I was diagnosed on 20th May with HER2+ breast cancer in my right breast and also one lymph node. The lymph node at the time of diagnosis apparently measured 18.5mm.
I have had 7 weekly session of Paclitaxel and a 3 weekly injection of Phesgo, last week prior to my 7th chemo session I had an MRI scan and I have been informed that the 3 areas in my breast have significantly improved and are barely visible and the lymph node has decreased in size to 5mm so things are moving in the right direction.
Next week I have been called to meet the surgeon to discuss reconstructive surgery which will have to be carried out at a much larger hospital than the one I currently attend.
I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on the reconstructive surgery, Iām assuming that the surgeon is talking of removing fat from elsewhere in my body, does this have to be stomach or back area? Iām reasonably slim (size 12), maybe have more fat on my bottom than stomach, can fat be removed from your bottom area or does it have to be stomach.
My next question is I was told the recovery time from a mastectomy would be around 2 weeks, I thought this was a bit optimistic, does the surgeon just mean getting out of bed and moving about. Also would reconstructive surgery at the same time as the mastectomy require extra recovery time, I suppose my biggest concern is how flaming painful is it. I used to be a whimp when it came to needles and injections but itās something Iāve had to get used to, is it extra extra painful having reconstruction at the same time or is it better to get it all done and dusted at the same time.
Many thanks for any replies
I havenāt got all of the answers, but Iām sure you could ask the nurses on here/call your breast are nurses/look on official websites (eg MacMillan, Cancer Research UK etc) for more information. I had a unilateral mastectomy with immediate diep reconstruction (using tissue from stomach) three months ago. I was a size 8/10, but there was no issue with providing adequate āmaterialā! The recovery time from the mastectomy is certainly longer with the immediate reconstruction being done too. I guess itās a personal decision as to whether to get it all out of the way or to get the mastectomy done, heal and have delayed reconstruction another time. Iām also not great with medical stuff (eg. blood tests, injections) and am very squeamish, so it has been a challenge. But I found that your tolerance levels definitely shift, as Iām sure youāve already experienced. In terms of the pain, it honestly wasnāt as bad as I thought it would be. Mine was managed mostly just with paracetamol, especially after the first week. They aim to get you out of bed the day after your surgery. I couldnāt get out for a few days as my blood pressure was so low, so that delayed things a bit. I stayed in hospital for six nights, and the day I went home, I managed to walk (shuffle!) from my room to the car park. Normal walking took me a few weeks, but I could still get around during that time (I just resembled The Hunchback of Notre Dame!). Heavy lifting needs to be avoided for a while. I hope that covers some of your questions. Feel free to ask more though. Itās good to feel as prepared as you can be, although your surgeon will discuss it all further with you, Iām sure. Wishing you all the very best x