ADVICE PLEASE LADIES - I NEED HELP

I have two more lots of chemo and then it will be surgery time. I had already decided in my mind to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction if possible or implants if not. I had DCIS in my left breast in 2004 and now have Invasive Ductal Cancer in my right breast, they have both let me down! I opted for chemo first to give me time to think as well as shrink the tumour which was approx 3cm. However, if I have Rads I believe I have to wait for six to 12 months for reconstruction and I don’t know what to do. I was hoping to get everything over and done with this year, try to get on with life and consign this year to the dustbin. Any other ladies had to make similar decisions I would love to have your comments please.
Nonny

hi, nonny, well, i am a little different 2 u (arent we all different!!)

i was diagnosed with invasive ductal grade 3 in left breast, with lymph node involvement on 13th feb this year

i have had 2 previous lumpectomies, both benign in recent years, but i have a family history of bc.

i was stunned when they said mastectomy, as i desperately didnt want to lose my breast, but have since decided to have a prophylactic mast on right side, as i too feel that i want no chance of recurrence in the other side…surgeon didnt want to do it, and ive really had to fight for it, had to see pschycologist and stuff, and as a consequence my first surgery date was cancelled, but i am sure it will all be worth it in the end.

i dont know if this helps at all, all i know is it is the right decision for me, but as i said b4 we are all different, and you must make sure u make the right decision for you

i wish u all the best in your journey, and would love to hear how u are getting on

love, jakixx

hi nonny
i had chemo first to shrink 10.5cm lump then mastectomy and latissimus dorsi reconstruction straight away. i start 5 weeks rads on 22nd. my recon was made up of muscle and tissue with no implant. this way it means u dont have to wait for recon.maybe u could ask yr doc about this,it would save u having to go another major op. good luck with yr treatment.
best wishes
maria

ps nonny
im qite big busted so surgeon had to use more tissue and muscle that he normally would,so because of that i have a pretty big scar down my back.but it is worth it as it is all me and hasnt delayed any of my treatment.
maria

Hi Jaki and Maria

Thank you both for your info. It has certainly given me something to think about and gives me a bit more hope.

I’ll post again when I have more news.

Good luck to both of you.

Nonny