WLE next Tuesday for low grade dcis......feeling scared!

[kathrynb]

Hi ladies I just wanted to thank you for your replies to my comment on this thread. For some reason I had not received notification of replies hence my lateness in thanking you. I am now awaiting date for mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction as unfortunately due to there being three separate areas my surgeon said this would get me a good cosmetic result. He picked up on the fact of how important this is to me. I am extremely nervous. Can't quite get my head around staying in hospital for best part of a week and having to rely on others to help me with personal stuff such as washing. I keep trying to see beyond it and telling myself that life can and will be normal afterwards. Hoping I am stronger than I think! One thing I have discovered is how kind people are. I have always suffered from low self esteem so it has been wonderful to feel such love from my husband daughters family and friends. Also the support of the ladies on this forum (some of whom have contacted me personally). I keep re- reading your words of encouragement - they are so helping to get me through until I can put all this behind me. Happy Easter everyone! Xxx

[Debcully]

Hi Kathrynb I had a WLE but my BC was invasive lobular. I don’t actually know what DCIS is although I will now google it. The only reason I am responding is to let you know that because of the cancer I had (which is in the milk ducts) I basically lost approx a quarter of ny boob including the nipple etc. I have since had a nipple reconstruction and tattooing which I was very undecided about ( thinking if it wasn’t in the correct position/size etc it would look pants) but I was so so pleased with the result. I was informed that it would go flat which it did very quickly but to look at me straight on it looks fab. The boob is a fair bit smaller than the other but for now that is the least of my worries.
i hope this puts your mind at rest a bit as I was frantic about knowing what my boob would look like after surgery
Debbie x

[Hidey]

I'm at the same stage as you almost. I've had the lumpectomy and am now waiting to hear whether I need more surgery or radiotherapy. It feels like a long journey. What happened with your treatment in the end?

[Dizzybee]

Hi Kathryn

I had a large area of high grade DCIS above the nipple. It was removed in a WLE and the remaining tissue was moved around to recreate the breast shape, and the nipple was moved higher up. The only incision was around the areola. The treated breast looks normal, there is some scarring round the areola because I had to have a second operation to get better margins. But mostly the treated breast is a better size and shape than before. I did have to have breast reduction to the good side after all the treatment was over.

I was worried sick about what I would look like, my surgeon told me he would get the best cosmetic result with a lumpectomy, so I took his advice. He said I could have mastectomy at a later stage if the result wasn't good.

It's a difficult decision, and in the end I think your surgeon is the best person to tell you what the outcome of a lumpectomy is likely to be. I think normally you only lose the nipple if the cancer is directly underneath or very close.

I actually prefer my new smaller breast shape, but I was quite well endowed to start with. It was really important to me to feel I looked normal getting undressed, it was part of getting my life back.

Your BCN may be able to show you some photos of women who've had reconstructions and lumpectomies to help you decide. With DCIS there's no hurry to decide. 

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow, sending you a hug.

[Conorchloe]

Hi kathryn
I have not had WLE but i had mx with diep 6 wks ago after diagnosed intermediate dcis.
Just give me a shout if i can help in any way x

[ladybowler]

kathryn

I was diagnosed with tubular bc, had a WLE and SNB, I have two very thin scars, about 3 inches long and they both just look like creases.  My lump was removed from the top of the breast and really all I have to show for it is a small "dimple" where the tumour was removed and those two scars, none of which would stop me wearing a low cut top if I chose to. 

To be honest I have had many ops when I was younger which has left me with a lot of scars on one leg and I can not believe how much it has improved over the years as they are massive compared to my bc scars

Helena xxx

[ann-m]

Hi Kathryn, 

What does the surgeon recommend or have they given you a choice?

It depends on the site & size of the DCIS & what the surgeon needs to do. I had a small invasive bc, so had a WLE. All I have now, is a barely there 2 inch scar above the nipple, with no discernible difference in the size or shape of my boob & I’m totally happy with it. 

TBH, I just did what the surgeon recommended to ensure it was all removed. 

ann x

[Optimissy64]

Hi Kathrynb

it is a tough call to have to decide on WLE or Mastectomy and recon, so you are wise to read up on others' experiences (but at the end of the day you must do what feels right for you.)

