Removal of remaining breast, no reconstruction

hi im in the same boat as you.I had a mastectomey october 2010 with no reconstruction.I want my remaining breast removed.I feel i look lopsided.
I went to my surgeon with my concern and he told me he doesnt want to do it due to my age.Im 41 and he feels i should go for a reconstruction.
Though to have this done they have to take muscle and fat from my stomach to build my breast. ive seen scars from this procedu!re and i dont think id be happy with the result.It will also be 2 or 3 surgeries apparantly.and their is a risk the skin and muscle may not surviue! Lordy!
So im in a dilema about it.At the moment im researching being able to have a tattoo to cover my scar.Its meant to be painful but im feeling it couldnt be any worse than the prospect of recon.hope u have peace in whatever decision you make.
cheers annie x

I have had a bilateral mastectomy and no reconstruction 18 years ago and have lived very happily with this decision ever since.  Not having reconstruction is showing the world that having two mounds on my chest does not define me.  In fact if the world can't stand me without reconstruction then I would prefer not to have anything to do with people who must have only women with breasts in their view.  

Sometimes I wonder if bra companies and cosmetic surgeons sponsor the pink breast cancer movement.

I too has a mastectomy in Nov 11 and after considerable thought and research decided to live without a reconstruction. I am quite happy with this and my prosthesis is quite comfortable allowing me to continue my pasttimes of playing sport and bushwalking. The only time I feel slightly weird is after showering and a mirror gets in the way, but I am thankful to be here with my very supportive family. I did not want to face more surgery, but this is a personal decision so good luck with whatever you decide.
Love to all the lovely ladies on this great site
Sue

I'm with Jennymen!

I had a L mastectomy in March last year, and never considered reconstuction. I don't want any more operations than I really need, whether for reconstruction or removal of the remaining breast. I don't usually wear a prosthesis. I am not ashamed of surviving this thing, and if other ppl find it a little confronting, I can live with that.

One interesting thing -- in not reconstructing and not wearing a prosthesis, other BC survivors sometimes recognise me as a fellow BC traveller. There's a kind of nice solidarity in that. Go well, and make your own (well-informed) decision -- whatever feels right for you.

Heather

Just to say thanks so much for your great responses. I have allowed twelve months to mull it all over, as I am starting Arimidex on Monday and may need to come to grips with it first. However, at present  I am leaning towards no more surgery and living well and gratefully.

Best to everyone

I actually said to my husband today that if a reconstruction of my right breast is not possible or I think the disadvantages are too strong, that I wish they could cut the other one off. I just find it so awkward right now clothes wise. At least with a flat chest clothes would fit easier or not sit funny.

As I'm only 6 months out from my surgery and still undergoing radiation, I am still in a lot of discomfort. I did get fitted for a prosthesis and got given two bras, but they are too small now and wearing a bra at all drives me crazy! Up until my radiation began I was wearing a bra with the soft prosthesis I first got given. But the other day I went commando for the first time at work which was quite a thing for me to do. I tried to wear a bra but couldn't stand it. Obviously around the house I don't care, but I am wondering how far down my other boob will be hanging down in the future!

Basically, I feel it's harder for me to just have one breast but I will have to put a lot of thought into reconstruction in the future.