You being a nurse for a PS then you really have seen it all I am sure. I have just had such a fear of the scars and the feeling being gone. I really do appreciate the insight from someone on the inside. If you have any more light that you can shed upon those issues, I am all ears. You have given me a lot to think about.

 Hey there again.  Thats a really tough one.  My friend who had the cancer 12yrs ago with an implant reconstruction is now considering having the healthy breast removed.  She says she is tired of worrying about it, as it is constantly on her mind.  She was not a candidate for the tram flap, so she has an implant on the left side where she had the cancer.  I never thought she would do anything to her healthy breast, but she feels like its a time bomb.  

Its hard to say what you would do if put in this situation when you are not the one who has to look in the mirror everyday.  But I believe in my heart that I would have both breasts removed, even if i had cancer in only one breast.  I have already had a tt, so i would not be able to have a tram.  If it was  me, and I had the option, I would do the mastectomy with a double tram reconstruction.  If I werer to get breast ca now, I would do a bilateral mastectomy with an implant reconstruction.  

I'm a nurse for a plastic surgeon, and worked critical care prior to that.  Seen too many young women die with breast cancer. Had too many friends with breast cancer.  I would not be able to sleep at night unless they were both gone.  As indicated in my other post, I would much rather lose both my breasts than my eye, hand, arm, leg, foot.  Those things happen every day where i used to work at the trauma center.  They really can make very nice reconstructed breasts, especially with the tram.  My other girlfriend who had the tram likes her tram boob better than her real one!  Still planning a mastopexy (lift) so they will match better.  If you could make 2 boobs with a tram (which is very possible if you have enough tissue) then do it!!!!!!!!  

Talk to as many people as you can about it.  But be ready for very differing opinions.  

All the best of luck to you....pls keep us posted!  

Thank you so much for your input. Those are the things I want to hear from people. I do know I have to make the decision that is right for me, but it helps to hear what others have dealt with.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago at age 48. I had a lumpectomy, mammosite radiation, and am now taking Tamoxifen. I had a bad reaction to two other cancer drugs I was given. Tamoxifen was the third choice for me.

Fast forward to March 2008. I had a massive amount of presumably scar tissue from the mammosite that the surgeon said we should remove to be 100% that it was not cancer. All was clear. 6 months later I go in for my regular mammogram, ended up with another diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, all because the scar tissue is back. Saw the surgeon again, who, while examining my other breast found a lump. Back again for another diagnostic mammogram, and ultrasound. It was not found, but the surgeon can till feel it. I will have to have another biopsy. Do to the surgeries on my left breast, I am already smaller and uneven and it is getting worse with weight loss.

I asked the surgeon, at what point do I get to say I am tired of biopsys and test and having to wonder about results. What if I just want my breasts removed? She said I have every right to ask for that now.

So, last week, I went to a plastic surgeon, We discussed TRAM Flap and implants. I think for me, if I do anything, I would probably get the Flap because the breasts are supposed to look more "natural" and you don't have to worry about problems with the implants. I also have the option to just have my breasts lifted and made the same size and shape. I could do that if I am willing to take the chance of another biopsy in the future.

I have also been to a genetic couselor. Breast cancer is in my family, so we are trying to determine if I have the gene mutation. If I do, then mastectomy is a done deal.. If the biopsy is positive , then that makes it a done deal too.

If both test are negative then I have been wracking my brain trying to make a decision. That's why I need the help of you who have been down the reconstruction road. I want to know how it looks, feels, how you feel about it. Are you happy with your choice? I have so many people telling me, just do the mastectomy, but they don't have to look at themselves in the mirror everyday.
 
Looking back, if you were in my shoes, what would you do? I know it is such a personal choice, but I want to hear from those who have had it done. Please let me know how you feel about the results. I am losing sleep over this!

Angel, I'm sorry to hear of your brothers health.  Please know that he and your entire family are in my prayers.  As far as getting him to eat, I don't know if I can help in that area or not...  I went through cancer twice along with the chemo and radiation rodeo.  I knew that I had to keep my weight up or they would stop the treatment so I would try to eat 5 to 6 times a day.  I didn't eat my favorite things as I didn't want to "ruin" the love for them but I did go overboard on fattening snacks like ice cream and shakes.  For me, the ice cream treats were like a feel good thing and they also managed to keep my weight on (added a few pounds, in fact).  I also took the anti-nauseau (spelling?) drugs every time I felt the slightest bit of upset stomach.  Staying ahead of the upset stomach feeling helped with my appitite.

Again, my best to your brother and know he is in my prayers.

Katherine