Thank you. Just sat waiting for the dye in the lymph nodes then its op time. Its lovely to hear you’re back to yoga & being so positive. Sending best wishes. X x
Good luck today
Thank you! The sedatives are kicking in and the snazzy socks are a positive.
Make sure they give you a spare pair
Xx
It does make me cross when doctors say no with no explanation
We are at an extremely vulnerable period and to just say no is plain disrespectful
Could you ask even now?
I was told I couldn’t have a reconstruction because I had already had radiotherapy 10 years ago for a previous breast cancer
Wishing you well
Suex
Hi,
Thought I’d pop on and update after surgery. Surgery went well, sedatives were extremely helpful and I’ll be home later today. Not quite sure I can bring myself to look yet but that will ease in time. Thank you so much to everyone who replied to me, you made this part of the journey easier.
Sending best wishes to everyone. X x
Dear Bosley
Well done to you, my brave lady. Please take one day at a time with all the help offered, lots of TLC .
Wishing you well going forward, keep posting letting us know how you are feeling.
Biggest hugs Tili
Dear Bosley - so glad you’ve got the surgery over with - its such an anxious time waiting. I hope youre feeling ok and getting lots of rest!
Two little tips - always do your exercises- I’m 4 months on and thought i could stop but really seized up so started again.
Also, it’ll all get better. I cried for two days when i finally faced myself in the mirror - its not easy (nobody except ‘us’ can understand how that feels but please know you’re not on your own). Quite quickly though, i started to feel better about it and wearing a prosthesis is my new norm!
I really thought I’d definitely be wanting reconstruction as soon as i could but now I’m not so sure. Its a long way off so may change my mind but right now i dont think its worth putting myself through more surgery - I’m already used to being flat on one side so will see.
Best of luck to you xx
Hi there - i hope you’re doing ok preparing for your surgery. I’ve just replied to Bosley if you want to read that but just wanted to say that i was also told i couldnt have immediate reconstruction as i would need Radiotherapy which could damage an implant. I then got the post-op results to say that they were happy no cancer remained following the chemo I’d had pre-op. I was going to take part in a trial which could have meant being randomised into a group with no Radiotherapy. Absolutely not! I didnt take part as I thought why on earth would i not have RT when I’d lost my breast because of it! Anyway, just trying to move on now.
Also, the lady who sorted my prostheseis was fab and spent ages making sure that it matched the size/shape of my remaining boob. You can’t tell once you’re dressed.
Good luck and sending love and best wishes, Zoe x
Hi Sue123. I couldnt have an implant either, for the same reason as you. I was advised the radiotherapy had impaired the blood supply when I had a lumpectomy 10 years ago. I had a mastectomy Nov 23 due to a reoccurrance. I’m glad it isnt just me with this issue. Hope you are doing ok x
Thank you @zed11. Its a rollercoaster of emotions everyday and I’m still not sure what the next phase of treatment is, find out next week. I’m the same as you in terms of reconstruction, who knows yet?!
The only issue I’m getting is a strange buzzing/vibrating in my left chest where the mastectomy is. Has anyone had anything similar? X x
Hi Suzie19
Could i ask about your recurrence?
My second bc occurred within the same breast
My surgeon said he ‘thinks’ mine is a new primary as the first was 10 years ago and is a different type ( first tnbc grade 3, second oestrogen highly positive and grade 2) my latest i had mastectomy 2 months ago
But he also says it is a possible recurrence
I feel im banging my head on a brick wall trying to get a clear answer if it is a new primary or recurrence. Did they do any tests on your previous tumour to enable them to know if it was a recurrence?
Was your second bc the same type?
My first bc was upper outer part of breast, my second more inner part of same breast
Thanks Suex
Hi Sue123. I was told it was a re occurrence same place & same type ie ER & PR positive HER2 negative following being clear for 10 years. Ive no idea if my 1st cancer was compared to this 2nd one tbh. I had wide local excision 1st time for Grade 2 IDC 15mm & 2mm growth followed by radiotherapy & Tamoxifen for 5 yrs. I was advised at the time, the excision margin was narrow which did worry me at the time. I was reassured that radiotherapy & Tamoxifen would do the trick! Roll forward to Nov 23 where grade 2 IDC 38mm & IG DCIS WTS 38mm was diagnosed. Mastectomy followed & Anastrazole started in January following Prosigna test that scored me low, so chemotherapy not prescribed. Not sure if this helps you in anyway? My 1st growth was behind the nipple & I understand the 2nd diagnosis was in the same place. Guess I have just been unlucky. Hope you are physically recovering ok. I had a huge seroma post mastectomy but its almost gone now x
Thanks for this suzie19
I suppose mine must be a new primary then but I want to know for sure
I have asked and get the same answer
My mastectomy was on 2 January this year ( diagnosed November 23 like you) and still have a seroma which has been drained twice
I was told this was more likely as had radiotherapy beforehand like you
It seems we have more than a similar name in common
Its amazing our journey has been similar including our name! My full name is Suzanne btw. Sorry you have had to be drained twice & hope its settling down now. Interesting that the historical radiotherapy may have caused the seroma but guess the area was damaged by the treatment so prone to this. Its been a bit of a ride & not one I would want to repeat nor wish on anyone else. I hope you get your answers Sue 123 & make a good recovery. Is hormone treatment on the cards for you going forward?
Hi Suzanne, yes I’ve been on letrozole since the beginning of December last year
There was some delay as i had to have a full body ct to check for secondaries ( aargh) !! Fortunately all was well
I’ve been having some funny ectopic ( extra) heartbeats which i think from reading the literature are a side effect
Have you had any side effects Suzanne?
Im waiting to have a 24 hour heart monitoring
Im guessing you’re younger than me, im 69 with 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren
How are you managing with going flat on one side? Do you intend to look at getting reconstruction with your own body fat ( that’s what they say I can have but at the moment too scared of covering up a recurrence
Sorry to burble on, its just so helpful to find someone who has gone through something similar
Best wishes Sue
Hi Sue. Side effects for me are night sweats, waking up at silly o’clock and creaky joints. Menopause all over gain but better than the alternative. I’m not sure I will go for reconstruction tbh. Yes, fat is used from tummy area but
I have heard mixed reports about the end results. General anaesthetic knocked me about post surgery for a week & dont think I could face more surgery of I’m honest. I’m getting used to my new chest landscape so think I will pass. I hear what you are saying about another reoccurrance though. Its a mind game isnt it! I have watched\listened to Dr Liz O’Riordan on instagram & u tube. She has also written some books (I have yet to purchase). She was a breast cancer surgeon & has breast cancer 3 times. I have found her to be very informative & she has helped me get my head round things a bit better. I hope your heart beats settle down. Bodies do weird things I think when under lots of stress. I will be 60 this year so got a few decisions to make about reducing work hours and enjoying life a bit more. If nothing else,all this malarkey focuses the mind on what is really important & not to sweat the small stuff too much. I have cleaned out my kitchen cupboards which was a good stress reliever! You are not burbling on by the way!