First off what kind of reconstruction are you looking to go with?  If you're doing implants, keep in mind that you will be having multiple surgeries.  One to place the expanders, then you will have weekly saline injections till they are full, then surgery to swap them out for your implants.  Then 3 months later, if you choose, you'll have the nipples done.  That's barring any complications.  All together I'm getting ready to have my 12th breast surgery on Wednesday.  Of course my cancer returned, so that accounted for a couple procedures.  But I also had 1 failed reconstruction attempt on each side.  This is my 3rd revision to my left breast because I keep experiencing shifting, and have had issues with capsular contracture.  So please keep in mind that reconstruction is never perfect, and it cannot replace your original breasts.  Of course everyone is different too.  Not everyone experiences problems like I have.  I'd say odds of complications are about 1 in 10.  I just want you to know realistically what you may be up for.  Now does it hurt?  Not all that much.  The whole expanding process is uncomfortable, but it is bearable.  You are limited a bit in certain activities until reconstruction is completed.  From start to finish you're looking at about 3-6 months depending on if you get nipples.

I can tell you that since I've gotten my implants put in earlier this year, I have felt better than I have since all this started in 2005.  I feel whole again.  I'm not so self conscience about the way I look anymore.  I'm not lop-sidded and I don't have to mess with breast forms.  In clothes no one would ever guess I've had cancer.  I don't regret my decision one bit, and I know there are lots of other women out there that are happy with their reconstructions. I really think you would be too.

Hope that helps some.  If you have a specific question, let me know.

Angi

I think it is totally up to the patient and her doctors. As for me, I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 months after my husband's death. Opted for lumpectomy, but just prior to that surgery another suspicious area was found in the same breast. Following the lumpectomy and biopsy of the second area, was told that mastectomy was necessary (multi-centric cancer in the breast). I then opted for bilateral mastectomy, since my mother had lumpectomy and recurrence in other breast 6 years later. I am almost 70 years old, diabetic, and widowed. I did not look forward to more surgeries, especially since diabetic patients have increased risk of infection and delayed healing.

For my situation, reconstruction was not the optimal choice. As I have explained, "I ain't feedin' no babies, I ain't trollin' for a new man, and I ain't makin' no fashion statements." Silicon prostheses work for me. I'm nearly 4 months past the last surgery, no radiation or chemo required, still getting used to the weird nerve things associated with the bilateral mastectomy, but I'll get past it.

If I were younger--diabetic or not-- I'd go for reconstruction in a heartbeat. Now, it's not a priority.

Good luck on your upcoming surgery. It will be fine. The main thing is, get that cancer out of your body and get on with your life!

Sheri