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Dear friends, I was wondering what your thoughts are on having breast reconstruction even after beung stage 4. How many of you did it anyway! What techniques do you recommend...saline or silicone implants? I was planning doing reconstruction this year...then came the lung mets..and soon chemo. Should I still have reconstruction after my chemo or not?
If it makes you feel better about yourself, go for it!
Dear Angelvoice,
When I was originally dx had planned on eventually having a reconstruction. However, I had other medical issues and then decided to let it be.
A friend of mine who had been 27 years old when dx, had it done over 20 years after her mastectomy. So, it's never to late.
However, if you are stable or NED after chemo, like my friend, "it's never to late".
Best,
DJ
Its your decision Angel. I had reconstruction and love it. Minor discomfort initially with the implants and having them expanded, but when you see the end results it is worth it. Remember, you could live with this stage IV cancer for many years! You could go for reconstruction or get those boob things that you put in your bra.
I had recontruction about 1 1/2 yrs after by stage IV dx. I had been on Taxol/Avastin but went off due to some side effects and everything was look stable in my scans. My doc new I wanted to have this done and she said now is okay. I am SO glad I did it. I have silicone implants. The only problem I've had is that I had radiation on my right side 3 months after initial dx (stage I). So that side is a little tighter than the left side. But it was still worth it. Everyone (family/friends) tried to warn me about "pain" after the surgery. Honestly, it wasn't that bad. After dealing with pain in my back, etc... I just kept taking my usual pain meds and barely noticed any additional pain from the reconstruction. I say, if you want it done, then go for it!
Thanks a lot for your input. First I will deal with these lung mets..then I will reconstruct my breast later.I start chemo next Tuesday....prayers please!
Love
Angel
I was diagnosed with stage IV two years ago at the age of 27. Left breast mastectomy with lymph nodes under left arm removed and sternum involvement. This year was supposed to be the year I started my consults with docs for reconstruction. I had my a few appointments all lined up and then BAM! Pet scan revealed the cancer is back this time mets to the liver and lymph nodes around my right lung. Damn! Damn! Damn! Not again. So I’m starting my new treatment this Thurs Avastin and Xeloda. It’s really hard to be 29 yrs old, single with no kids working full time and still going to college battling this disease. I still have hope that I will be able to go on to have reconstruction one day. Thanks for the discussion on this topic. I thought I was crazy for thinking that there might still be a chance for reconstruction. Keeping Hope Alive!
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