Hi Everyone, I had a mammotone biopsy and got the results on Friday 7th, prec cancerous cells low to intermediate grade. The consultant has suggested WLE, I asked if a mastectomy would be the safest option and he said he did not think it was appropriate at this stage, but having read lots of posts on here I know sometimes they don’t get a clear margin and you have to go in for further surgery. The thought of one operation is doing my head in never mind being recalled for another. He also asked if I had ever considered having a smaller bust and said he could reduce the size instead of just taking what was necessary but I don’t know if he meant operate on both breasts at once or what. He also said that they do tests on the removed tissue and there is a chance of finding a ‘true’ cancer in which case more surgery, checking lymph nodes and radiotherapy - so what would have been the point of having the longer surgery and reconstruction? My operation is provisionally booked for 8/4/08 but I haven’t got a clue what to opt for. Also what are the recovery periods? I am a carer for my elderly mother and have two dogs that I walk, groom and train so I lead a very active life, will I be out of action for long? Is a mastectomy a lot more painfull than a WLE? So many questions… thanks in advance for your replies.
Carol x
Hi Carol
I had a WLE in Sept 07, they got good clear margins first time, I also ad SNB during the WLE op, all came back clear. I had no drains and I was home by 9pm the same day. I had 3-4 visits from a home care team who removed my dressings and because I had been stitched and not steri stripped I was able to shower with simple products and apply aqueous cream. The nurses advised me to apply the cream up to and during my rad sessions which started 6wks later. I had 15 + 3 booster rad sessions and I have to take Tamoxifen for 5yrs. Have been on it for almost 6mth without side effects. You’ll be given exercises to do they may feel a little uncomfortable at first but there worth it. Due to nerve damage during op I suffer from the occasional sharp stabbing pain in the breast , my onc said this is quite common and it can last for some months.
Good luck I hope everything goes well for you.
Caz x
Hi Caz,
Thanks for your reply. Did they do the snb as a matter of course or was there any particular reason? Was the radiotherapy a precautionary measure too? I think why I am so confused is that everyone’s treatment seems to vary.
I am so pleased you are doing well and also it gives me hope that after the op the results will come back ok too.
Carol x