Hi Lynne. I have had bilateral mx (not at the same time) without reconstruction. Had the week of the op off work for both mx and then worked at home for a week. After that back at work. From other posts I have seen it takes longer if you have reconstruction and of course it is a very individual thing and depends how you feel. Obviously if chemo/radiotherapy required after mx that changes things but hope you won't need either. Best of luck - hope you get a date soon and it all goes well.
Hi Janet..I found your email so inspiring..Thank you! I was diagnosed with both invasive and ductal cancer in right breast 2 weeks ago and had an MRI yesterday to ascertain whether I will only need one mascetomy. The initial biopsies were before Christmas so its been a lot of waiting! I just hope I won't have too much more 'hanging around' before the op. I have no idea at this stage whether I want or can have reconstruction at same time...I live with one of my 20 year old twin sons (his brother at Durham uni..miles from East London where we live) and I am worried about how I will cope post op...he isn't the most practical! And no family otherwise in London...mum is 93 next month and lives 80 miles away with her own health concerns. It was so good to hear your positive recovery..I want to believe I can return to work around 2 months max after op..I am being unrealistic?
Hello Coleymoo
Welcome to the forums. I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, the first few weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with your diagnosis and treatment.
As well as the forums we also have a support helpline where the staff can offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes,
June moderator
Hi
I was diagnosed after 1st mamo last January with high grade dcis 5cm - was told mx was only option as small busted - so had mx 13th feb last year with immediate recon with implant and strattice. Skin sparing - but lost nipple. I had an uplift on good boob to level them up. The implant looks fine in clothes - scar is across the boob to where the nipple was so quite large. I was going to have nipple sharing but decided against it following fat transfer from my thighs to a large dent above my implant and an uplift. But I am going to have a nipple tattoo at end of month, currently using stick on nipple which are very good - they do not fall off !!!! Don't expect to feel the same as before the op - I am always aware of my implant - its just different. Like they say you have a new normal.
Hi in answer to your question I had a Diep reconstruction (delayed). At the time of my mastectomy I wasn't in a good place to make such big decisons on what type of reconstruction I wanted so I opted to just get my breast off (get rid of the cancer) and then have time when feeling a bit better and do a bit more research on what is best for me. I chose a DIEP and had it approx 15 months after my surgery (the downside being that i was with only one breast for a time) the upside having the time to think about what it was I really wanted. I have had an uplift on my good breast and also a new nipple and tattoo which makes my breast look 'normal' again the nipple wasn't done until a few months afterwards to ensure that it had all settled and to ensure eveness. I am so pleased with the end result. Mine had spread to my lymph nodes and so I had to have all my nodes out and chemo and rads after my mx. Do you know if you are having rads after your mx? You need to ask and find out what effect if any this would have on an implant. Good luck with it all xxx
Hi there - i am in the same position as you i'm afraid, we are both members of a gang we made no decision to join!
I am having surgery on Monday next week for a double mx due to extensive DCIS was not given the option of anything else due to the extensive nateure. I have opted for no reconstruction, but this is purely a personal choice - this is a very personal dedison and you will have to steer yourself away from everyone who will want to give you their opinion ! this can be rather irritating... I am fed up with comments on Angelina Jolie - good for her! but she is not me and i cannot afford her plastic surgeon.
Google pictures of reconstruction and no reconstruction, i am aware that some people who are not happy with the stick on nipples opt after a healing process for a tattooed nipple (not for me that route!) and i wouldbe worried about the stick on nipples - my luck they would fall out while in the supermarket!
From researching various sites it appears that there are targets for surgeons to meet of around 31 days post diagnosis for surgery (at least in Wales) my date came for day 33 so that should give you a bit of an idea on time. To be honest the worst part of the whole thing has been the wait for the date, i have adopted the stance that, contrary to everyone i know that i am in denial, i am not in denial but made a decison not to worry until i know the prognosis following surgery as until then i won't know whether or not it is in the lobes...... but my bcn did state that my 'attitude' will change and i will probably be one of those who loses the plot once i go into hospital on Monday (to be honest lack complete stupid comment made me more determind not to lose it!) but we are all different. I will admit to right now appearing to be a swan - gracefully going through the last 3 weeks, home, family work etc whilst under the surface my feet are flaying around like crazy!!!! i guess the reality of my situation is that i am trying to keep everything together for my husband and two sons (22 & 24) and am more concerned on hiw this is affecting them more than being concerned with how it is affecting me (but i guess at some point this will change!)
Just try to read everything you can, this forum has been brilliant especially the thread on the stupid things people say to you....i have had almost every comments and reading other peoples thoughts on this has made me smile and rather more comfortingly aware that i am not on my own going through this, saly there are a lot of us.....
I hope you strat to feel a bit better, not happy none of us will feel happy, but if you take on board as much as you can from this site and other reading matter, you will feel a bit more in control - you can't change what is happening to you right now, but you can feel more confident with knowledge and a little less scared, and remember that I and lots and lotsof other cyber friends whether on the same journey at the moment or further down that path are here if you need us
Melanie x