Hi, this is my first post, not sure where to begin. I have read lots of topics on this site and you ladies are very helpful and understanding. Hope I am in the right place! Had routine mammogram 9 Dec, 20th Dec had biopsy/ultrasound, 3 Jan diagnosed with small lump right breast, 23 Jan had tumor removed and surrounding area, back in on 20 Feb further tissue removed as had pre cancerous cells. On Tuesday I was advised the best thing for me was to have mastectomy to make sure all these cells were removed. Surgeon did not want to do any more invasive procedures. My worries now are what options to take. I am so confused, keep having “moments” reading all your comments. I would be grateful if anyone could help me feel more positive about this. I am torn between no boob and a prostheses and an implant done done at the same time but am now feeling pretty nervous. I have been really strong and positive up to now much to the amazement of my daughters (they took it worse than me !)
Hi, for me there was no option as in my own mind I could not cope without my breast so it had to be mastectomy with immediate reconstruction,I had DCIS went through WLE first (lumpectomy) then found needed mmastectomy.
For me there was little choise as I couldn’t have the op that takes muscle from the tummy (not enough muscle there and I have asthma so need those muscles to cough) but had the LD flap (muscle taken from back). it has taken some time to heal - I have had problems with the scar on my back and excess skin but the new breast is great (bigger than good side but I can have an implant in good side in 12 months time hopefully). Although I am a little different in size on that side I still wouldn’t have wanted to have no breast (my personal opinion and definitely not the opinion of all ladies so do see what others say). I am 3 months post surgery and back at work part-time.
the first month is probably the worst - it’s a big op - but you soon start to feel more like yourself. I still can’t wear anything other than a post op bra as I am very tender and swollen under my arm (where the muscle comes through from the back) but others have had a better response than me. Hopefully the specialist breast care nurse can help you with pictures etc to make a decision - I know my nurse definitely helped me make my decision as of course there is also the option of an implant which I decided not to have and other different mixes of muscle/implant etc. See what other ladies say - it’s a very emotional time and you need to be happy with whatever you choose. hope this helps
Hi, like Bunnies I had no choice for various reasons. I was dx end Nov with DCIS but as it was widespread and because of the locations, a mastectomy was the only real choice for me. I was also only able to have an implant so opted for that rather than going boob free as I was always large busted and they are a big part of me. I had my operation end Jan so still early days. It was not easy but, as I am regularly reminded by medical staff and family, it is still early days. I had the largest possible Becker expander implant though will still need my good size reduced in the future to match. Anyway, despite a haematoma which is very rare whilst still in recovery which required a second operation within 24 hours, I am recovering well. Due to the haematoma, I had to keep my last drain in longer than normal and that site has not fully healed though almost there. The actual scarring looks very good and I came out of hospital with a boob which was quite surreal. The first few weeks are the worst as you get used to everything physically and emotionally and my biggest issue of late has been the nerve endings as everything knits back together but you can get meds to help that. My new boob is still very bruised and there is swelling at 5 weeks but my Surgeon checks me weekly and is happy with progress. We are looking at me going back to work after Easter but I do travel a lot and have to stand up in front f senior managers to train them so confidence is an issue although the post op bras are very good with the cumfie that the hospital should supply, this can be adjusted as your implant is filled. Generally I look fine with clothes on though my new side is much Perkier than my other side but that is due to age and the size of my boob… That said, i don’t think it is obvious to anyone else. Next steps will be expansion but we are not rushing it as I need to be fully healed first. There will be good and bad days in the early weeks but, in my personal opinion, it is worth it to still have a boob.
Apologies for rambling but wanted to paint an honest picture for you of life with an implant. Hopefully others can share their stories of ther procedures to give you a more balanced view. Please feel free to PM me if you want more info.
Good luck
Hi there,
so sorry to hear youve had to go back for surgery after you thought you had got past that. BC keeps throwing up surprises, doesnt it?
Like Lelly, I had DCIS (maybe this is what you mean by precancerous cells?)and was told I needed a mastectomy. For me, too, being breastless wasnt an option. I was lucky enough to be suitable for a DIEP flap, which uses tummy fat but doesnt affect your muscle. i was terrified as Ive never had any surgery before, but my kids said while I was under GA I might as well have the surgery that would give me the best possible outcome…and losing a bit of excesss tum came under that heading!!
Im just over three months post op now, and have just come back from holiday in the caribbean, flew out on my three month op anniversary and then waggled all my bits in a brief bikini…I see my PS in two weeks time to plan the final touches like nipple reconstruction… and Im going back to work this Monday. I could probably have managed to go back a bit sooner but i have to travel a lot so need to be fully fit.
In my case my affected boob has basically been refilled rather than removed…its slightly bigger than the other at the side, but not really noticeable and the PS may be able to take out a bit with liposuction. in place of the aerola theres a circular patch of skin from my tum, but hardly any scarring. And Ive got a smooth flat tum which Ive never had before. I wish you the best of luck in making your decision, if i can help anymore, as Lelly says, do PM me. This business is all a horrid shock, I was devastated so dont think youre alone!!
Hello Nonsuch, Bunnies and Lelly61.
Thank you all for your very informative replies. I shall have another look at the dvd the clinic gave me on reconstruction (I found it a bit much to take in last night) bearing all your comments in mind.
I feel much better for joining this site knowing I can just post something if I am having a “wobble” and someone else will have had one as well. Ah well back to the decision making.
Thanks ladies,
Liz