Hi everyone. I’m 46, er/pr+, her2-, lymph node +, IDC plus dcis. Following 3 surgeries since January, I should get my results for clear margins next week. I’ve had so far a WLE and SLND, a cavity shave and an ALND, and a further cavity shave. If its still not all out I have to have a masectomy.
I am keen that if I do need masectomy, I want to sign for it and get it organised in my appointment next week, as I’m already 7 months into this sh*t show and I want to crack on. Trouble is, having read up all about the types, I’m not sure what to pick. I’d want reconstruction but the diep sounds scary. So I thought implants, but that could be a problem as I need radiotherapy. Delayed reconstruction is what I’m leaning towards but I know that I will feel weird about being lopsided.
How on earth do I decide?
Thanks x
Hopefully the results will show clear margins but preparing for the possibility of a mastectomy is a good idea. I had to make a decision about a 3rd excision or a mastectomy
Making these decisions is never easy. Get as much information as you can from reliable sources including speaking to the nurses on here or MacMillan. A pros and cons list was helpful for me. Having a look at Flat Friends may help. It’s a group for those who plan to remain flat or for those having delayed reconstruction. https://flatfriends.org.uk/
My surgeon was happy to give me time to consider my options and saw me again the following week to answer any remaining questions and confirm my decision.
Good luck for your appointment next week.
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Hiya,
Hopefully your surgeon will be able to guide you if you need a mastectomy. My surgeon was happy to do immediate implant reconstruction before radiotherapy. She doesn’t see the radiotherapy as a huge deal. So that may be an option for you if needed. When deciding between flap Vs implant, I knew that I didn’t want another area of my body to be mucked about with as I want to do a lot of fitness in the future so didn’t want my stomach area or other area of my body compromised. I’m a B / C cup and I’m impressed with the implant, looks natural and has good symmetry with my other breast. Also I had a skin sparing mastectomy so the overall look is excellent, just one scar across the middle.
Fingers crossed you won’t need a mastectomy.
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Thank you @holly.52 and @emmeline1. Thats really good advice. I was thinking diep, but actually skin sparing would be good. I will research it. Thank you both.
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Hiya,
You’re welcome!
There are also videos on this website and there is one on breast reconstruction, Support for you | Breast Cancer Now, also check out speakers live on this website as I went to one about breast reconstruction which was very helpful. Also, if you do need one ask your surgeon to show your pics of both options you’re interested in from patients they’ve operated on.
The implant does feel firmer than flesh so it depends what ‘feel’ you want from a reconstruction, and what your priorities are.
I have read on here that some surgeons won’t reconstruct before radiotherapy so I think a lot depends on your surgeon’s advice x
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Hi @bluesatsuma, thank you for sharing this on the forum.
I found this page on our website which has information about mastectomy procedures, which may be useful to look at.
Have you considered speaking through your options with our team of breast care nurses? You can reach us on freephone 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm)… or if you’d like to ask something without leaving the forum, you can do this by posting in this board.
Sending our best wishes
Bernard
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Thank you. I will read all of this after work.
Thanks again @emmeline1. I will take a look at the video. So much to consider! X
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Hi @bluesatsuma
We seem to have been on this journey together as i had 2 surgeries thia year before having a DIEP reconstruction in April.
I woukd say don’t be scared of opting for the DIEP, it is a big surgery but I was up and walking the day after a 10 hour surgery, out of hospital in 5 days with a drain which along with the dressings came off 8 days post surgery. The recovery is about giving your body time to heal and your mental health, in this time you are up and about, able to meet friends and gradually increase what you do each day.
These are some useful resources on reconstruction ://restore-bcr.co.uk/ and https://keepingabreast.org.uk/ as well as on the Breast Cancer Now site.
All the best with your journey and hopefully you will get the all clear at your appointment x
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Hi @Summer-sunshine. Loving your upbeat name choice! Thank you. I think i will opt for reconstruction but not diep. I’m on my way to results now…hoping no more surgery is needed. We shall see! Hope your recovery continues to go well. Do you need chemo too? X
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