Have been searching this site since I got diagnosed on 27th October ( a few days before my 55th birthday trip) with IDC in right breast originally thought to be 11mm and changed to 23mm. I felt a lump beginning of September - never had any issues previously and very healthy in general. The MRI later showed other possible areas of concern in same breast. The HER2 finally came back negative. More biopsies and yesterday was told this other area was another cancer ( a different type not sure which kind yet) and aggressive. I am so sad that now more waiting for HER2 result on this also. Yesterday, consultant also told me I would now require a mastectomy. She was pushing for me to consider using my own tissue ( from abdomen) for recon which I really do not want. I want another implant ( via the expander route if that is how and happy for a reduction). I have my sentinel node biopsy scheduled for next week. The mastectomy is scheduled for 7th January (after some persuading, as she said she could do it on 17th Dec but worried about not being here for 2 weeks during xmas hols and if I were to have complications). I had just started feeling a bit more positive then got this additional info about the second cancer found. It is hard to plod on. I was hoping to hear especially any ladies who had more than one primary cancer found and if anyone had implants previously and had implants removed then implant in for recon? Hope I have not waffled too much.
Hi @gb70,
Welcome to the forum, we hope you find it a helpful and supportive place. I am so sorry to hear what you’re going through.
I am sure someone will be able to share their experience with you but I thought you might find this thread useful from people discussing implants: Implant-based reconstruction - Diagnosed with breast cancer / Recently diagnosed with breast cancer - Breast Cancer Now forum
If you have any questions in the meantime or just want a chat, you can also speak to one of our nurses, reach them on our free helpline 0808 800 6000. We’re here if you need us.
Thinking of you,
Chloe
Hi there @gb70
I didn’t have implants already but have been diagnosed with two different types of BC. I have just had surgery 12 days ago, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal initially (back in Aug) but after an MRI and more biopsies, they also found two small legions which were lobular. I had a wide local excision and reconstruction from my upper abdomen, as well as a sentinel node biopsy. I’ve been told I will need radiotherapy but whether I need chemo will depend on the test results on the tissue removed, I should find this out tomorrow so I’ll keep you posted.
Hi @gb70 I’m really sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I didnt have implants already but I did have 2 tumours in each breast, a double mastectomyand immediate implant reconstruction, with the SNLB done at the same time. All of which was a day case. I had grade 1, but then on the tissue removed one tumour was upgraded to grade 2 and one node positive. I dont want to make you worry more than you are, If your consultant has advised your cancer is aggressive are you not able to get some support at home from family and friends so that you can have the op on the 17th? Unfortunately my body didnt like the implants, and ive had to have the removed. Which was a shame as they looked ok. The advantage of immediate reconstruction is that you can use your skin. Keepingabreast is a good website, it gives you photos and life experiences from women that have had all types of recon. Wishing you the very best
Thank you for your reply. How are you doing since your surgery and how has your recovery been going? Did you have any lymph node involvement? sorry for all the questions. I hope you get the news you would prefer today. xx
Hi and thank you for responding. So sorry you are going through this and what do you plan on doing next for your recon? Will you try again with the implants? I have read the body can reject several times. I am v worried about how long my treatment plan is taking but they keep telling me it is because I have had test after test and waiting for the results took up time even though I called once a week which did seem to get things moving. For the lump I initially found in early October - I was on the 2 week fast referral which led to the mammo, screen and biopsy which lead to them telling me I had IDC on the 27th. They then had me have an MRI a week later and results a couple weeks later showed this new cancer!!! My IDC (first lump let’s call it) HER2 result was borderline so was sent to FISH which took ages but came back negative which I was so relieved about. But now, they are waiting for the HER2 result for this new unknown cancer in same breast. My girlfriend in Paris has said same as you, and American friends also, but I think maybe they get treated quicker in their respective countries??? I do have private health cover but when I asked my consultant on the first meeting whether I needed to switch she advised me not to as it could delay things??? I asked her the next time also, same answer and I consulted with my insurance company and they said keep things going as I was in the system? I did try to push for me to have the Mastectomy on the 17th but my consultant was very firm that if any issues came up she would be away for 2 weeks? When I said Im really terrified that the BC is spreading the longer this goes on and she said she would give me a tablet to take that will stop spread before mastectomy happens in January? ( I think next week when I am seeing her for the SNLB ) Does anyone know what the tablet might be? the breast nurse this morning to discuss reconstruction. I can try to ask again? I wish my journey was going quicker and smoother that is for sure. I am a nervous wreck. My husband is here but travels a lot for his work so is away for weeks at a time. We are trying to figure that out too. Plus we have a dog who is basically our kid. I hope I know a bit more today. I will check the website you mention, thanks again and hope thingsx I apologise as I write so much info here but my brain is fried and it is all I think about. xx
