Hi,
I’m newly diagnosed with IDC, ER 8/8, PR 8/8, HER 2 neg, grade 1. I also have an area of DCIS in same breast a bit further away from the tumour so am having to have a mastectomy in a few weeks.
I don’t want an implant so am not having reconstruction at this stage but the option is there to have it later. Having looked at what that entails I don’t think I’m keen but am now second guessing myself about being flat. I’m Im 47 and have kids, the youngest is 5.
Hello, sorry you are joining us but welcome to the lovely group.
I was in a slightly different situation since I had bilateral cancers so needed a double mastectomy.
I wanted immediate reconstruction and couldn’t imagine waking up from op and having no breasts.
BUT there was a nine-week minimum wait for reconstruction and I just wanted the cancer out so I went for the operation thinking I would get reconstruction later. However, I discovered I actually love being flat and couldn’t imagine having an implant or going through the long recovery which the DIEP involved.
I was back up running and at the gym by day 10 and walking miles a day from day three post op. I have absolutely no regrets and am so pleased the delay gave me the opportunity to avoid an operation which I didn’t know that I didn’t want.
Everyone is different and decisions are personal, good luck with whatever you decide. I think for anyone uncertain, it’s definitely worth delaying any recon until you know 100%. xx
I also run so that’s good to hear. My surgeon has said to take 6-8 weeks off work though, which seems a lot.
Wow that is a lot.
Mine knew I wanted to get back as soon as possible so he was happy as long as the physio was fine with it.
I saw the physio the morning after my surgery to go through the exercises I was to do, then again at day 10 and she gave me the go ahead to start slowly.
Good luck with your recovery xx
My diagnosis is very similar to you. IDC pr+ er+ her2- grade 2. They have found 3 separate areas between 40mm and 20mm. I had to have a CT scan last week to see if it has spread. They are waiting for those results before I am given a surgery date. I am having a single mastectomy with no reconstruction at this point. I was 90% sure this is what I wanted until I confirmed the decision with the surgeon and then I had a massive panic time. At the moment every time I have an appointment I get more bad news and then I go into freefall panic for 24 hours. The waiting for results is terrifying, in fact the whole thing is terrifying. I am 50 and have 3 children, youngest is 15. Have you had your surgery yet? If yes hope it has gone well. If you ever want to offload, feel free to message me privately
I get that. The waiting between scans etc is horrible. I have to have a 3rd biopsy now on an old lump in my other breast that was confirmed ok 20+ yrs ago but because it was in another trust they want to be sure themselves.
My op is in 2 weeks.
Hi, i had very similar to you, opted for immediate reconstruction Diep as i was told it was the most normal you can get to own breast. its a long surgery and recovery but for me it was well worth it. wishing you the best with whatever you choose to do 