Hi all. This is my first time using a forum chat. I was diagnosed with an invasive ductal Carcinoma in november last year. I had a lumpectomy in December which was a successful removal of the lump and had to have another op in January as pre-cancer cells were found. Despite the second surgery i still need a mastectomy as they didn’t get clearence and was too close to the medial margin to remove any more. I am hoping to have this along with immediate reconstruction in July. I have been having chemotherapy since February and am
Currently awaiting cycle number 6 next week which will hopefully Be my last one. I hope You don’t mind me joining your forum as we are at different stages. I thought it
Might be nice for you guys to hear from someone who’s a bit further down the line as I may be able to ease your minds a bit somehow with regards to side effects etc. With regards to my reconstruction, I’m planning on having a tummy flap operation which I am so anxious and nervous about - particularly the drains and the stay in hospital - they say I need to be in for a week! I’ve never been away from my children or husband for that long and I find that really daunting. If any of you have already had surgery - especially of this type I’d be grateful to hear your about your experiences. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Sarah
Somehow did this wrong as was hoping it would post in the May 2017 starters page! Oops!
Hi Sarah I am from the April 14 thread and all the ladies on the thread joined together when we were starting out on the road of chemo! You may feel a little lost on the May board as these ladies are just stating their journey. It maybe worthwhile joining the ladies in the February thread as they will be at the same stage as you?
I can also recommend that you look at the surgery board as lots of ladies will have had DIEP reconstruction. I myself had it 5 months ago following failed implants! It is a big op but far better to have at the time of mastectomy it will all be over and done with in one episode! The drains will more than likely all be out before you go home. You will have those after a mastectomy anyway. They are nothing to worry about and they are there to do a job of draining the site. You will need someone to look afer you as you will be able to do very little for the first 3 weeks at least. You didn’t say how old your children are- hopefully not very young?
You will find there is always someone that will answer your questions on the surgery board. So any little worries you may have do ask we are all here to help you!