwhelmed by your diagnosis and treatment? How real will your new breasts look and feel? What if you don't want implants? How painful is the process? Will your insurance cover all the costs? What is recovery like? The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook has the answers. Easy-to-read text explains mastectomy and demystifies reconstructive options. You'll understand the benefits and risks of different procedures, so you can determine which technique, if any, is right for you. You won't be alone; each chapter includes insights from women who have been through it all."

Here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Breast-Reconstruction-Guidebook-Second/dp/0966979974

Please let us know if we can research anything specifically for you. And please come back and update us on how you're doing, and on what you decided. I know that many readers will be interested, and you'll help them in their journey along the path as well.