Despite its importance as part of a holistic cancer treatment plan, reconstruction can be incredibly difficult to afford.

When a single breast implant can cost as much as $10,000, the financial burden on a patient can quickly get out of control, making some women feel as though the surgery isn’t a viable option for them.

What about when money does dictate the decision? Marie Claire spoke to three women in the throes of trying to rebuild their lives—and breasts—after cancer.