Hello All
Was diagnosed last week with DCIS, and have been told I will be having a Mastectomy. A real shock. I am almost 31 and gave birth to my lovely son last March, so I have been very worried this last week. Saw the surgeon today, and am back in with the plastic surgeon next week to discuss the best option.
I would be grateful for any advice from anyone with similar experience. It seems I will more likely be having DIEP, but need to discuss further.
Thanks
Lian
Heya Lian
I was in a similar place mid January. turned out both my breasts had invasive ductal cancers so both had to go.
Was a hell of a shock at the time, especially as I’d never had any kind of proper op before.
I decided not to go for reconstruction myself, would rather use prosthetics but it’s been 2 months since diagnosis, 1 month since op and I’m starting to feel human again.
take your time to make your choices, ask lots of questions but most importantly accept the shock and let it sink in. Do call the helpline if you have questions, talk to your breast care nurses and I’m sure others who’ve gone for reconstruction will help you here too.
But in case it helps I was shocked and scared and my moods have been going up and down like a yoyo for the last 2 months. And waiting for the op and results did get to me but that passed in the end too.
You’ll get through it I’m sure, tell us your fears and I’m sure between us all here someone can help.
I’m 33 if that helps at all.
Lots of love
Angie
Hi Lian,
I had a Mastectomy nine weeks ago and during the operation they inserted an expander which I get pumped up every two weeks.
I went for my last pump up this week and I will be having an implant inserted in 3 months time as they are waiting for the expander
to stretch my skin. I decided on the implant as I did not want any unnecessary surgery on any other part of my body. They will also put
a small implant in my other breast so that they match.
I found the first three weeks of being told about the Mastectomy the hardest as it is such a shock also after the op I had to wait 2 weeks
for my results.
Now am over the worst as I just need one small op for the implant were I will have to stay in overnight.
You will get through this as Angie said. I have just turned 34.
Thank you so much, it’s nice to here from people who have been going through the same thing.
I am quite big breasted so have been advised that an implant may look odd against the boob that is staying I suppose I should really have a look at some other peoples reconstruction. But don’t really feel comfortable with that at the moment. I have been told there is a meeting I can go to. I definitely feel more comfortable having reconstruction and would like it to look as natural as possible so need to talk to the plastic surgeon next week.
My son only turned 1 last week and has been keeping me on my toes. It would have been quiet different I think without him here to cheer me up. No time to be sad. He is keeping me very positive.
Hi Frank,
I had a MAsectomy and recon on right boob 3 wks ago and had boob lift on left (my choice). Had muscle taken from my back and my boobs look fab. I was a 32D before the Op and I’m a 32C now (or will be once everything is settled!) Have had saline implant under my recon and this has not been inflated yet. Consultant says he will inflate it when both the left and right boobs have settled. Very, very glad I went for immediate recon and am really happy with results so far. I looked at loads of reconstructed boobs before I had mine done and I have to say that I was prepared for a big patch of skin, big scars etc etc. The reality is my boobs look really, really normal - with the exception of my missing nipple and I am so relieved!!! The scars will fade and becasue I have stretchy skin (!) I didn;t need a patch. Everybody is SO different. Keep an open mind and don’t think just because it doesn’t look fab on one person it will look like that on you. One of my friends commented the other day that I look like I’ve got designer tits. I’m wearing all my tight-fitting tops and they look just wow!!! And the bonus is I don’t need a bra now!!!
Happy hunting!!!
Shell
x
Hi Frank, I’m in just the same position as you. I have DCIS and been told I must have Mastectomy. I can’t get my head around this!!!
I understand completely how you feel, it is such a shock, but I am relieved I can have something done to prevent this developing into cancer, and if that means I have to have a mastectomy then that is that. I can’t say how I will feel after the surgery, but that is how I feel at the moment. I saw my plastic surgeon for the first time today, and that was a relief. As things stand I still feel the DIEP recon will better suit me. Although I have been told I may not have enough belly to match my other boob, so could end up having an implant too. I need to have a look at some boobs before I make a decision. All the information you get can be a bit overwhelming, but I don’t go back to the plastic surgeon for another 2 weeks, so plenty of time to think and do research.
I just think about my little boy and how much worse the situation could have been !!
Hi Frank,
Hope it went well with the plastic surgeon.
I was diagnosed a week before Christmas & told I needed a mastectomy, which put a dampener on things for a bit.
Looked at all the options, & went for DIEP flap recon. & reduction on other side (I was 38F) & never looked back.
I got as much info as I could (from hospital & this site as rest of internet can scare the hell out of you).
My op was on 31st Jan 08.
They managed to do the whole lot in one go (an entire operating list!) & even made me a nice new nipple. Now back at work & feeling good, even entered ‘race for life’, & awaiting my tatoo.
The thing is, we are all different & handle things in different ways, you have to do whats right for you. I knew as soon as I woke up after the op that I had made the right choice. Initially 3months recovery sounded daunting, but its flown by, & I’m thankful for each day I have.
Good luck with your journey.
ps. I also found that talking openly helped ( I told everyone that I was getting a tummy tuck & a boob job!), which led to lots of offers of support WHICH YOU NEED TO TAKE.
Look after yourself. x
Hi Lian
I was diagnosed with intermediate DCIS in my right boob on 13.2.08 and in my left boob 21.4.08. need a bilateral recon. Have spoken to plastic surgeon once, when I thought it was just the right boob. He advised the DIEP. He hasnt had a clinic for 4 weeks and am seeing him again on Thurs. Now I need both boobs off the breast consultant has advised me to have the LD flap as I wont have enough fat on my stomach to do the two. Also it is quicker, safer and can give the volume with an implant. I am a size 12 - 14 and 36c. Had just got used to the idea of a tummy tuck and dont really want the LD.
Has anyone had the Diepwith an inplant or is this not possible?
Maxine