I had WLE and SNB in December 2016 followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy. I had the option of a mastectomy but was told the outcomes clinically were the same, so I opted to keep my breast after little or no thought - I figured if outcomes were the same then why lose a breast?.Really glad I had WLE I have to say. The tumour was in upper quadrant so nowhere near the nipple and I have a very neat scar and only difference between boobs is that the treated one is a bit more perky. No difference when wearing a bra.

Like you I was concerned re margins, and actually said to my surgeon "look, I don't want to be back here in two weeks time having another op, and i'm too old to worry about a dent in my breast, so if in doubt take a bit more than you think you need." He smiled benignly. As it turned out margins were fine, as is usually the case, and no dent. Tumour was 1.4 cm plus a fair bit of tissue around it - good margins, more than they consider a minimum. I was 64 at the time, and not then or now in a relationship, so can't comment on that aspect, but I have full sensitivity in the breast and would feel fine about my boobs being seen should the opportunity ever arise! 

Good luck with whatever you decide.xxx

[kathrynb]

Hi ladies I have been reading this thread this morning as I have an appointment tomorrow to discuss my treatment. I have intermediate DCIS. My initial thoughts were WLE but then I have been panicking about clear margins and wondered if mentality I would be better off having a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction which I am apparently suitable for. I am very concerned how I will look afterwards. Not particularly vain and a happily married 53 year old but for me, my boobs are important to how I feel about myself. I applaud ladies who can not get so hung up over this aspect. It encourages me to read of those who have had WLE successfully. Can I ask have you managed to keep your nipple and happy with your appearance. Any affect on your personal relationship. Sorry to ask am worrying so much on this aspect. Grateful for any thoughts.

[Optimissy64]

Hi Leslo - just catching up after a week away. SO glad margins were clear - i know that was a worry for you. And no rads either - who-hoo! Enjoy the rest of your life as they say! XXX

[Tigony]

That is wonderful news. I have accepted the idea of radiotherapy as a preventative, so won't be out the other end til end of June. I am delighted for you all round. 

[Leslo]

Hi ladies,

Great news today, my surgery was successful all margins clear! 🎉 no further treatment as the risks of radiotherapy far out way the benefit for me so a follow up in a years time. I am very relieved and feel very lucky!

Thank you to all of you for your lovely messages and thoughts for me, I really appreciate it.......I will check back from time to time for any updates. Tigony I hope all goes ok for you, I will look out for any update from you too ......take care all xxx 

[Tigony]

The lumps under the scar are much less obvious now. Much softer. 

[Tigony]

Thinking of you today. x

[Ali49]

Great news Tigony and huge relief!! Delighted for you. Good luck tomorrow Leslo xc

[Tigony]

Hi Leslo. I had a big lumpiness under and around the scar, but it is gradually shrinking. I massage it either with Argan oil or with Diprobase (whichever happens to be nearest) regularly. The weird yellow colour is disappearing, and the dimpling and weird dark wrinkles of the skin are smoothing out. The breast is now noticeably smaller than the other one, but that seems a very tiny price to pay. I am single at the moment, so will have to cross that bridge if it ever arrives... Best of luck on Friday. xxxx

[Leslo]

Hi Tigony,

oh I bet you are exhausted! I think everybody on their journey through all this keeps tension and stress inside, can't be helped I suppose but it needs to be let out. Don't know if you read my other post but I certainly let all mine out the other night. I haven't cried like I did that night for a long long time! Feels good though to get rid!

I'm so so glad you had good news today, can you start now getting back to some normality? 

Im doing ok, bruising nearly all cleared up just getting the odd shooting pains now. I do have a large lump I can feel underneath the scar area, I'm guessing its scar tissue, fluid maybe, going for my appnt Friday so will ask then. 

I'm a bit nervous about Friday but there you are, have to go and find out no getting out of it! 

Take care of yourself, treat yourself to something nice to celebrate your news today xx 

[Tigony]

How are you Leslo?

[Tigony]

Thank you. Knackered. Been so tense as my mind played every kind of trick.

[Tigony]

Thank you. Exhausted now. Sorting letting out all the tension.

