Newly Diagnosed: Options & Help

1. You Don't Have to Make Every Decision Immediately

A diagnosis can make everything feel like it's happening very quickly, but it's okay to ask questions and make sure you understand your options before moving forward. You are even entitled to a second medical opinion if you would like one. Find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and who will answer your questions. Ultimately, it's important to know that you have a voice in your treatment.

2. Consider Getting a Second Opinion

A second opinion can be helpful when you're making an important decision about your health. It doesn't mean you disagree with your first doctor or that you don't trust your medical team. It simply gives you another opportunity to understand your diagnosis and treatment options.

You may want to consider a second opinion if you're unsure about your recommended treatment, want to understand your alternatives, or simply want reassurance that you're comfortable with your treatment plan.

Questions you may want to ask:

 

• What type of surgery do you recommend, and why?
  
• What will my recovery look like?
• What should I expect after surgery?
• Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction?
  • If so, what reconstruction options are available to me?
    

3. Understand the Surgery You're Having

Mastectomy: Surgery to remove breast tissue. A mastectomy involves removal of the entire breast. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, there are different types of mastectomy procedures. Your surgeon will explain which procedure is recommended for you and what it will involve.

Lumpectomy: Surgery to remove the cancerous area and a surrounding margin of tissue while preserving most of the breast. A lumpectomy is also sometimes called a partial mastectomy. After a lumpectomy, your breast may look and feel different, and you may experience some changes in breast shape or symmetry.

Breast Reconstruction: Surgery to create or restore the shape of the breast after a mastectomy or other breast surgery. There are various types of procedures, all of which fall under the category of breast reconstruction. Reconstruction may be performed at the same time as your mastectomy or at a later date.

Reconstruction may involve:

• Implant-based reconstruction, using a breast implant to create the shape of the breast.
• Flap reconstruction, using your own tissue from another area of your body to create the breast, such as DEIP flap which uses tissue from your abdomen.
• Combination approaches, which may use both your own tissue and an implant.
• Delayed reconstruction, where reconstruction takes place after your breast surgery rather than at the same time.
  

Not every option is right for every woman. Your overall health, previous surgeries, cancer treatment, body type, available tissue, and other factors can affect which reconstruction options are available to you. Your plastic surgeon can explain which options you may be a candidate for and what each procedure involves.

Want to learn more about reconstruction? Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day  is a local annual event that brings together breast reconstruction specialists and patients to provide education about breast reconstruction options. You can attend in person, virtually, or watch past lectures here. Once clicking the link, video lectures are available under the "Resources" tab. We encourage you to learn as much as you can before making your decision.

What If I Want to go Flat?

Reconstruction isn't the only option. While women choose breast reconstruction, others choose to remain flat, and others choose to wear breast prostheses. Some women aren't sure what they want yet, and that's okay too. There is no single "right" choice. Your decision is personal, and what feels right for someone else may not be right for you.

What If I Want to Wear a Breast Prosthesis?

A breast prosthesis is an external breast form that can be worn inside a specially designed bra, called a surgical mastectomy bra. It provides shape and symmetry without requiring breast reconstruction.

Breast prostheses are available in different shapes, sizes, weights, and styles to accommodate different bodies and different types of surgery. There are even custom breast prostheses too.

Full Breast Prostheses: A full breast prosthesis is designed for women who have had a total mastectomy. It replaces the volume and shape of the breast that has been removed and can help restore balance and symmetry when wearing clothing.

Partial Breast Prostheses: A partial breast prosthesis is designed for women who have had a lumpectomy (also called a partial mastectomy), who have breast asymmetry following reconstruction, or who have naturally occurring breast asymmetry. 

Learn more about breast prostheses here.

What About My Other Breast?

If you're having surgery on one breast, you may also have questions about your other breast and how the two breasts will look and feel together. If having surgery on one breast, your post-surgical camisole or compression bra will provide support to your natural side during healing. 

Depending on your individual situation, there may be different options to consider for symmetry. These may include reconstruction, a breast prosthesis, or procedures involving the opposite breast. Don't feel hesitant to ask your doctor about symmetry. It's an important part of how you feel about your body after surgery.

Write Down Your Questions

It's easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you're sitting in a doctor's office.

Before your appointments, write down your questions and bring them with you. You may also want to bring someone you trust who can take notes, help you remember what was discussed, or simply provide support.

Most importantly, take your time, ask questions, learn your options, and make the decision that feels right for you.

Remember: There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

Every woman's diagnosis, body, treatment plan, and priorities are different. Some women choose reconstruction. Some choose to remain flat. Some choose to wear a breast prosthesis. Some women change their minds along the way. There is no single right answer, there is only the option that is right for you.

Our role at Dianne's Mastectomy is to support you with information, products, and a comfortable place to explore your options when you're ready.