Hi
@Tracyserajian
I would advise joining
https://m.facebook.com/groups/1457523584513644
It is a closed group and has people on there before tgey go for reconstrucion and people that decide not to.
Some change from wanting to not wanting.
I am very sorry to hear that another T1 lady has bc. It is another new journey for us to undertake.
I decided not to have reconstruction at all. I had cancer in one boob. I had radiotherapy that almost killed me from poisoning.
First thing I would say is to ask your surgeon to ensure that you are given antibiotics during op and tablets to go home with too.
I've known too many people (without diabetes) that have had infections.
My 2nd op that I begged for as it was a supposedly healthy boob healed fantastic (different hospital and a Professor for 2nd op). He knew the hell I went through first time round and he pumped me full of antibiotics throughout op, after and when I went home.
My healthy boob that I begged to get removed wasnt healthy and I am a fantastically healthy happy proud flattie that never worries about being a flattie and never bother with prosthetics at all.
We do have risks of infection but other non diabetics also get them.
If you get seroma, and have to have it aspirated away or a drain or a port for chemo these are all extra chances of infections... so the best thing to ask for is antibiotics during, after and at home.
They dont normally give antibiotics so it is something that you will have to request. Please feel free to use my examples of almost dying when I wasnt given them and being absolutely fantastic with having them.
As for reconstruction. I never wanted it. So not able to answer regarding anything with that. I do know that I would have needed my uniboob changed too because they wouldnt have been able to get my shape boob. I never wanted it, I know I am so intolerant to tablets and meds that there was no way my body would tolerate the implants or flaps. So with me I was stitched up without allowing for future implants and have one absolute perfect scar from Professor and having to have my bodged up 1st op redone around Christmas after I see the Professor again next month.
Flat friends do give support to UK ladies that are going to have a mastectomy and support them as well if they are considering reconstruction. If you have reconstruction you would have to leave the group when you have that done.
There is a definitive set procedure for when and how they do reconstructions and that does depend upon what adjuvant therapy you have.
Are you a pump user or MDI?