[Leslo]

That's fantastic news for you Tigony, very pleased for you! Xx 

[ladybowler]

Tigony

Oh that is such good news mate 🙂 xx

[Tigony]

Thank you so much. Nodes all clear. Great relief.

[Ali49]

Good luck tomorrow Tigony and Leslo for Friday x

[Tigony]

Hi Leslo, so glad to hear you are out the other side. Crying is a side effect for me of surgery definitely. Lovely that you have husband and sons to look after you too. I see the consultant tomorrow for results of sentinal node biopsy, and my cousin is coming with me this time which is lovely of her. Best of luck on Friday. 

[Optimissy64]

Glad you're doing well Leslo (apart from the constipation.....a real pain in the a***,-  literally by the sounds of it. Drinking gallons of water along with what you are already doing might help? I had constipation for 2 days after my op - never had it before in my life as I'm usually more the other way, so did the fruit and water (and dried apricots - they really shift things.) 

I'm sure you're right about the emotional aspect - once the op is over there is more time to process everything and it sounds like you did yourself a lot of good by having a good cry. 

Very best wishes for results day.xx

[Leslo]

Hi ladies,

Jist thought I'd leave a bit of an update, you never know who it may help in the future! 

So it's day 6 after surgery, bruising is now a nice shade of yellow, no soreness just the odd pain every now and then, maybe a bit of nerve pain I don't know. 

I have taken it easy, no strenuous stuff at all and luckily been well looked after by my husband and two sons.

I'm feeling ready to get back to normal! 

There was one hiccup though, due to the strong painkillers I took for a couple of days I have had severe constipation all be it eating well to try and avoid it. Last night it was unbearable and I was in tears, in fact floods of tears, sobbing really. I think that actually this was more to do with me letting go of all the emotions I've kept inside and was actually a release of those. Haven't cried like that for a long time. It did me good but reminded me that I really must not keep all these emotions pent up inside me! 

My follow up is on Friday to get my pathology results, hoping for clear margins all round. 

Hoping all you ladies are ok xxx 

[Ali49]

Hi Leslo and Tigony. Glad surgery is over for you both and i do think the anaesthetic makes you emotional but i also think its a release of all the tension and worry that you have waiting for surgery. Take care of yourselves now and take it easy. Let us know how you both get on with results xx

[Tigony]

Be as kind to yourself as you can be. I wept buckets after my SNB on Tuesday, and cried the next day all over my son. Better out than in and wishing you so much positive stuff for all outcomes.

[Leslo]

Morning ladies,

Had my surgery yesterday, all went fine apart from feeling really rough and tearful afterwards but that will be the horrible anaesthetic, just the way I react to it! 

Very slight soreness this morning but nothing much at all. Very bruised already but that's to be expected. Feel so much better now it's all done just got the follow up appnt now to see if any other treatment needed, I hope not, but if so I'll deal with it then. 

Thanks for your support everyone and taking the time to message on this thread. Will update after follow up appnt. Xx 

Thank. You Ali for your message x 

[Maria_B]

Good luck tomorrow Leslo. 

I had  my WLE two years ago. Surgeon did a lovely neat job. I did have radiotherapy as there was some high grade DCIS, but actually that was fine. I worked all the way through, although I was tired at the end. The hospital were fantastic and sorted all my appointments so they were early in the day or after work so I didn't miss much time and more important to me, didn't have to explain to anyone I didn't want to know. I didn't get sore, just had a weird tan for a while, but that's long since faded

I'm sure all here will be sending good wishes your way xx

[Leslo]

Hi Ali,

thanks so much for your reply, surgery tomorrow and I'm feeling quite calm about it now it's here. Just want to get it over and done with. My mind still runs away with me thinking about unclear margins etc but I suppose that's natural! 

Im so glad everything turned out ok for you and thanks again for the info it really does help xxx 

[Tigony]

Hi Ali, thank you for mentioning the effects of radiotherapy. That will be the next thing for me, and I do badly need to get back to work. Had to turn down a contract this week due to SNB which is a bit scary, but am trying to relax.

