I’ve been benefitting so much from the forums - to begin with it was scary reading some things, but so much is reassuring and useful - thank you! I’ve posted a few times on specific things and really appreciate the responses.
I haven’t really introduced myself - I live in london and I’m 50. Calcifications were seen on my first mammogram; I had a segmental mx and SNB at the beginning of Aug and am waiting for it all to be healed before having a complete mastectomy and immediate recon. The results weren’t great - widespread high grade DCIS (65mm), grade 1 IDC, several grade 2 foci and negative margins. 2 different cancer types, both ER+ Pr- and one was HER+. Nodes were clear. Chemo vs hormone treatment vs Herceptin will be decided after the mastectomy.
My question is: am I just unlucky to have had the complications I’ve had?
1)a seroma which was drained a couple of times,
2)cording (only 3 nodes were taken) (I had physio for it),
3)cellulitis treated with 10 days antibiotics, and has calmed down
4)and a hematoma where the seroma was, where the ‘segment’ was taken from. I’ve had blood drained from it twice, but it’s quite firm.
I can’t stand wearing a bra (a slight problem at 32FF, I walk slowly! ) and have wondered whether I could have breast lymphodaema. But maybe it’s just the cellulitis.
It’s never ending. And there’s such a long way to go! But I gain comfort from knowing there are others on the journey with me…
Have a good w/e everyone
Love, River
x
Not having been through the same as you, I really don’t know if it is normal, but it sounds as if you have been extremely unlucky with all your complications. You are right about the invaluable benefit these forums bring, though. No sooner have you posted than there is someone with a response, even if it’s just some comforting words, rather than advice.
I am so sorry you are having such a tough time, but I am certain people on here will help you through it every step of the way.
I can reassure you that you’re not alone with complications! I had blood clots in my arm after my first chemo so I have had to take daily tinzaparin injections in my tummy every day for the past 6 months.
My mastectomy wound on left side opened up two weeks after surgery and had to go back to theatre for it to be resutured.
I have seromas on both sides (double mastectomy) and have had these for the past 3.5 months - I’ve had drained 5 times but had to stop because of chemo. I can’t wear any prostheses because the bra puts pressure on the seromas.
I’ve had a rough ride on chemo too but hopefully this will be okay for you. All I can say is that I have my last chemo tomorrow and then on radiotherapy.
So in spite of everything we do get through it all!! I’m still so grateful for all the treatment and often think about countries where this wouldn’t be available.
Have a wonderful holiday and let’s hope it will all be smoother sailing for the future.
Elinda x
Hi Elinda
Oh my goodness, you’ve had such a tough time. You’re right though, we’ll get through it. I think I’m still in shock at the whole thing - fine one day and then bang - BC hits and it’s a long journey.
Thanks for sharing
River