Hi there I have just found out yesterday that I have breast cancer, and the surgeon wants to do a mastectomy in 2 weeks. I am 30 years old and I can’t believe it and really do not want the mastectomy. He has told me he cannot do reconstruction at the same time of the mastectomy in case I need further treatment, I just cant get my head around it and I am woried if it has spread anywhere else, I could really do with some help from someone that knows or someone who is going through the same Thank You XxxX
Hello Flutterby,
Sorry you have had to join us. It is so difficult to get your head around the diagnosis at the start and then you have loads of jargon thrown at you, tests, advice etc. AAAGH!
Have you met your oncologist yet? Depending on the extent and size of the tumour it is sometimes possible to have chemo first to see if they can shrink it and then have a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. However, they will obviously want to to what’s best for you in order to cure you. But as you are so set against the mastectomy, this might be worth discussing?
I am 33 - so another “young 'un”. I am having chemo first - but am having a double mastectomy to reduce my chances of having to go through this again.
The reason they like to do the mastectomy first and then a delayed reconstruction is that the reconstruction then isn’t harmed by radiotherapy and it also gives a better result. I was terrified about the whole reconstruction bit, but I have met a few plastic surgeons now who have shown me photos and I have also met a few young women who have shown me and let me feel their reconstruction - and they were amazing. They also showed me pictures of people who’d had immediate reconstruction and the damage radiotherapy does to it.
However - again - this is your life and your body. If you genuinely feel as though you couldn’t live without a breast, then speak to your breast care nurse and surgeon and go through the options.
The problem is that you’re at the most overwhelming time right now - everything is so scary and there’s so much to think and worry about. However, once you get the treatment plan in place and begin to regain some control you will start to feel a bit better (although you will still have scared and sad times and wobbles - we’re all allowed to! This is unfair and cr*ppy!) and you’ll soon learn lots about things that are worrying you (like the mastectomy and recon).
This forum is brilliant and really supportive, so keep in touch with us and let us know how it all goes.
xx
Hi flutterby80
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I am sure you will find it a great source of information and support.
I’m sorry to read of your diagnosis, the first few days and weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with things and getting to grips with your treatment plans, etc.
I’ve given here the link to our Resource Pack for those people newly diagnosed. The pack is essential for anyone with a primary diagnosis of breast cancer. Filled with information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available.
breastcancercare.org.uk/heal … tionId/82/
Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They’re on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9-2 Saturday.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi flutterby80 I just want to say that I am 43 and was diagnosed in March 2011. I know how it feels as we all do on this forum to be in your position right now. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal then started chemo which I had number 5 today. Please do not google anything as a lot of information is old and just not worth getting into. Stick to this forum as you will find different threads which will really help you through. Just take each day as it comes and beleive me it is all doable. Thinking of you and be sure to keep us posted x
Hello Flutterby80, Sorry you have to join us here. I was dx beginning of June 2011 and this friday having the lump taken out and breast reconstruction using my own fat/tissue/skin (Diep Flap - tummy tuck sort of).
Your head will be all over the place at the moment and your feeling will be like a roller coaster.
As been said already this forum is a great place and really supportive.
Take care