[Ali49]

Hi Leslo, sorry to hear that you are dealing with this but i almost wrote the same post last september when i was diagnosed with high grade DCIS. I was really scared of the op but i neednt have been. The doctors and nurses were fantastic and reassuring. I went to theatre at 11am, woke in recovery about 12.30 and went home at 5pm afterctea and toast. I didnt have much pain at all and only took paracetamol. They got clear margins on 3 sides with me so i then had a cavity shave op which was quicker than the first op and again recovery was good. I did get shooting pains about 3 weeks after the op, it was nerves healing but again paracetamol did the job. I also had 15 shots of radiotherapy which made me a bit tired and gave me a red boob but i returned to work 3 weeks after finishing. It is scary facing these things but this forum has honestly been a fantastic source of support and reassurance. Good luck on Tuesday and just remember to take it easy xxx

[Tigony]

Thank you. Do let me know how you get on. The scar is very neat but there is a slightly odd patch beside it, that I have been rubbing with diprobase (like vaseline) every evening to soften it and it looks better already. But lumpy underneath, but nothing at all alarming. 

[Leslo]

Hi Tigony, 

thanks for your message I really appreciate it. I think that things have happened so quickly, a matter of a couple of weeks, since it was picked up on my first ever mammogram! Just takes a while I suppose to get your head round it all. 

Thanks for your reassurance & I hope yr biopsy goes ok. 

Lesley xx 

[Tigony]

Hi, Just to reassure you, I had WLE on 14 March. Clear margins all round. There was no pain really, and I am completely healed now, but with one tit a bit smaller than the other. I think they will even them up for you if you ask.

In my case they found a tiny area of microinvasion, which means I have to go back and have a lymph node biopsy next week. My DCIS was intermediate though unlike your diagnosis. If they offer radiotherapy after that, I will accept it. 

I do understand how you feel, I felt just the same. Now I am in the middle of it I feel rather better oddly, and keep telling myself that they have probably got it all out of me so I no longer have it. I will deal with the rest of it when it happens. Best of luck.

[Leslo]

Thank you so much for your reply, yes I guess that's the case that people tend to post more here if they have encountered problems.

i think I'm just letting my mind run away with me, I'm sure things will be fine! 

I will indeed post next week after ive had the op.........thanks again for taking the time to reply and I'm happy that things went so well for you xxx

[Optimissy64]

Hi Leslo

Whilst it is true that some folk need a 2nd op if there isn't a clear margin, it is also true that most don't. I had WLE and SLNB in December and prior to the op I said half-jokingly to the surgeon "I'm too old to worry about a dent in my breast and I don't want to be back here in a few weeks time for another op, so whatever amount of tissue you think you need, take out a bit more for luck." He smiled benignly.  As it turned out he DID get a clear margin, also node was clear, and I've a very neat couple of scars and no dent either.

I had radiotherapy but more as a "belt and braces" thing to mop up any stray cells that might still be floating around, and I didn't have any side-effects from that either, and felt grateful for it as it made me feel I was doing eveything possible to prevent a recurrance. I think it is true to say that most people post here if they are having problems, and those who do not have probs tend not to post, though I do from time to time if i think i can reassure someone. The day after my op i was in the pub with friends (water only I hasten to add....) minimal discomfort - just taking paracetamol and ibuprofin for a week or so -and walking half an hour a day to begin with. Do the arm exercises they give you from day 2 to ensure shoulder mobility if you are having a node out. What I had and you are having really is easy compared with some other ladies on here who have had more extensive surgery, and if you are offered radiotherapy don't hesitate to take it. I take a hormone tablet daily and that's OK too so far.

Good luck next week and post on here afterwards to let us know how it went. xxxx

[Leslo]

Hi everyone, 

I'm having surgery next Tuesday, wle, for low grade dcis. I was feeling ok about it but have tonight been reading some threads and so many say they have had to have  a second wle because the margins weren't clear and needed radiotherapy afterwards. 

i am feeling really scared now that this isn't going to be as straightforward as I thought, I have honestly been thinking 'ah, day stay surgery get it over and done with and that will be the end of that'  now my mind is running away with me!

Is there anyone out there that has had a wle and literally nothing else done at all afterwards and that has been the end of it?

Also, what is the recovery like?

Feels like I've been waffling sorry, lol........x