hi everyone i had a lumpectomy and sentinal node removed two weeks ago. got my results back this monday. not good news and now i have to decide wether to try and save my breast or have a masectomy. my head feels like its full of cotton wool,and i cant seem to make even the easiest decisions
Clarendon,
I am 42 and was 41 when I had a mastectomy. The operation its self is not as drastic as it appears. Reconstruction in all manners looks fab. The actual operation for me was a walk in the park. I had more pain from removal of lymph nodes. All that said, it does take some time to get used to trying to wear tops and blouses that you feel confident in. But you do get there. Again, dont worry about pain from the op as I said I felt it was no where near what I thought it would!
It just looks like you are flat chested with one end of the scar slightly raised. At the side of your body you get what you might describe as a tubular shape this is where your breast is removed but the skin folds (like a sausage shape.) You also have thin tubes to drain away fluid. They are pulled out and only feel like they are tugging on you. I get mild aches as the tissue is healing. It really has been the easiest bit of the whole process.
7mths after my mastectomy I took part in my hospitals fashion show and I wanted to model a mastectomy swim costume. I have put on two stone in weight from chemotherapy and swelling so I look nothing like I did.
Whatever you decide must be right for you, but really all your fears will in time die down. A year and a half on, the new me is beginning to feel normal, the most I have since the mastectomy
Best of luck
Jo
xxx
Hi claredon,
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums, I’m sure you’ll get lots of good support from the many informed users of this site.
I have put for you below the link to BCC’s Resource Pack which you may find helpful. It’s full of useful information, hints and tips. All BCC’s publications are free, just follow the link to order your copy.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hello Clarendon
I had a lumpectomy followed by chemo and then a MX and recon last July. I am pleased with my new breast and the experience was no where near as traumatic emotionally as I feared. In my case I was extremely pleased that I had the MX, because although I had made the decision to do so in order to remove a large area of DCIS, a second area of invasive carcinoma was found.
The MX was right for me, and I am sure with a little time you find what is right for you too. Good luck.
Jacqui
Hi Girls,
I had a WLE in November and am about to start rads. I have a huge fear of lymphodoema am really distressed at the effect removal of lymph nodes can have on your body - I had 5 nodes removed.
I am now thinking that I should have had a MX
Sorry girls got distracted.
As I was saying I now think in my case I would have preferred a mastectomy. If the cancer had to return I would probably have to have a MX but this would mean more lymph node removal and that’s the bit I find really upsetting. The cancer can be dealt with but the lymphodoema in my mind is more difficult.
Tiny Tina