hi everyone.
i’m new to this website.
I’m only 23 but i have DCIS. had two op’s already and they want to now remove more cause the clear margin was only 1mm. i don’t know if i want any more removed or if i just want a mastectomy & reconstruction???!!!
i can ee pro’s & con’s for both. got appt with my consultant tomorrow but it’s playing on my ming 24/7!!
Hi GemmeJ
Sorry you’ve had to join this site… but welcome!
I’m sure you’ll get lots of help and advice on here.
I had too had two ops, WLE then Re excision for margins, lucky for me the second op got them
but I do know how you feel, while waiting for my second results my thoughts were if they had to op a third time they could take the lot!! There is other ladies on here that have had 3 or 4 ops for clear margins and I’m sure they’ll be along soon with their advice.
originally after my surgery I was happy with how my breast looked but now two months after last surgery am wishing I had mastectomy then recon but was told mastectomy wasnt needed in my case, we are all different and have varying experiences.
Discuss your options with surgeon, sometimes you can have immediate recon.
the doctors will have your best interests in mind and should be happy to answer any questions you have.
Good luck will be thinking about you tomorrow
Helen xx
thanx Helen!
i already hate how my other breast looks after 2 ops, let alone how it’ll look after a third!
i don’t know whether they’ll consider a mastectomy if he doesn’t think it’s necessary, but who knows. just wish i didn’t have to wait - i think it’s the worst bit.
wat stage are you at now?? are you having to have radiotherapy??
x
Hi
Unfortunately I havent started treatment yet!!
Was dx 7th may had WLE in june and re ex july have just spoke to BCN today and she thinks my appointment with Onc is 25th sept just have to wait for confirmation by post!
I do know I will be having chemo and rads because of type the cancer is (grade 3 lymphovascular invasion and triple negative) just dont have the plan yet.
There is a lot of waiting and that really is horrible but you will find talking about it all either on here or with family/friends does help.
I find there’s always someone on here that can answer questions or point in right direction. Dont be afraid to ask!!
Write down questions as you think of them and take along with you tomorrow. Good to take someone with you so they can take it all in to just incase you miss something.
Helen xx
Hi GemmaJ
How did you get on today?
Helen xx
hi.
had my appt today… mastectomy!!!
he said it was the best choice and i told him i was leaning in that direction anyway. so they’re taking the flap from my stomach to do the reconstruction.
it’s all happening so quickly tho, i’m going in this tuesday to have a minor op to split an artery??? - not 100% sure wat this is for - to improve blood flow i think (really should’ve asked!! and then the tuesday after is my mastectomy.
i think i’m still in a bit of shock, but i don’t know if putting it off would help!
the week in hospital will be the hardest cause i have a 13 months old daughter! then the recovery after!
but on the positive side i won’t have to have radiotherapy which would’ve been a 40 minute drive everyday.
thanx for remembering tho.
xxxx
Hi
Well you have a plan now, I know its all happening quickly but thats a good thing cos the waiting is awful.
and you’re having a tummy tuck too am so jealous lol x!!
Have you got plenty of help with your daughter?
I am a lot older than you (47) and my kids are grown up, in fact they both leave home this week!!
Helen xx
Hi HelenTN and GemmaJ
Helen I am like you, I am 49 and both my sons (28 & 26) have already moved. I couldn’t imagine going through all this with them at home.
I’m glad that things moved quickly for you Gemma, and yes your daughter will miss you for that week, but she gets to have you around afterwards.
I had major surgery when my boys were little, and they tried so hard to be helpful, and very careful. The surgery wasn’t as big as a mastectomy and they were older, hopefully you have other family that can help out for the time being.
Good luck
Jane
Gemma,
Oh Gemma you are so young to have this (I am 44!) I have had a mastectomy and recon too,but a LD flap from my back.
It is great that they have found your DCIS and you are getting treatment.I went to Dr with a lump at your age and the hospital virtually told me don’t be stupid you are too young for BC.Hopefully attitudes have changed these days!
I hope you have family around to help with your daughter as you will be weak and sore/achy when you get home.
Keep us updated and feel free to ask any questions,
Good luck with your ops
Hugs
Dot
xxx
hi! thanx everyone for all your comments, i’m so glad i found this website - it’s fantastic!!
the dr’s have been really good to me actually, they always too it seriously although at one stage they weren’t gonna remove the lump at some of the tests came back as normal - so since then it’s een quite a whirlwind.
i do have my husband around and his parents live just 2 mins walk away. and i have my parents - although they’re on holiday at the moment (my mum wanted to cancel but i made her go!) she gets back on monday so i’m counting down the days!
i am quite excited about have a flat tummy tho - never really regained my figure after have my daughter - so i suppose you have to look for the positives. and i don’t have to have radiotherapy anymore and that would’ve been a 50 minute drive everyday, so i’m quite pleased bout that.
i’m quite overwhelmed at the moment - still trying to get my head around it!
thanx for everyone’s comments too … it really does help
xxxx