Kendell, I had implants for cosmetic reasons. The following year I was diagnosed, had lumpectomy in R breast. My implant was so palpable, and I had reconstruction. I found that my L implant was encapsulated, so had that replaced in the same surgery. My reconstruction used lat dorsi flap.
All was great till I was diagnosed five years later in L breast. I needed a mastectomy , and chose to have completion mastectomy on R breast - this meant removing all breast tissue on R side. In effect a. Double mastectomy. This meant removing both implants and replacing them in reconstruction. Prior to surgery I had breast expander, with no issues.
In due course, I needed L Implant removed as it felt solid and 'stuck' to my chest wall. I had this done last year and have no regrets.
I have decided that I can't put myself through any more surgeries but I look great dressed. My breasts don't look equal but I really do 't care The surgeries helped with my self esteem and that was a big step in getting better.
It has been a long journey, but you will get there.
I hope this helps your decision. Liz x

I had first diagnosis, that required radiation. So, when my second diagnosis came thru which required bilateral mastectomy, I required the flap reconstruction on twice defected breast. I had expanders inserted at same time, only had one infection. Have had trade our surgery, and two fat graphting surgeries since, one two weeks ago. It's a long journey, for me mastectomy was 13 months ago. All in all pretty good. I think my ps is happy. I still think everything feels tight and uncomfortable. With clothes on, look pretty great, :) best of luck.

Kendall, in 2011 I had implants for cosmetic reasons in Cyprus where I had a holiday home. I decided to have the surgery there as I wanted privacy. The following year, I had a fall which hurt my breast. I did feel a lump but thought it was damage to the implant. It was several months before I was back in Cyprus. The plastic surgeon wasn't too interested at that time. I did have an ultrasound at another hospital which showed calcification. As I was away for quite a while, I chose to have surgery whilst I was there. It showed I had high grade DCIS with micro invasion. That resulted in me having a R sided-lumpectomy. The scar this left me with needed 15 stitches and was really an eyesore.i didn't get offered any follow-up care or advice.
I then returned to U.K. Where it was discovered I needed radiotherapy. I eventually became so depressed that I needed to see a psychiatrist. He was amazing.
I then had to wait a year for reconstruction. This was using lat dorsi muscle. This did allow me more movement as the lumpectomy was so tight, that movement was very uncomfortable. At some point the implant became encapsulated and I needed to have it replaced.
I had a L sided mammogram prior to my five year follow-up exam. My Consultant noticed an abnormality on the left implant. He immediately thought my implant L was leaking. After several investigations, he found three tumours, which the mammography radio therapist missed. One of the options I was given was to have a mastectomy which I chose. I delayed reconstruction for a year, mainly because physically and emotionally I needed time out. I then had to have an expander which wasn't too bad.
Whilst having tests before the surgery, I made the decision to have a completion mastectomy on R side. This then meant a double reconstruction. The results are that because I had radiotherapy, the surgeries five years apart and delayed reconstruction, my breasts are different sizes and shapes.
I had to have touch up surgery to try to reshape them, including fat transfer.
My left implant felt as it had contracture so had to be replaced. It has felt like a never ending saga, but I have the most amazing Platic Surgeon, who wants to give me the best result she can.
I need to see her again at the end of the year.
I do feel my breasts are tight and the latissimus dorsi flaps sites get weak and tired at times, but I'm glad I made the journey.
That is my story to date, I hope it doesn't put you off. Remember everyone gets through and recovers differently.

Thank you

Thank you Amyjac. Good luck on March 3rd, you will be fine. Im taking a break from surgeries. Tough not having a boob but i want to be healthy and take my time to research if Lat flap surgery is best for me at this point. Or should i say worth it. Thank you for writing.