Hi @gb70 im more than happy to answer any questions. My last surgery (my 4th operation) was in August, which was to remove the right implant. I had one positive node. My highest oncotype was 18, so I didnt have chemo. Due to the positive node and grade2 I had radiotherapy on my right chest and auxiliary. Overall I am recovering well, my arms are not as strong as they were, but they’ve been through alot. Im working, excersing - doing couch to 5k. Im being healthier than ive been before! Xx
Hi @gb70 its perfectly normal to feel as you do. There is so much waiting! Im in the UK. My diagnosis was 1st Jul24, I had lots of tests too as I had multiple tumours. My first op was 27sep24. I switched to my private health insurance for the radiotherapy, so I didnt travel so far. The machine was very modern, no tattoo was needed. Was you tumour er positive? It could be a hormone blocker. Er + tumours basically feed on oestrogen, the tablets are proven to work to stop this, but some people do get quite a few menopausal side effects x
Dear Springer, so good to hear you managed to dodge chemo. Sorry about you rejecting the implant. Was that to do with radiotherapy? I am really happy to hear that you are getting stronger and on your way to normality. Today’s appointment at the breast clinic did give me some more reassurance tbh. My second BC area has come back as also IDC and hormone positive ( so kind of relieved about that). NO HER2 result back yet as was only biopsied last week. Who knew it could have a different HER2 to my other lump/area. I am learning so much!! This tiny bit of cancer, however is grade 3, but they are not overly concerned about it spreading quickly??? So, going forward with the SNLB next week - then MXT on right breast and hopefully immediate implant. Im praying HER2 is negative and that lymph nodes are too….Anyways, am feeling a bit more positive and hopeful than yesterday. Appreciate your replies 
Hi @gb70 im so glad that your appointment went well and that you are feeling more reassured. Im not sure why my implant failed, it wasnt the radiotherapy- i think my body just didnt like them- i was just unlucky. I wish you the very best for your SNLB next week. Let me know how it goes. I meant to ask about your dog, I love dogs! We had a springer, hence the name, but we lost him in lock down, he was 13 and such a big part of our family. We hope to get another dog, but its hard when were both working full time. What breed is your pup?
Morning Springer5, seems so many reasons our bodies can reject the implant or they can fail. It is such a foreign body at the end of the day. Will you be going for any further reconstruction later on? How are you feeling following your treatment? SO sorry to hear about your loss 
Dogs are the best. We have a mini golden-doodle and he is almost 8. Very active ..although not as bouncy as a Springer maybe. Luckily, we have amazing dog walkers but we still walk ours loads in between. This bit is worrying me a lot. I do have a harness thing that I could attach his lead to the waist strap and walk him. He also sleeps in bed with us. The surgeon was horrified at this and said absolutely not and he needs to go which shocked me. I was going to make another post on this as it is causing me a lot more added stress as I really need my dog around as he is the best emotional support ever. I hope you can get another pup soon. I am quite lucky that I mostly wfh.
@gb70 gb70i ah he’s so cute, just saw the photo on your profile. I really miss having a dog. They do provide such unconditional affection. I guess the surgeon is worried he may jump on you after your op, which wouldn’t be great. But you know your dog and emotional support is important too. Ive never tried a lead attached to my waist, its prob a good idea to get some practice before your op. Yes, I was so disappointed that the reconstruction failed, but im not keen on expanders - research suggests this would entail multiple ops to get a good cosmetic result. Ive already had 4 ops, its also okay being flat,comfortable and I can wear prosthesis when I go out n just take them off at home. Don’t think anyone really notices. Have a good weekend x
Dear Springer5, thank you. Absolutely one of the best emotional support ever. I think the surgeon is hyper-concerned about infection??? And yes jumping on breast area. I am sorry to hear you have had such a disappointing experience with the reconstruction so far. Yes if you happy with the flat option that is great too. I really don’t think anyone can notice. Maybe once things have settled down you can revisit reconstruction options? I hope you do get a dog at some point in the future when you are ready x
@gb70 gb70 Hi, just wondering how you are doing. Have you had your SNLB yet x
Hi Springer5, hope you’re doing good. Yes had it yesterday, all went to plan. Thanks for asking. Felt pretty good considering its general anaesthesia. I got a bit of a strange pain mid back at around 3 am but think this is due to mostly to me being a side-sleeper and was propped up on a V Pillow. Once I tool that away was fine again. Only had paracetamol and just took one last night for headache. Have been out to walk the dog for 45 mins already. I am back to work on Monday.
@gb70 gb70 Hi, so glad it went well! Hope you continue to have a good recovery xx