Breast Cancer Now Forum

There'll be 3 of us all able to do the 'OUCH' and moans together    All the best Lyn(Gazzlyn) and Sarah(Jets) will see yoou on the 'other side'  Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts   Keep smiling   Beryl x ... View more

Hi Bev I was the same about reconstruction. I just didn't know what to do, how to approach it ot anything. No one i knew had been in this position either. So my choice was to have the minor op of my Lymph Node biopsy first (just before Christmas) based on the results I would do the next stage. I wanted an implant but not advisable if radiotherapy is involved. If it was I was just going to go for the mastex and wait till all treatment done before the decision. Amazingly my Lymph Nodes came back as clear, I already know I won't require chemo so on Tuesday I am taking the plunge and having mastex with immediate implant. Just have to hope the tissue from my boob still shows I don't need radiotherapy. I have been given the option of a nip and tuck on the other side to balance things up, once the mastex side has healed. If it doesn't work then there is still the option of a DIEP in the future I am still unsure about some things but it is a learning curve and I need to do what is rigt for my self-esteemand body image at the end of it Same with you - it is your body shape, your self image, self esteem no one else.   Hope this helps beryl x ... View more

Hi I am going to have - on Tuesday - a mastectomy with an implant. It was a tough decision. I had my lymph node biopsy just before Christmas and they are clear so implant seems the best option for me. I am 64 and quite looking forward to having a 'pert' boob. I can have the other one made to match if I want as well. I have been given the option in future to have the DIEP flap but as someone else said it would mean a different hospital a long way from where I live(about 1 1/2 hours journey) If it doesn't work - I have been given options - will just have to wait and see.   Can't wait to b rid of the Beast though!   B ... View more

Sharon - i know they are pricey but as a one off couldn't you go home in a taxi, or would the hospital have transport. Can't help feeling if you get bumped on the tube/ feel wibbly wobbly you may get damage yourself and end up back at the hospital   My daughter has a big blanket type poncho have already asked if I can borrow it, over the top of nightie and cardy and easy pull on trousers of course!!   beryl ... View more

When I had a shoulder op I ended up wearing OH's xlarge T-shirts so have washed them all = just in case ... View more

sorry wrong person - about \monday - ... View more

Could ask you the same about Monday Scared but then again can't wait! Beryl ... View more

Hey there Break sounds good, even with meltdowns - surely they helped as well   Having a Mastectomy Eve meal here - probably pasta of some sort to boost the carbs for Starvation Tuesday Keep smiling Beryl ... View more

Hi Gazz When i was first diagnosed i wondered if my daughter would bring her wedding forward a year - now I am pleased I did not suggest it but I DO KNOW exactly where you are coming from. I think when you have a full treatment plan it is something you must say as a priority when you are given it. I feel as if the docs know that peace of mind is as importatnt as anything else in the fight   I am scared one person said which particular reason - no problem every aspect of the whole thing- roll on Tuesday afternoon I opted to have Lymph nodes tested first so I know those results - they are clear thak goodness. Back later Berylx ... View more

Hi  I started Anastrozole as soon as I was diagnosed. My bones do ache, but then again they did before so it's hard to know what is down to the hormones and what is down to me. i am having a bone densitromy test beginning of Feb. Hair is thinning so a few friends are coming up with which colour extensions I should have - they are having great fun at my expense   It has been emphasised that I must exercise, just hope once op is over the weather cheers up then   As for hot flushes - they are there and had a couple of nights of very violent ones but now settled down, you need to time taking the pill to suit you. I am now wearing my summer pyjams though  ... View more

Thanks for that Here OH took on the task of telling people as, like you a lot live a distance away.  He sort of prioritised who to tell and how - ie e-mail, phone, some still don't know but will be told after op. Made it a lot easier and he also filters the phone calles back. I'm pleased to say most have been very helpful and positive, even the BIL we thought would be tricky was oK, but then he doesn't know when my op is yet! I'm lucky inas much as my 3 are all grown up, but daughter is on phone texting every day now 9she didn't used to) and was very upset when I told her. She keeps saying she wants to help but doesn't know how - I think that's the case in children no matter how old or young they are   I was given a thingy that enables me to watch catch up TV without paying anything - just right.   Beryl xx ... View more

Was wondering about one of those as well - still not sure but see OH dashing out to buy one after i'm home if needed - Have loads of pillows and cushions though so , well , it unknown territory really isn't it!    beryl ... View more

Thinking about it - may make cake then will have a supply in the freezer for when the need arises. Will also keep me busy!   Hope you are feeling positive - I am -  it's going and from now on it can only get better - (but still expecting some troughs!!)   Keep smiling  Beryl   ... View more

Not sleeping is all part of the Beast. Once you know it is all 'what if?' How Come? etc. we all have nights when sleep is elusive. I had one last night but initially it was nearly every night. And the tears - I can't go into a lingerie dept - see other posts - but in time the I've got to get on with this, this is my body,  only I can have the answers and more positive thoughts come in. Wobbly moments are all part of it - Our lives all changed with the words 'It's positive' and the roller coaster continues, but steadies down as you have the answers to tests and can see your treatment plan. Take each day as it comes, each test/hospital visit as a step to being free of the Beast My next step is a mastex on Tuesday/   Keep smiling  Berylx ... View more

Tuesday morning BCN said could well be home late Wednesday B ... View more

Yes I bought a bra but had to buy one one size bigger than usual  and one cup size smaller, with extenders, Then the BCN will fit it on me on Wednesday after op. Will then have to wear it all the time, She told me to only buy one in case the sizing isn't right so daughter is already on stand by to buy a couple more once I know if the fit is OK . Talking of who, met daughter (unplanned) - in Worcester and she and partner have invited themselves to dinner on Monday. Probably a good idea as will make me think of something else on Mastectomy Eve. ... View more

Went into M&S today to source a bra - usual(or rather what is becoming the norm for me) walked into lingerie dept and promptly melted into tears. Lovely assistant came along, told me not to worry as they deal with specialist bras on a day to day basis for mastectomy. She looked at what I needed and showed me the best one for having an implant. - it even has a bit of embroidery on it. Then I saw a really pretty nighty with buttons down the front so bought it as well - much nicer than the one I already have http://www.marksandspencer.com/floral-nightshirt/p/p22362833   Have had the facial now and feel very relaxed - may be just tiredness though as 2 am was drinking camomoile tea and trying to unwind   Keep smiling   berylx ... View more

Yay pleased you are OK It is reassuring that it recovery seems realatively straight forward. Great a private room, iI had one when my lymph nodes were removed. The mastex is in a different hospital though so don't know what to expect!     ... View more

Yep boob turns blue, and wee and poo is green.  Saw a photo yesterday at the hosptal and the person had blue patch 6 monthe on !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... View more

Hi been through all that. I had my Lymph Nodes removed and tested first as I wanted an implant but is not advisable if there is radiotherapy. I will have my mastectomy (1 side) on Tuesday with an implant at the same time. I am fortunate that I do not need chemo and probably not radiotherapy. I am already taking the dreaded anastrozole, On it for 5 years. I have an invasive lobular Beast but at very early stage Thank goodness I found it.  I was trying on a new swimming costume and found a small hard patch the rest......................   Beryl ... View more