Hi
Im sure there is plenty of women out there that ar scared like myself.
I was first diognosed with a dcis in july 2007 had lump removed in sep07 didnt get it went in again oct07 told it was clear had radium in dec07. In sep this year found lump and in pain was told scar tissue and traped nerver in chest wall after test and mamograme told it was back. Going in hospital jan 09 to have breast of and ld flap reconstruction. Im not handling this very well undesided if to have it done even though if i dont my life is at risk. Has anyone out ther had the same op and felt like i do i would really like to talk them.
Dear Angie
Firstly, welcome to the BCC forums where I am sure you will receive lots of valuable support from your fellow users, in addition, please do feel free to call our helpline where you can speak to someone in confidence about how you are feeling. Our team can talk to you about other support we can offer you too such as ‘Peer support’, this telephone service aims to quickly put you in touch with one of our trained peer supporters, who has had a personal experience of breast cancer. Our peer supporters are from diverse backgrounds and ages and have experienced different types of breast cancer and treatments. They are ready to listen, offer skilled emotional support and share their experiences and understanding.
The number to call is 0808 800 6000 weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2, this week the times are slightly different due to the BH, today (New Years Eve) the line is open 9-2 and tomorrow (New Years Day) it’s closed.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Angie,
So sorry you are going through this,especially when you have done it before! I can’t say any magic words but I have had a mastectomy and LD recon in July 2008 and not for one minute have I regreted my surgery.Its a big op but there was very little pain,more discomfort.My cancer has gone and I was lucky not to need Chemo or rads.Its natural to have doubts and explore all your options but really surgery is the only realistic option if you want to survive this.Come on here and ask questions or call the helpline for a listening ear.
Hugs
Dot
x
angiebabe - I had the m-op 4 years ago because like Dot says - it’s either dismemberment or death. I did not want it I can tell you but, as you say, death is the alternative. Can you talk to someone, bcn if you have a good one (they have their limitations but some are very good) or a counsellor? I wish I had had time to talk to a counsellor before I had my op because I really thought I would rather die than have it, but for my kids. My fear was that it would be the end of decent sex, it seemed so obvious to me, and i mention it now only because I found others reluctant to talk about that, but if that is what you are worried about, or whatever it is - talk to someone, please, and make them find you an appropriate person, it is your right and your need, and they will acknowledge that - whatever your fear is, talking could save you a lot of heartache.
At least you seem to have the option of immediate recon, which gives better results, at least in terms of hiding the scars - hope you are investigating that because there are many different possibilities and you can go to a different surgeon if your one doesn’t do the type that is best for you.
It is all very scary; things that helped me: knowledge - about what to expect; and other people, on the forum here, and a support group if you can find one, who just know what you are going through and how awful it is, but we have been through it and although I can’t say it isn’t horrible there is great comfort in sharing it with others who have had the same feelings. Keep posting, and do find someone to talk through it all with, and don’t be railroaded into any decisions until you are ready.
s
So sorry you are having to face this. I had the same op on December 15th 2008. I am now 3 weeks post op today and although I can honestly say I was so so scared, it really wasn’t as bad as I had imagined it would be. It is natural to be scared but you can do this and you will get through it, try and have a positive attitude and think this will get rid of the dreaded cancer. I am due to start chemotherapy next week and again am feeling almost as scared as I was before surgery. I am really pleased I had immediate reconstruction although I found it hard to look at the new breast first and when I did I found it quite difficult, as obviously it isn’t like a normal breast immediately post surgery and looks a bit funny without a nipple, but once the chemo is finished they will then do the cosmetic tweaks. I wish you well and am sure if you have the op you won’t regret it. My boob still feels a bit uncomfortable and my side and back feels quite tight still, but I am hoping that will ease with time. At the end of the day it is your decision and you will decide what is best for you.
Hi would like to thank u all for ur comments and surport. I had the surgury on 9/1/09 and had ld reconstruction and really pleased with the results like u say its not really pain more discomfort and sore. came out of hospital yesterday and glad i had it done now.