How Do You Feel About Your Mastectomy with Silicone Implants?

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on August 28th. My implants are silicone. I am very happy with my decision. Though my plastic surgeon does reconstruction using fat from hips/belly, I wanted to take advantage of being a candidate for immediate reconstruction; and at the time I made my decision I didn’t know if the cancer had spread. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Can I ask what your diagnosis was stage and grade her2+ . Option of lumpectomy ? What was your decision making process

Stage 2. Grade 3. HR+/Her2-. 2.4cm tumor that was only 0.1cm from my chest wall (I didn’t know that until after surgery). Yes, I had the option of a lumpectomy and unilateral mastectomy in addition to the option I chose. My surgeon told me my outcome would be the same for all three surgical options. I have a significant family history of breast cancer (mom’s and dad’s side). My younger sister had the same cancer 12 years earlier (pre-menopausal vs my post-menopausal), and she chose a bilateral mastectomy and remains cancer-free (she had 4 rounds of chemo followed by 10 years of Tamoxifen). I wanted a “one and done” resolution, which was offered by my surgical oncologist-plastic surgeon pair (who do lots of surgeries together). I didn’t want an option that included radiation. My plastic surgeon was a friend of my sister and her husband (both doctors). I had so much trust in him and his recommended surgical oncologist, that I was confident in the result I would get from a single surgery. I am happy I no longer have to have mammograms with all the accompanying worry about another tumor. I still experience anxiety and fear of recurrence, but I expect I would have that with any choice. I hope this is helpful. There is no “wrong” choice. Our bodies and lives are so different.

On 8/15/2023, I was diagnosed withStage 1A , Grade 3 Triple Positive. I completed 4 rounds of TCHP and opted for a double mastectomy 1/17/2024 with immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders. My surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon work together. Silicone cohesive gel implants were placed 7/9/2024. My plastic surgeon did a great job with the implants so I had him do nipple reconstruction on 10/29/2024. I am so pleased with the outcome after the nipple reconstruction. The only drawback is having 3 surgeries in less than a year. I tire easily now and went back out on short-term disability ( completing chemo, doctors appointment every 2-3 weeks, labs every 3 weeks, now every 2 months, and the 3 surgeries have taken a toll)

This is such an important decision, and it's completely natural to seek insights from others who've been through similar experiences. Many community members have shared their thoughts on reconstruction choices, and hearing different perspectives can be really valuable as you navigate this journey. The decision that feels right varies so much from person to person based on individual circumstances and priorities. Hopefully, others in the community will share their experiences to help give you the perspectives you're looking for.