Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Simmo I expect you’re still in shock at the diagnosis. It’s tricky making major decisions like this. All surgeons seem to do things differently. I also needed a full mastectomy of the right breast. My surgeon offered an immediate reconstruction with an implant on that side and also a breast reduction on the left side to give symmetry. I am now 5 months post op. It takes a lot longer to get over this type of surgery, and both sides do not look the same. As all the breast tissue is removed and the implant inserted under the chest wall in my case the right side feels quite hard and doesn’t move. The reduction side is smaller, but is still a cup size larger than the righthandside. As you say, it is important to get some symmetry. I am still getting over the physical side of the surgery and don’t think I have even started on the emotional side. You need to take some advice, and also perhaps think about getting a second opinion if you’re not happy with what’s being offered. Good luck. ... View more

Hi Jia, sorry that you have had to join this club.  Having been diagnosed myself at the end of August, and recovering from a mastectomy nearly 6 weeks ago I hope I can reassure you a bit. Like the others say, treatments have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. The diagnosis is not necessarily the death sentence it once was. You are bound to be more traumatised because of your sister’s bc all those years ago. Particularly being a twin I’m sure you were extremely close.  However, this is your journey now and try to put those memories to one side and concentrate on yourself. You mention that you don’t think that reconstruction will be easy. Have they told you this? Again, there are so many types these days, you might be pleasantly surprised. I had an implant at the same time as the mastectomy and it did help me come to terms with the diagnosis and waking up still with a “breast”. Not everyone wants a reconstruction, and that’s fine too. Get as much support as you can from anywhere that is helpful. Do not use Dr Google!  Thoughts & hugsx ... View more

Hi Trotty,   Please don’t remove any dressings yourself! They should be left on for at least 2 weeks to allow everything to settle. If in doubt, don’t is my motto. Hope all goes well at your review meeting. Let us know how it goes. ... View more

Hi, it’s really annoying that travel insurance can hike the prices so much. Have you searched on-line for a cheaper deal? I know it can be daunting keep repeating the same information, but if it saves you money then perhaps worth a try. Firms like Staysure come to mind. I’m sure others on here will also have other information. If you are not having active treatment apart from Tamoxifen the risk seems pretty low.  Good luck x ... View more

Hi Louise, sounds as if you are making some positive steps. So pleased that your partner feels the business can manage over the winter, as this should help to reduce your stress levels. Take great care x ... View more

Hi Louise, you have so much going on in your life at the moment, and so much to cope with. It is still early days since your BC last year and sometimes it takes time for the reaction to come out. We all deal with stress differently, and it sounds as if you have tried some things to help yourself. Counselling may well be the next stage for you to help your through everything. I wish you the best, and know that things will get better. Take great care and try not to beat yourself up. ... View more

Hi, firstly I want to wish you very good wishes for your operation on the 19th. Like you, I feel very fortunate to be offered surgery and immediate reconstruction. Mine was 2.5 weeks ago, with an implant, rather than diep. The main thing to to take a dressing gown with pockets, as you will have drains in and it’s easier to go to the bathroom with them in pockets. All pj’s or nighties need to be button through as you won’t be able to move your arms very much. Post surgical bra to assist with support and healing. Remember to take phone/tablet charger and headphones. Magazines, or books or anything you like to do to pass time as you will be resting a lot and won’t have much energy for quite a while. The operation is a major one, so you will have to rely on your partner, family & friends for some weeks. Try not to feel bad about that, it’s just the way it is. Be kind to yourself and take all the advice your surgeon & breast care nurse give you. There is a lot of support on here as well. Good luck. ... View more

Hi JLS, what an awful situation to be in. It sounds as if there’s been a lot of confusion about the best way to take forward your treatment/reconstruction. It would appear that you have been given poor advice and very little in the way of explanation. Perhaps it is now time to make a complaint to your local NHS? What advice have you had from your GP about this situation? I do hope you get a better resolution to this difficult situation. ... View more

Wow, that’s a big decision! I’m sorry you have had so many things to deal with over the years, but it doesn’t mean that chemotherapy will be the same. I can understand your fears & worries about it, but please do talk everything through with your oncologist before making a final decision. Life is precious, and so is yours. You have people who love you. ... View more

