Phone a bit happier now!
Harriet - I had skin sparing mx with immediate reconstruction with implant. Surgeon said she would take me down from a d to a c cup but actually I'm in the same size underwear now as I was pre-op. Was in hospital 2 nights, discharged with one drain in situ which distinct nurse removed 2 days later. I had minimal dressings and no stitches to remove which I would imagine is standard. Pain was well managed in hospital and I was on over the counter type drugs by the time I was home, with the occasional bit of heavy duty co-codamol, drug free after a few days.
I had quite a lot of armpit pain and cording down my arm but I think that was from the SLNB. That's almost completely gone now though I still have some altered sensation on the back of my arm and the whole area aches a bit from time to time. I'm pretty much back to normal activities including driving, work and gym.
The new boob is a good shape but sits high and perky and is firmer than a normal breast would be and doesn't move like a normal breast. It definitely doesn't match the other side out of clothing, though when I'm dressed you wouldn't know the difference.
I'm seeing the surgeon in March to plan an uplift to the other side to create naked symmetry! Don't think I'll need an implant but am keeping an open mind. Will also look at having a nipple created although lack of one doesn't really bother me.
I definitely wanted recon and implant was the best option for me as it seemed most straightforward, with fewer scars and quick recovery as long as everything goes to plan. It does potentially lead to further intervention but even if I didn't have anything else done I would be happy with what I've got now. The implant will need replacing at some point, of course.
Others on this thread have had different types of recon, or none, which is also an option. It's a very personal decision.
We did start a recon thread so might be an idea to resurrect it for more detailed discussion. Good luck with your decision making!