I just passed my 3 yr. mark since my unilateral mastectomy for DCIS...no clear margins after 3 tries. The spacer was implanted immed. and then in Oct of 09 I had the silicone implants done.....was always a small A or AA cup now I am a full B small C. I am a small person so big ones were not for me. I am thrilled with the results....was really not that much pain or difficulty and def worth it. Make sure you do your research on plastic surgeons....mine is the best in the area I live. I've been married for 31 yrs now and my husband has been sooo supportive. I am still deciding on the finishing touch so to speak...I am thinking of just getting the press on nipples....you can glittery gold ones even :)I am so done with surgeries for now. I may change my mind but right now it is not at the top of my list. I look better now in a bathing suit than I have in years and I buy beautiful bras at Victorias Secret. I think the fact that I woke up after my mastectomy with 'something' there helped me deal with the situation I was in. I hope this helps :)

I will be 2 years in Jan since my bilateral double mastectomy. I had the lattisimus dorsi flap procedure so it has taken a long recovery. I am very happy with the results from the reconstruction, my doctor is a perfectionist. It does take a lot to get used to, you have no sensations anymore in your breast area, and they are cool to the touch, and when you get the chills it is a weird because there is no nipples to get constricted when you are cold. You feel the implants in your chest cavity they are not uncomfortable,you are just always aware that they are there. I had tissue expanders and they were not comfortable and I was so happy when I had my exchange done.
I look better now then I did before, I even feel much sexier looking.. my husband like it too.. :) it was not an easy ordeal, but each day it got a little easier. I finally went back to yoga, and it is wonderful. I personally wish i made the choice for the surgery when I was 1st diagnosed 3 years ago instead of opting for lumpectomy n radiation, I then would not have had to have the latissimus procedure. I could have had something that was a little less invasive to the body, but this is what I decided at the time, and I do not regret any of it. :)

I wish I could say that I am happy with it 3 1/2 years out, but it is nothing like my real breast. I would do it again only because I hate the thought of the alternative.

I chose bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction because of no clear margins on the tumor after my lumpectomy. I think I have the best plastic surgeon in the Pacific Northwest and I love the reconstructed breast better than my natural breasts.

I had a tram flap which meant I got the tummy tuck thrown in with the boob job! I am not that far out (only 6 months), but even though I still have nipple reconstruction to complete I am extrememly happy with the results, even after radiation which luckily didn't cause any cosmetic issues. My plastic surgeon is I was told "A commander in the OR." He was, and continues to be very particular about my reconstruction. I have had no complications or issues. The sensation is of course different, but I don't mind and like how I look in my clothes a whole lot better!