I had a Stereotactic Biopsy one week ago, and two days ago was told I should have a Bi-lat Mastectomy due to my history.
With every passing year, the mammogram shows my breasts have become a little more threatening, and they have finally crossed the line and now I have breast cancer. (That was not nearly as shocking to me as was the Bi-Lat Mastectomy)
I haven't had much time for all this to sink in. I trust my surgeon, he's handled other procedures that followed my mammograms, a lumpectomy, a few needle biopsies, and he is highly revered in my area. He wants a plastic surgeon on the team, and says we need to act soon, as the cancer has not yet spread.
I would like to start reconstruction at the time of surgery if I am a good candidate, so there's much to learn. The options are overwhelming at this point, but after speaking to the plastic surgeon I hope to have a better grip on it. I am reading everything I can to become better informed, but in the end it will be the plastic surgeon that will be the deciding factor, perhaps he can help me find the best option for my circumstance.
With my limited knowledge I am hesitant to go with the implants, as there seem to be some adverse reactions to them, I'm concerned with their longevity too. I don't want to do this twice. And I don't want to have freekishly perky breasts if I make it to 80, it's just not me.
I am also hesitant to displace any muscle tissue due to my lifestyle. I own and live-aboard a 40-foot sailboat and I need what precious little muscle I have. I fear that losing it in my shoulder, back or abdomen will be problematic in heavy weather when I need every ounce of strength I can muster. I have hopes of sailing to faraway lands one day, remote places. And plastic surgeons weren't on my list of places to visit, so my hope is to do this remodeling project, and be done with it.
I suppose that may be unrealistic. As I said, I have much to learn and am new on this journey.
Can other breast cancer patients offer any experiences or advice that might help me here? Thank you, Deb