I wish you all the luck in the world. Two years ago when I had my mastectomy
(at 75), I was astounded when my doctor urged me to have reconstructive
surgery. I couldn't imagine why he would think a 75 year-old woman would
care about such things or would put themselves through all this. But he
assured me that many older women elect to have this surgery. I didn't, but I
think it is a wonderful option for younger women who can then look forward
to a life of normalcy in this regard. I think you made the right decision.

Lois

Hugs Eva,  keep us imformed when you can.

Marilyn

Good luck, Eva.  Everyone shd do what feels right for them when it comes to
bc.

María

I don't think there was anything sad about the fact that we were able to
continue to enjoy sex for a while, without reconstruction.  My main
reason was to make the point that a partner may feel shock and revulsion
at the mastectomy scar first, as one might at at any wound, but that
this fades and can be fairly easily overcome.

That essay caused a little upset for my daughter the other day, some of
her school friends discovered it somehow and I think were teasing her
about it.  You can imagine how embarrassing it would be to a pre-teen.
I am relieved that her embarrassment is offset by the article being
useful to some readers, whether for or against reconstruction.

Tim Jackson

Best wishes to you, Eva. You'll soon be on the other side of this surgery!
My reconstruction was 21 years ago and I've never been sorry that I did it.
Yes, to reconstruct or not to reconstruct is a very personal decision.  Now
that you've decided, I'm wishing you the smoothest of procedures and the
best result!  Let us know how you are doing.

Barb

Eva,
Best of luck, smooth recovery, and can't wait to hear how pleased you are
with the results, Alex
'

Eva,

All the best - I know you're scared but it' great that you are doing this for yourself.

Tamara
 I'm going into the hospital early tomorrow morning to have reconstruction
 surgery.  I've been looking forward to this ever since my mastectomy in
 December 2004.  I couldn't have immediate reconstruction because I needed
 radiation.  Finally the big day is here.  I'm happy but of course I'm also
 very scared that something will go wrong.  However, over the past year I've
 spoken to as many women as possible who've had reconstruction after
 mastectomy, and without a single exception they all told me they were very
 happy with the outcome.  One woman had it done 12 years ago, another 18
 years ago.

 I have to say that reading Tim's essay "Sex and the single breast" was a
 factor in my decision to do this.  Which I realize may surprise him, but
 it's just that it was so sad.  (I read it a year ago and was so saddened
 that I never re-read it.  I was also very moved by his courage in writing
 it.)

 My boyfriend actually told me that if he were in my place he wouldn't have
 reconstruction.  "Why put yourself through more surgery?" he said.  I wanted
 to answer "It's for *you*, stupid," but of course it's not for him, *I'm*
 the one who keeps my top on unless specifically requested to remove it (:^)

 Anyhow, I'm having a latissimus dorsi flap over a small implant.  The
 plastic surgeon didn't think a TRAM flap was a good idea because (1) I've
 had two previous abdominal surgeries, and (2) I don't have enough belly fat
 to make a complete breast.  Had to laugh at # (2)--talk about a mixed
 blessing.

 Wish me luck!
 Eva