I was diagnosed with DCIS on August 22nd after a needle core biopsy and have a pre-op assessment tomorrow September 20th . The WLE is booked for September 25th. I’m probably not the first person to say this but I’m not sure that I heard everything the surgeon said in August - shock does funny things to your ears. I really thought they were going to tell me there was nothing on the re-scan - just talcum powder. Did he say I might lose a nipple, or just that I would lose two cup sizes? (I’m 36E and love my breasts) I know he said I’d have a scar across the top of my breast and would have radiotherapy and I could have my other breast re-sized to match (!*?!) I didn’t ask about lymph nodes or when I’ll be able to drive. Any advice will be very welcome. Thanks for your time. I’m sure I’ll feel better after tomorrow’s meeting.
Hi Maddy
Don’t know the answers, I’m afraid, but suggest you take a note of your questions in with you to the assessment meeting and then write down the answers they give you. Have had huge difficulty remembering anything I’ve been told and notes have been invaluable - especially for arguing with OH about what was said!
Re driving, this has been discussed in other threads and experience has been very variable. I was driving short distances 2 weeks after mastectomy, some women have been told to wait a month or more.
I do hope all goes well for you tomorrow - will send you positive thoughts.
Sarah
X
Hi Maddy
I had my surgery on the 6th July. I lost my nipple and areola because the DCIS was situated behind the nipple. I was 34JJ and have been reduced to a 34D on both breasts (was DD but swelling has settled- I’m not complaining as a reduction was something that I’ve always wanted, however not in these circumstances). I am having my final radiotherapy tomorrow (25 sessions in all). Telephone your allocated breast care nurse for clarification on what you treatment entails. They know that not everyone takes it all in straight away.
Re: Driving, I was advised to avoid driving for 4 weeks. Also, you need to check with the insurance company as some will cover you and others won’t.
Good luck and I hope it all goes well.
Kat x
Thanks for your support - I did telephone my breast care nurse but she could only go on what was in my notes and it wasn’t clear what was going to happen! Unfortunately the pre op assessment meeting today didn’t answer some of my questions and I will have to wait at least until next Tuesday - I’m obviously too impatient! I’ve added more notes on Fruitcake1s ‘page’ as she and I are heading for surgery on the same day and will be able to compare notes. I must say that I am looking forward to a more ‘pert’ breast shape (eventually.)
Hi Maddy
I am having a preop assessment tomorrow 21st for a WLE and lymph node removal on 2nd October. It was a shock for me as well as I have had no symptoms, it was picked up on a routine scan. I am not sure about the driving, it would seem somewher between 3 - 4 weeks but today when I was driving today I took note that the belt touched my shoulder more than my breast as I am not very big so may be it my not be so difficult. I find that I just dont know what I will be able to do or not. It is a bit frustrating paticularly as I live on my own with no family. I do hope all goes well with you. Take care
Maisey
Hi Maisey
Sorry to hear that you are coping with this on your own. My husband is very supportive but we have agreed that he doesn’t come with me to appointments - I feel better able to cope that way. He is just going to drop me off at the hospital next Tuesday morning and wait for the phone call later that day. How will you cope after the op? Instructions from Glenfield Hospital state that you need someone at home for at least 24 hours afterwards.
Good Luck
Maddy x
Maisey - hope everything went well with your op - unfortunately I have to go back next Tuesday to have another area removed as they didn’t get a clear margin.
I also hope that you have been given adequate support by the powers that be to help you get back to ‘normal’
Best wishes
Maddy x
Maisey - forget my last post - I’ve just caught your other post !!!
I do hope everything goes well for you ‘eventually’
Sorry
Maddy x
hi.Maddy,
Just wanted to let know that I’m thinking about you ,and wishing you well,
Ive still not had my results .its over 2weeks now,
Hope that your feeling better after your op
Regards Junex
Hi All
I had my WLE and some lymph nodes removed onTuesday eventually. Came home Wednesday and coping quite well, doing my exercises went for a walk yesterday and managed to wash my hair. I am a bit sore but nothing too horrendous. Havent seen the scar as it is covered up by waterproof plaster etc. Should I take this off or leave it till Igo back on Wednesday to have stitches out and get results?
Hope you are all doing well
Love Madeline
If I were you I’d leave the plaster where it is
Mole
Hi Madeline,
Glad to hear that you are recovering well.
Leave the dressing on as they will change it at your next clinic appointment.
Kat x
Hi Maisey
Isn’t it interesting how we all have different experiences with regard to treatment - as my stitches are supposed to be soluble I didn’t have to return to have them taken out and I was told I could take all the dressings off after two days!
First time I called the district nurse due to an allergic reaction with the pressure dressing, second time the whole dressing virtually fell off because they’d not used the same kind and it got absolutely wet through with leakage! Fortunately there doesn’t seen to be any further leak.
It feels as if I’ve got a pulled muscle under my arm this time though so I’m not quite as mobile despite having less done - heaven knows what they got up to in the theatre!
Results on October 25th
Best wishes
MaddyW x xxx