Not new to this site but following diagnosis 30th July of grade 1 ductal invasive and surgery 21st aug - WLE and SNB - have been told I actually have grade 3, in lymph nodes as well and also have DCIS.
Have been told I need auxillary clearance and either mastectomy + or - immediate recon.
Not really sure what to do.
Hi Anne
Sorry to hear your diagnosis but hope you will get a lot of replies about reconstruction.
I had a right mastectomy in May this year but didn’t have immediate rrecon. I was told that as I needed radiotheraphy after chemo it was probably
best to leave the recon as the rads can affect it.
I agonised for ages and finally decided I wouldn’t have immediate recon although I was so worried about what I would feel when I woke with only one
breast. I have to say I have not regretted my decision at all, I was only in hospital for a few days. I now wear a prothesis all the time and find it very comfortable.
I really do not think I shall ever have a recon after my treatment has finished as I can’t see the point in going for surgery that I find unnecessary. Of course it
all depends on your own circumstances, possibly age, etc. I have a lovely husband that really couldn’t care if I have only one boob and that makes it so much
easier for me.
I am sure others will let you know about their recons and experience but just thought I would put the case from my point of view.
Good luck with whatever you decided, it really is not an easy one.
If I can help anymore please do contact me.
love from Pauline
xxx
Dear Anne
You are welcome to contact our helpline if you would like to discuss the options for surgery which you have been given, our helpliners will be able to offer you information and support to enable you to make an informed decision. The number is 0808 800 6000 and the line is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.
Best wishes
Louise
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hi Anne,
I had mastectomy and ANC april 06, I needed chemo and rads so was told that immediate recon was not an option.
I had delayed recon (diep) in april this year and am very pleased with the results so far. I will have further surgery on 28th this month.
I hated being lopsided and if I’d had the choice I would have had an immediate recon. BUT we’re all differant and although we can tell you how we felt, only you know how you feel.
There is no right or wrong, only what would be best for you at this time.
Good luck with your decision.
Love
Claire x
Hi Anne
it is a bit of a dilemma as they dont give you much time to think about it, I had a immediate recon and glad I did, its a personal thing and only you a choice that you can make and be comfortable with, I am currently having rads and so far no problems with the recon at the moment…I dont pretend it is easy as none of the treatments that go with this God Damn disease are.
Lucy
XXXX
Hi Anne
I found the decision agonising. In many ways, I felt it would have been easier if someone had made it for me! The idea of having reconstruction made me feel vain and I knew so many women cope without this operation, why shouldn’t I? It helped me to look at pictures of the results for other women (see canerbacup website and others) and to think about the day to day practicalities of getting dressed, going swimming/running etc. i think I thought it was an age related issue, but the other women in hospital with me were 20 to 30 years older. One thing this disease has taught me is how different we all are.
I had immediate reconstruction from the back at the same time as node clearance pre chemo and radio so it seems that this is one of many areas where different doctors take different views.
It is sore, it does take time to recover from, but I also do not regret it, but who knows I may have felt the same if I had decided against it. Do some reading and some thinking, give yourself some space. It is your body.
Good luck. It gets easier once the decisions are made and you are on the conveyor belt of treatment.
Sinclair
Thank you for your replies.
Sinclair - if I am honest with myself I think I have made a decision to have mast and recon and the same time. Do not think that I could have more surgery 18 months downthe line following chemo and possible rads. I am due to see Bcn this week to look at some photos. Have been on varies web sites and I know it will not be exactly the same but think I will go for it.
I am very lucky have a suppostive husband and extended family and friends all of who have offered help.
Anne