First of all, sorry to all you ladies that I had intended to reply to your posts of your progress but events rather ran away with me and I got focused on other things. Briefly reading though seems many things have gone well for you all but I need and want to do a deeper read of your posts. The community spirit is so helpful to us all but I have give more and get off my lazy backside - more of that later!
So, before I settle down and have a good read of your stories, below is the summary of mine, bit longer than intended but gives all the info and maybe some of it may resonate with you or give you comfort that how things are going are usual, etc, you know what I mean.
Read/comment as you wish.
Cheers!
May 2018: Diagnosis DCIS 5cm left breast
21st June: SNB 3 lymph nodes removed, all clear
16th August: Mastectomy and LD Flap reconstruction left breast
Hospital stay was 7 days/6 nights. Recovered well from op, was in surgery for 6 hours and in recovery room for 3 hours, so back in hospital room at 11.30pm. Eating well from first morning after op. Had catheter in for first 36 hours. Medication during stay was Oxycodone, Gabapentin and Paracetamol. Had a very high temperature 48 hours after op, blood tests showed no issues but was put on IV Antibiotics for a couple of days then moved to AB tablets. Had 3 drains – first removed on day 5, second removed on day 6 (very painful removal), third removed on day 7, the wound of which then leaked and burst (very messy!) resulting in very large padded dressing applied. Discharged later that day.
Since then have been resting as directed, and napping a lot during the days. Found a reasonably comfortable sleeping position after a couple of nights at home (combination of lying on/cuddling v-shaped pillow and normal pillow so lying on right side to rest the left side on the pillows). Taking paracetamol and codeine tablets every day but will switch from codeine to ibuprofen when codeine runs out, as advised. I had actually stopped taking painkillers regularly so only when I felt the need but consultant and nurse told me off yesterday and said I must take them regularly until further notice. Also wearing a bra 24 hours a day, even for sleeping (although tend to wear a crop top for sleeping), to give support to the new boob even though it’s fully numb, as is part of my back from the LD flap and I have a very visible dent in my back!
Dressings were all removed one week after discharge and a seroma in my back has been drained 3 times since discharge (28th August: 300ml; 31st August: 100ml; 5th September: 50-60ml and will probably need more drainage next week - consultant says this is normal). Bruises have healed well, scars are looking good (one across the left side of my new left breast - fortunately skin and nipple were spared - and a long one from under my arm round to the middle of my back).
Really trying to follow rules about NO housework etc but find myself doing little things. Again, was told off for that, as that has contributed to the pains/discomfort along with lack of painkillers regularly – and it was always told to me that pain/discomfort would last for quite some time as it was a major op). So back on the regular painkillers (every 6 hours) and doing almost nothing at all, unless it’s very, very light activity (boyfriend has been extremely good at doing all the housework and he’s the chef in our house anyway – and he’s my chauffeur to/from appointments). But I am doing the exercises three times a day and will be seeing a physio at end of September.
Got most of my histology results yesterday: DCIS 51mm of which 0.4mm was invasive. Evidence also of Lobular Neoplasia (LCIS). Still waiting final results to see if receptors are ER or PR. Will be seeing oncologist in 2-3 weeks to discuss potential hormone therapy as risk of BC in right breast occurring is 4 times higher than someone who has never had BC. Expected hormone therapy might be Tamoxifen or Anastrozole, but to be discussed with oncologist, as I’m going through my natural menopause since a couple of years.
So summary is: all is as expected so far, pending results on receptors next week and what that might entail as any next step. Everyone (friends/family/medical staff) tell me I’m doing very well. I’m not having too many emotional meltdowns but they do crop up every so often but only for about 5-10 minutes at a time. Have a weep, get it out of my system and move on. Despite the pain and discomfort am enjoying the time to read, watch lots of TV and rest, and not having to work for at least another 2 months (was always told by my consultant that I would need 3 months recovery).
One other thing I will add. I was lucky enough to have medical insurance through my employer so all treatment is breing done privately. I loved having my own private room at the hospital (I’m not good socially or where there’s noise) and a really good food menu (it was more like a hotel despite the medical stuff!). As is the case with all medical staff, whether private or NHS, they were all totally lovely and I have so much respect for all they do.
Finally, I have no regrets having had a mastectomy with reconstruction. Size of the DCIS ruled out a WLE and the recon, although smaller than my remaining breast, at least gives me a good cleavage when in a bra and top, when I look down at myself! (My OH was right when he said I’d most likely not be happy being flat on one side). My consultant has suggested possible lipo-filling next year to bring new breast up to size or have breast reduction on the right breast. Will see how things go.
