I will be having my right breast removed and then a reconstruction straight after and amreallyscared

[newey47]

Hi All I had Mx with immediate reconstructionand lymph node clearance  on 10th March.  Knew I would have to have chemo and hormone therapy as i am ER+, however radiotherapy was never mentioned.  After getting the results 5/15 nodes positive for cancer, they are worried about nodes in upper breast/chest area so have decided that I now need radiotherapy.  I expressed my concerns about my implant, but they say they will try to target above that area.  Skin might be tight and implant higher up.  Thats a laugh, couldnt get much higher lol, although only 3 weeks so time yet.  IF radiotherapy had been mentioned I might have gone for reconstruction later, I was just please to get it over with in one operation. Anyway too late now, just have to go along with it all.  FEC-T starts on 14th April, so not long now.  Dreading it, like everyone else, but have no choice it has to be done.  I will take whatever they throw at me to be rid of this, hopefully once and for all.  Take care all and good luck - Val xxx

[Tinkerbell72]

I was told had to wait for recon due to any break down the treatment may cause. Straight away knew was having chemo and radio even before they took out all lymph nodes on that side. Just finished last FEC treatment before comment TDM1 and herceptin at least no more cold cap now yipee and kept must of my hair!!!

[jules_66]

Hi Tracey. You are in same situation as me (mine is left) i had mx and SNR done yday. Feel ok today just a bit battered and bruised. I too am fine re delayed reconstruction, best to get all treatment all done first. I am HR +"and HER2 + so pills to take for these. So much to take in but think I getting there. Take care xx

[Tra16]

I had a right breast masectomy and lymph node clearance last week. I was told best not to have reconstruction straight away in case I need radiotherapy. I am oestrogen fuelled and HER negative. My lump was 8mm and had another 5 mm lump but they couldn't get a biopsy on second lump to see if cancerous. I am 40 and advised would be 6 lots of chemo as I'm classed as young! Depending on results of taken from masectomy op may need radiotherapy afterwards. A week on and I feel ok about reconstruction later. I've bought some lovely post op bras from M and S and got my little falsey boob to put in the right side!

There are so many decisions to make in such a short time - you have to do what feels right for you.

Best wishes
Tracey
X

[sahil786]

Hi. I am having the mastectomy and reconstruction with expanders on 13th April as I will need radiotherapy so they can't put the implants in until this is over, so they use expanders and will be having full lymph nodes clearance. I have a 2cm lump just above my nipple and 1 just slightly above that which is 8cm.
I have been told that I am ER + positive so ill be on medication for 5 years I am only 44 so not gone through menopause. They said that they know for definite I will need radiotherapy, but don't know as yet if I will need chemotherapy as my HER 2 results are still awaiting as they will get these 2 weeks after my op.
They did say if they come back negative then I might not need it but if they come positive then 100% I will need chemotherapy, this is what am dreading the most. Even though they did say it's usually only around 20% that come positive 80% usually are negative and they tend to find younger lot are more usually positive.
I just hope I don't need chemotherapy which I am dreading the most. I did ask why you removing all my lymph nodes even though you can't see anything there and they said because your 2nd lump is 8 cm and it's safer for recurrence to remove them as this is the 1st place they travel to.
so please give me some suggestions, I hope you understood everything I explained. Please advise what do you think I will need chemotherapy or not.
Thanks

[Molliana]

Did they tell you why you have to wait? I would rather wait if there is a good reason why I should.

[Tinkerbell72]

It appears to be very different depending where you live I had masectomy not allowed reconstruction yet due to have chemo then radio been told got to wait till finished all treatment!!

[newey47]

Oh right, radiotherapy has never been mentioned for me, but I suppose thats cos they removing all breast and lymph nodes so no need.  Therefore I can have the implant under the muscle with the mesh.  Not sure this is the least painful as been told it isnt.  Never mind.  Not long tuesday, first major step on a long journey. Be glad at least one part will be over, this waiting and waiting is soul destroying sometimes.  Val x

[Molliana]

Yes that makes sense and if I could have an implant I may well have just gone for that option. But I might have radiotherapy so can't have an implant yet apart from putting one under the new muscle as it might have some protection from the radiotherapy.
You are right that we all have decisions to make and it's a very personal thing (and difficult).
My best wishes for your surgery too x

[newey47]

I have gone for the straightforward implant with dermal matrix (ADM).  I am 56 and opted for the quickest hospital stay and quickest recovery (apart from MX with NO implant). The nearest hospital to to do the flap or DIEP is 100 miles away and I didnt fancy that, or a 7 night stay tbh.  To be honest, I have been told they may be assymetrical but at the moment I just want rid of the cancer.  IF I decide later on that I want the other one to have an implant to match then I may.  Also nipple reconstruction later.  It is a long road ahead with chemo too and hormone therapy probably so cant think about much more at this moment in time.

We all have our reasons for what we choose.  As long as it suits that is the main thing.

Take Care, I will post on here to let everyon know how it is.

Val x

[Molliana]

What type of reconstruction are you having? I am going in next Tuesday for mine. LD flap reconstruction.
x

[newey47]

Hi Sahil

I am in the same position as you I think, except left breast. I am going in for MX on Tuesday with immediate reconstruction and I too am scared.  We all are...... I have been told I will need chemo and maybe hormone treatment too as mine is ER+, thats all I know about mine, except I have two lumps...... I am also having a lymph node clearance - are you having that too.  I believe this is the worst bit and causes the most problems.  I am trying to stay positive, but am very apprehensive as I have had no dealings with hospitals, surgery or anything else like that in my 56 years. I will however be very glad to get rid of the cancerous breast but of course I am worried about recovery time, pain etc.  I am not good at taking things easy I am so used to just doing my own thing.  The ladies on here are very supportive so I am sure you will get more replies soon.  I will keep posting with how my Op and recovery goes in the hope of helping others going through the same. Take Care val