I have browsed this site many a time in the last 6 months as I have been looking after my mum who had breast cancer and sadly passed away last weekend. Now it is my turn as I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer myself. I have invasive ductal carcinoma grade 1, lymph node also shows cancer, hormone positive & HER2 negative. Have been told I will have to have masectomy, chemo, radiotherapy and tamoxifen. I am very scared and have to decide if I want immediate reconstruction which would delay the chemo, have a tissue expander fitted or just have the masectomy. I am on a real roller coaster of emotion and would appreciate any personal experiences to help me make an informed choice. Eventually I would like a reconstruction and possibly have a masectomy on the other breast at the same time as a precaution because of my family history. hugs to everyone
Welcome to the forums, this is the right place to get the support and information you are looking for and I am sure the other users of this site will be along soon to give you that much needed support.
Our helpline team are also here, just a free phone call away 0808 800 6000 if you need someone away from family and friends to talk to in confidence, do give them a call.
so sorry to hear about your mum and now your own diagnosis.
i havent had mastectomy but do have a gene which causes BC and been treated for it 3 times in the past 6 years. So i cannot advise with respect of that as i am still unsure what to do re the mastectomy question. But family history wise my mum had BC the year before me luckily was small, grade 1 and node neg so she didnt need chemo or mastectomy but had WLE, rads and hormones. 15 months later i was diagnosed with the exact same and in the same boob in the same place. I tested negative for the brca gene, but when i got another bc in the other boob which is linked to gene changes i was tested again and found out i had a mutation… Mum was tested but was neg… I was 37 when i first had bc and mum was 57 so the age of onset does have quite a bearing on the liklihood of whether its genetic or not.
good luck with your treatment and making the decisions ahead.
Hi
I am very sorry to hear your news. It must be a very very difficult time for you being so recently diagnosed after the loss of your mum
My mum also died if breast ca when she was very young (over 30 yrs ago now) and my sister was diagnosed 3 yrs ago age 35 and then me this June. (age 41)
I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate recon using implants and my chemo started 5 weeks following. Im about half way through the chemo now.
I wouldnt like to pursuade anyone to have anything as I think its very personal choice but I have to say I have dealt well with the surgery and I felt psychologically to wake up with a pair of breasts was better than not and of course in clothes no one would know. Theyre not the same naturally and I have had moments of feeling sad about it but Im so glad I got it done in one foul swoop! Im not sure yet whether I will go and have nipples put on and all that jazz or not.
I hope this helps, please feel free to p.m. me if theres anything else
Good luck with the decision making and the treatment ahead
mandy xxx
Thank you for your replies, its so difficult making decisions when you head is all over the place I cant seem to think clearly at the moment but I guess thats understandable as I am arranging my mums funeral for friday and having to deal with my own diagnosis at the same time. Also im a single mum and it was so difficult telling my sons on thursday that I had cancer as they are struggling to deal with thier nan passing away from the same awful disease. I will be speaking to my BCN tomorrow to arrange appointment to see surgeon, I will discuss my options with her. Sending love and hugs to all XX
I saw my surgeon yesterday and feel relieved. I thought I would have to make big decisions on if I wanted immediate reconstruction and what type, but as I will need radiotherapy they have decided the best option for me is to have a tissue expander fitted so some of the skin is kept to leave my options open for reconstruction after treatment has finished. I was shown some photos of ladies who have had this done and it dosent seem as scary now. Ive got my mums funeral tomorrow which I am dreading as I am worried I will break down. I have managed to hold it all together so far but know the tears will have to come at some point. my sons have really struggled this week and this will be the first funeral they have been to so I will be looking out for them. Thinking of all you wonderful people who are on this rollercoaster. xxxxx
Hello everyone I have now got a date for my surgery its on 14th December, Ive got mixed emotion,s part of me wants rid of the cancer but the other part feels sad that I have to have my boob removed as they were the one part of my body I liked. I have a question about what (if any) bra did you find comfortable after surgery? and any other tips or advice to help me prepare for the operation and recovery afterwards would be greatly appreciated. Sending everyone hugs xxx
Hi all I am newly diagnosed with invasive lobular BC, and have had biopsy’s, MRI scan, and ultrasound to determine size.
i am due back to hospital tomorrow to discuss my health plan. I found out two weeks ago and am still in shock head like full of cotton wool.
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site. While you are waiting for replies I have put for you below links to some of BCC’s publications you might find helpful. Also our helpline team are only a free phone call away if you need to talk to someone in confidence, 0808 800 6000
Hi Blue Sky…great news you have a surgery date! I was diagnosed in Oct & am recovering from lumpectomy & reduction. I was unable to get bras beforehand, as didnt know what size I would be? I would recommend a fully supportive bra, not glamourous I know, but, protective! I bought aSports 2 pack from M&S, they have a small selection of post surgery bras, def nothing underwired!
Look after yourself after the op, you will need time to recover, it took me several days to feel awake again, I’m nearly 3 wks post op & will get my treatment plan on Weds. It’s all such an inconvenience isn’t it! Wish you well x
Hi Jansim…I was the same, working happily one day, quick visit to GP after finding a small lump, which seemed to appear from nowhere & boom…breast cancer. I think there is an element of shock/disbelief as you can feel & look so normal, I really dont think I have accepted there is anything wrong with me?! I promise, that once you have seen yr consultant & you know what’s happening & when, you become more accepting of it all. I was exactly the same, I read posts from other ladies, not believing I would ever be in the same mindset as them & suprise, I’m now here! You will get sooo much advice & support from this site, just knowing others understand & can sympathise is a real help. You will soon see yr trip down recovery road, I promise! Wish you well x
Hi re bras, I have not worn proper bra for ages now and only when going out do I have an nice under wired bra. For everyday I wear the moulded Jenny type bras that are really comfortable and give support. Picked up some similar ones in Peacocks, Asda and TK maxx. Think Mand S also do them. Was intending only to wear these as I healed but they are so comfortable I wear them tall the time. X
Hi
Thanks Latte Lover I have now got my date for op right MX on mon 3rd Dec, how right you were I feel more positive knowing my plan and will take one day at a time.
Jan