Got to decide what surgery I want and its so difficult...

[Steph J]

Hi Artura 

just spotted your post about mastectomy & diep , I had this 6 years ago and it was the best choice for me . 

The recovery wasnt too bad at all , the first initial few days I was very weak and needed pain control . 

The physio started in hospital and I was mobilising slowly , because I had the tissue from my stomach it meant I had the equivalant to a tummy tuck and this meant it was difficult to stretch my legs out in front of me in bed for a while , easily solved with a pillow under back of knees . You will probably find you need a couple of pillows in bed for a while but just make sure you do your exercises and wear a good bra all the time you may be surprised how well you do .. stay positive ..xx

[Janxxx]

I will talk to my team.

Thanks Shi 

[Shi]

Janxx it’s not a bra it’s a partial boob shape triangle that will fit over your smaller boob inside your bra and level it up to match your still bigger one if that makes sense ❤️ Do speak to your team and ask to see and hold one ❤️ Hope that helps 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Janxxx]

Hello Shi

I replied to wrong post and confused you

The bras you mention will work when I don't need the post surgery compression bra anymore.  I will be looking at them when everything has healed up

Thank you

[Janxxx]

Hi Shi

Thanks for your input. 

It's more about immediately after surgery when I need to keep much smaller right breast under compression. 

But a bra that suits small right breast will be several cup sizes  too small for my untouched full size left breast. I can't imagine how this works! 

[Shi]

❤️Janxx ask your team about a trulife breast care triangular partial to put in your bra post op it’ll fit over the smaller boob and level you up till you can have levelling up op, it’s not a chicken fillet it sits over whole smaller breast and is very realistic in your bra, if they don’t give you one the company is in Sheffield and you can buy directly from them ❤️ also there is knitted knickers (I just pulled stuffing out and put that in my bra or a bit of cushion stuffing that worked ok too because you will have smaller breast one side, anyway you’ll find what works for you and feel comfortable with ❤️ just wanted to share things that have worked for me till I can get levelled up 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Janxxx]

Hello all

And many many thanks for your input to help me make my mind up. 

I've made my decision and am going for combined lumpectomy and breast reduction on my right breast. The left breast will be untouched with a view to doing this later on the NHS, or self funded if need be. 

So I'll be living with one breast several cup sizes larger than the other for several months at least. 

I feel much better having made my decision.

And I'm very pleased I pressed my surgeon to find out the other possibilities to lumpectomy and radiation (these were not  offered up front - they were assuming I'd just go with the lumpectomy.)

Best wishes to all. 

[Stormyseas]

Hi Jan

I was 56 when I was diagnosed with bc stage 1, 2 inch tumour. I opted for lumpectomy only, just wanted to get it over and done with. I was a 36G and my surgeon did such a good job there is only a slight difference in breast sizes so I just carry on as normal. Had radiotherapy for 3 weeks and on Letrozole.

It’s a big decision but just go with what you think will be easiest for you to live with

keep smiling 🤗

[Janxxx]

Hello Atura

Thank you for your input. 

Think if I have masectomy I would stay that way (although of course I might feel very different after seeing and experiencing it). At 66yrs I don't fancy having implants or having replacements in my 70s or 80s.

Really hope your Surgery goes well and you have a rapid recovery.

[Janxxx]

Hi Shi

Thank you for your thoughts. 

Not something I thought of - that I might get one breast done (reduced or masectomy, and then life intervenes and its not possible to get the second breast done as planned. So sorry this has happened to you.

Didn't get the impression my nhs hospital is willing to do both at the same time. 

[Artura]

Hi @Janxxx 

It's so hard making these decisions isn't it!?  

I also have DCIS but a large area (98mm) so didn't have the option of a lumpectomy, just straight to mastectomy.  Not sure what I'd decide if I was in your situation. I'm similar size (32FF) so I'm having a DIEP reconstruction and reduction of my other breast to balance things out.  I'm pretty scared of the surgery to be honest, but it's in a couple of weeks, so less time left to panic!  There is part of me looking forward to having smaller breasts and being able to have clothes that fit better etc, but the recovery is going to be tough. 

Would mastectomy and implants be an option? Depending where you're referred you might get the option of a reduction on the other side. Quicker recovery and if histology ok (ie still DCIS) no radiotherapy?

It helped me a lot when my surgeon (it's a plastic surgeon who does the DIEP) showed me before/after pictures. Felt there could be a positive outcome to all of this..

[Shi]

Janxxx ❤️ Sorry you find yourself on here ❤️ It’s a whirlwind of things isn’t it but step by step you’ll find your drum beat and dance to it through this ❤️ Please do phone the number on here and speak to a nurse in more depth about your options if you need any clarity but the choice and decision is yours to make you have to decide which one you will be comfortable with. From experience if you get the option to level up immediately I would do that, I still haven’t been levelled up because by time I felt ready for it covid pandemic hit and pushed everything back so just wanted to share my personal experience with not being level yet and wish I’d had the immediate levelling up during operation. ❤️ I’m sure others will pop on with their experiences and thoughts but uloyou need to do what you are going to be happy with and can live with post op ❤️ You are still going to be amazing you ❤️ Whatever decisions you make ❤️💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Janxxx]

Ps

I'm 66yrs so that affects my outlook. 

[Janxxx]

I was diagnosed with DCIS intermediate grade 27mm tumour a short while ago. Saw my breast cancer surgeon today. Initially she was only going to talk to me about lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy (I'm hoping 5 days only) and expected me to sign the consent form right there.

I pressed and got other options. 

1) lumpectomy with slight uplift and size reduction. Radiotherapy. (breasts would no longer be symmetrical). 

2). Lump removal and combined breast reduction on affected breast only (to get other healthy breast done I'd have to wait a year or go private).  Radiotherapy.

3) masectomy (simple). Not sure on position re getting other breast done to match. Or radiotherapy. 

I'm edging towards breast reduction or masectomy. 

Bit scared of the recovery period on breast reduction combined with lump removal. What are peoples experience of this.?

Rsdiotherapy side effects are scary, especially the long term ones. 

My boobs are big enough to cause me problems at 34e/f. Neck, shoulder, back pain. Constant bra discomfort. Was considering consulting for private breast reduction before the cancer diagnosis. 

Help.... 

Any thoughts? 

Hugs to all.