Hi all
Just posted this as ‘third ale’ - sounds as though I’m drinking too much. Had lumpectomy at the end of May followed by a wle last week. Seems I now need a third op as the margins are still not clear. Has anyone else been in this situation?
Thanks
Tamsin
Dear Tamsin
I have just had the results of my second WLE. It was unsuccessful as they found a further 25mm of the original tumour. So now it it a mastectomy for me. I am in shock right now. This is second breast cancer situation in a single year.
Oh Bumpkin, I’m so sorry. It’s complete c**p isn’t it. I was ok about the first op - and about the second, but this one has got me in a complete meltdown, especially as the surgeon has said he has plan d if necessary, but won’t do it now even though I would like him to. We are pretty similar in that mine is also second time round, but my first dx was in 2008 so at least I have had a few years off from all of this, which you haven’t been able to. Real head in hands moment, eh? I had a mx in 2008 and the new tumour appeared right at the end of the original site. When he operated in May the surgeon was sure he’d got it all out and was very upbeat - not sure how he’s feeling 2 months on and 2 further operations down the line but probably not as bad as I am…
When is your next op? Mine is Friday morning.
Tamsin x
Dear Tamsin
how devastating to have a new tumour now. I am very naive, as I was trying to console myself with the thought that the mastectomy, which will be on 5 August, would sort it My first WLE and SNB was on left side, last August. I had chemo then radio, but found the new lump on the other side just as radiotherapy ended. I was told today that I will have to have chemo then radio again, and can have reconstruction after that, about six months after radiotherapy. At that time I can also have a mastectomy and recon on the other side. That is assuming it doesn’t get another horrid lump in it before then! It is a beautiful day, and so hard to deal with this on such a day. And we know what lies ahead of us and must garner all our strength to go through it. I am very fortunate to have a great husband, family and friends, and I hope you have the same support. my job has just been made redundant, and so I shall be an unemployed breast cancer patient! I guess that is the least of my worries right now. And I am vain enough to hate losing a breast even if it is to help keep me alive. how did you cope? Did you have a reconstruction?
I wish you every success for your third operation. I know you will then have to wait for the results. I cram my days full of anything to avoid thinking about things in between hospital appointments. I hope you can find a cool place to recuperate.
anne x
Hi anne, Yes it’s definitely family and friends that get you through - including the wonderful women on these forums. I feel so bad about putting the family through this again for the second time - and unfortunately the second time over the summer holidays. I feel so torn because I want the family around me yet crave peace and quiet when I’m feeling rubbish, which is a bit of a conundrum. Anyway, no real purpose in worrying about that, I’m just trying to do one step at a time.And I agree that we do need a huge amount of strength to get through this again.
I am really glad you’ve got a date for your MX. It is quite a straightforward op and I was out of hospital on day three, albeit with drains for the following week. But I remember recovering very swiftly afterwards. I never had a recon mainly because I thought my surgeon would bring it up at some stage and he never did (was a bit naive about the whole business the first time around). No one discussed things with me so I thought it wasn’t an option. Ironically I was all set to talk to him about a recon at my next check up having finally decided to go for it when all this happened. A friend of mine went through what is proposed for you re: elective mx and recon and it is a huge operation which she took some months to recover from (she’s a young woman, only 42) but she says it was absolutely worth it.
So op is Friday and results are next Wednesday. Should really be making curtains right now but I just don’t have the energy but, like you I’m trying to keep my brain on non-treatment mode. We’re in Sheffield where it is slightly cooler than down south, but still pretty hot. The kids are getting through a lot of ice cream!
I hope you’re managing to fill your days with nice things
Tamsin x
Hi Tamsin
i just want to wish you all the best for tomorrow, and a speedy recovery. we live in the south and have a boat at southampton, so are sailing quite a bit, which is exhilarating, and cooling! Wishing you all the best
Anne x
Hi Thaksin, glad op went ok. I get results of my second on Thursday. Dreading it! Did tell surgeon on day of 2nd op next time, if there is one, I wanted an mx.one if his surgical team was with him and she nodded despite him refusing to discuss a next time. Hope your recovery is good xx