Hi Smudgie, glad that things are becoming a bit easier for you. I had a immediate breast reconstruction with implant two weeks ago and have just been back to the consultant to have the dressings removed. Everything feels very different, although that’s to be expected. We have been through major surgery as well as the emotional impact of being diagnosed and it will take time to come to terms with all the changes. I was advised to wear a special post surgical bra for the first 6/8 weeks 24 hours a day. It helps the healing and also with the shape of the breasts post Mx. The exercises should also begin immediately so that you don’t get a frozen shoulder. I found looking at the Cancer Research website really helpful as to what exercises to do and when. I got the post surgical bra from a firm called Uplifted who are based in Kent. Good luck. ... View more

It’s a shame you’re having to wait for so long before surgery. Depending on the type of job you do, you will need to allow recovery time after this major surgery. A friend who had her surgery at the end of June has only just gone back to work after 3.5 months. She is only working a couple of days a week and still gets exhausted. You may need to talk to your breast care nurse about any benefits you may be able to claim while you are off. You’ve got a lot on your plate at the moment. I hope you have a good holiday and will be able to relax, or there a possibility you could put the holiday back until after surgery? Your insurance should cover you. ... View more

Hi L, It’s understandable that you are feeling so scared at the moment. The fear of the unknown is the worst kind. There is nothing to fight against at the moment until you know what exactly you will be dealing with. There are so many bespoke treatments these days that you can rest assured that whatever it is, it will be dealt with. There are also specific guidelines for cancer treatment. Once you have a diagnosis I believe that treatment has to start within 30 days. I had to wait exactly that for my surgery.   Try and hang on to the positives - you are alive and have children to love & care for. Good luck for tomorrow. There are lots of women on here that will be going through similar things and will be able to support you. ... View more

Yes, I thought exactly the same as you, but as the consultant explained they do not like doing more surgery than is absolutely necessary (probably the NHS wouldn’t pay anyway!). Also why do more than is needed on a healthy breast? From what I understand this surgery takes about 2-3 hours. At the moment there is still swelling and bruising so it’s difficult to tell what the final result will be. However, they look roughly the same.   As with any surgery the non- implanted breast may change over time and therefore there is a possibility that further surgery may be required, but this could be years down the line. I don’t think it’s worth worrying about right now. I have found the recovery better than I thought, but we are all different. The pain is OK and I have been  able to reduce the painkillers over the days. I am currently less than 2 weeks post op. Rest is the key to recovery. The worst is the terrible tiredness, but even that is getting slightly better. Have you a date yet for surgery? ... View more

Hi Kitz, I have just had the surgery you are considering- mastectomy with implant on the right with a reduction on the left. I also asked the question about having a double mastectomy but they are very reticent to do that unless there are specific concerns as to the type of cancer it is. The operation went well, and although early days I am recovering well. Obviously discuss the different operations with the surgical team. Good luck. ... View more

You could always give your breast care nurse a call, and she might be able to put your mind at rest. These aches & pains can be a worry, but it is still early days in recovering from your surgery. ... View more

P.s - I don’t believe the nipple will be anywhere near the implant, so just the nerves knitting together. ... View more

Hi Sunny, I have a similar thing to you. A week ago I had a mastectomy with reconstruction and a reduction on the opposite side with the nipple being re-sited. It is driving me crazy with itching, but I understand this is a normal sign of healing. Hopefully it will pass shortly. Try and see it as a positive sign as if there was no feeling in the nipple at all then that would feel even stranger. Good luck with your recovery. ... View more

Hi Flutterby, I can totally understand where you’re coming from having been there at the end of August. I had to wait even longer for the results because of the bank holiday. I think we all try and justify things, and that’s normal. I was convinced that there would be nothing as my mother had had calcifications and needed nothing done. Try and remain positive. If there does turn out to be something, then it has been caught at a very early stage and can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Good luck. ... View more

Hi Limegreenfairy, I am going in tomorrow for the blue dye injection prior to a mastectomy on Wednesday. I suppose I’m lucky that I’m having it all in one go,but then I’ll still have to wait 2/3 weeks for the pathology to come back to confirm whether the DCIS has become “invasive”. It’s definitely a rollercoaster ride. I wish you well with whatever happens x ... View more