Told need another biopsy Monday a vacuum one for another area they found which depending on results will dictate lumpectomy or mastectomy. Saw surgeon briefly yesterday as she needed to see what skin I had for possible reconstruction - apparently not a great deal. First time in my life ever considered skinny! Am alternating between relief and absolute fear. So my question is mastectomy if have to have it - what is best type of reconstruction surgery and how long is recovery?
Hello Yvie178
Whilst waiting for replies to your post maybe you would like to give our free helpline a call where the staff can offer practical information as well as emotional support. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open again in the morning and normal hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi
Sorry to hear of your dilemna. Obviously you need to speak to your specialists about what is best for you but once you have an idea of the options there’s an abundance of real life info from ladies on this site, that you should find so helpful. Take care. Xx
Dear Yvie178, i was decribed as skinny too - wait to hear from your reconstruction nurse as to what is best for you. In the end i have had an implant. I had not got enough tummy- or dedicatino to do the tummy flap; I fancied the back one - but that muscle would have needed an implant to make it the right size anyway. so in the end i went with one wound, one entrance in, one entrance out and one implant - oh with a mesh to support it. Because i went down that line, my wound is under my arm and not across my boob so in time you won’t see it at all which is great. However, just because they could spare my skin does not mean there is any feeling there.
Talk through your dx with your recon nurse so you are ware of any implications.
Was diagnosed withDCIS and advised to have mastectomy with immediate implant and Strattice tissue. So from having nothing wrong at beginning of June to recall after routine breast screening to 2 x biopsies, have appointment at Breast clinic tomorrow to probably get a date for surgery - so much happened in too short a time. So so much of a shock to be told you have something wrong and not feel poorly and then realise you need to have surgery and a mastectomy at that!!!
So scared but somehow now getting resigned to the surgery bit but am really worried about the emotional after effects…
That is exactly what i have had. Op last October. I had meeting with my consultant - he wanted implant as i am quite small and dcis quite large. Then had appointment with reconstruction nurse about all choices. All horrible! I wanted back. But, had next appointment with recon surgeon and they would need implant and back. Could not decide… Spoke to bc nurse - she said all feel different to real one. So as it was left boob and i am left handed i decided on implant - one wound one in one out, lymph glands taken. But would retain full use of left handed ness, full strength of back and tummy. So pleased now…looks good. Looks similar to right and getting strength back got weights from Argos. Only numbness on boob - not backl or tummy. Husband plrasedas not cut up!
I too went into numb shock. Only came outof that when i signed consent form, just dribbled tears
don’t be worried about the feelings - all normal. Speak to the bc nurses - experts. Use this site too.
also use friends…but they can’t decide for you. We sre all unique. I had 2 vaccuum biopsies too as first not clear enough
one nurse said dcis patients find it hard. We are on the edge of it all…given huge ops yet the condition is relatively minor…
Strattice and implant fine. Just be glad they can get all the dcis out. My wound is vertically down under my arm pit - so been. Able to keep skin and nipple. Although not connected so weird Helens
The biopsies clarify the findings. I had two large too. First unclear, second was grade 2 but fast growing
due to area of dcis, size of me and its location, and my age they encouraged radical mastectomy to include some lymph glands. Followed by immediate strattice and implant. Less serious op, but still big and armcan be affected afterwards. Helen
I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS just over 2 weeks ago, had surgical appointment last Friday and surgery tomorrow, surgeon has recommended wide local excision followed with 3 weeks of radiotherapy, that’s if the pathology shows he has cleared it all. All this after a standard breast screening, I had no idea anything was there. Think I’m still in shock really, not sure how I’m supposed to feel, so many family members, friends and colleagues are being so supportive, but I still feel alone. So much pressure to be “Brave” I really don’t feel brave at all. Even though I work in health care I still feel so vulnerable and scared sh@#less! The thought of waiting another 2 weeks after surgery to know the path results feels unbearable. Why does it take so long. I wish all you lovely ladies well. X
Just take it easy on yourself and no you don’t have to b brave. I cried tears for 5 weeks, they stopped when i signed the form and i am sure were shock. All emotions real, and if acknowledged then you can move on. Being brave sometimes just buries them.
Oh what is the name of the multi vitamin? It is hot night sweats that bother me! Helen
I struggle with the night sweats - sometimes 2/3 times a night! Thank you.
helenbythesea