Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi @3colours I had a 2cm tumour in my left breast and opted for a therapeutic mammoplasty with reduction on the right breast at the same time. The operation was longer, but as you are out for the count it didn't matter! Whilst operating on the 'healthy ' breast they found a small DCIS which hadn't shown on the mammogram, so I am very lucky! To be honest the sentinel lymph node wound and numbness has caused me more pain than either breast. I think the recovery time is a little longer, but I had healed enough to start radiotherapy after 4 weeks and now at about 10 weeks am doing well. I went fron GG to I think DD, though its hard to tell just yet as I have some post rads swelling in the left. I am delighted with the outcome,  and looking forward to enjoying the rest of my life with smaller, perkier breasts! Happy to answer any questions you may have,  I know it's a tough decision to make at a time when your still reeling from diagnosis.  Lisa ... View more

Personally I felt better during the radiotherapy than afterwards,  my radiotherapy team advised me to take a further 3 weeks off work once the treatment had finished and I am very glad I did as the fatigue was worst from about 10 days after the last session, gradually lifting about 2 and a half weeks later. But again,  everyone is different!  Lisa ... View more

The way it was explained to me is therapeutic mammoplasty is surgery that takes out the cancer, reshapes the breast and repositions the nipple if needed. Lateral means side, so mammoplasty on both sides is called bi-Lateral. It sounds like that's what you are having. You may want to ask your surgeon what your scars will look like, that helped me get my head round what they meant.  I hope that helps? Lisa ... View more

Hi @boffj I was  diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer and had a therapeutic mammoplasty and sentinel lymp node biospy 4 weeks ago. Because of the position of the tumour my surgeon recommended this rather than a lumpectomy which would have resulted in some deformity post surgery. I decided to have a mammoplasty on the unaffected breast at the same time for symmetry, and so that the surgeon could use some breast tissue from the healthy breast to re-shape the one with the tumour. During surgery they found a non invasive tumour in my right breast, so I'm glad I made the decision I did! I'm happy to answer any questions I can. It is a bigger operation than a lumpectomy,  but so far I'm happy with the results. I think I've probably gone down 2-3 cup sizes but I think I'll be OK with that. Lisa ... View more

Hi @Wendy_ and @louby_lou69 I had my first appointment with the oncologist today and she confirmed that next steps will be radiotherapy and then tamoxifen for 5 years. The team are confident that will be enough despite the tiny trace found in 1 lymph node,  so I just have to trust them! So planning session next week for the radiotherapy. The wounds seem to be healing OK and aren't too sore, though my underarm is very uncomfortable. I do still have pain in my left breast where the larger tumour was, but apparently that's not unusual after the type of surgery I  had. Hope you are both healing well? Lisa ... View more

Hi @Wendy_ just checking in to see how you're doing after your surgery? Hope all is going to plan. Lisa ... View more

Hi @gillieb sorry you've had a shock too...I didn't know that 'her' status could change! I don't know how these things work, but can you transfer to a different local hospital? When I was diagnosed I had the choice of 2 local hospitals, but I am in the south east where there are a lot of different  nhs trusts. Take care Lisa ... View more

Thanks @Sue Pat, I hope you get your results soon and they are good. This week I have been so up and down emotionally that it's more exhausting than the physical side! I need some mental health exercises to do alongside the physical ones 🙂 ... View more

Thanks @louby_lou69, how are you feeling? Sorry to hear you have to wait so long for your results Lisa ... View more

Thank you all for taking the time to respond, it really helps to not feel so alone. @Jaybro you make a very good point about the purpose of lymph nodes and mine having done its job, thank you. I'm going to do my best to try and put it out of my head until Monday now, when my MDT meet to discuss the treatment plan. Lisa ... View more

Glad to hear you're home, I've been thinking of you. Fingers crossed for your recovery and results.  I am seeing my surgeon later today, they'll remove the dressings for her to check all healing according to plan. Was told last week that they may have the pathology reports back too, but trying not to get my hopes up as I know a lot of labs have backlogs. Take care Lisa ... View more

Hi Lou, just checking in, hope the surgery went ahead as planned and you're recovering at home. Lisa ... View more

I didn't drive myself,  making the most of my partner being around to drive me as he goes back to work tomorrow:) I think it'll be a couple of weeks before I can drive myself.  It was lovely to be out and doing something normal though. ... View more

Hi Lou, just wanted to wish you well for tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you.  I'm venturing out for lunch today, got 'proper' clothes on and everything 😅 Lisaxx ... View more

Hi Lou, that's good news...the sooner the op the sooner you can recover. Hope you get the logistics sorted. Lisa ... View more

Hi Lou, I take quite a lot of medication for a back condition so I asked about whether or not I'd have to stop any of those. You might also want to ask if you have to sleep on your back, I assumed I would but Surgeon said on my side would be fine as long as it didn't cause pain (it does unfortunately,  but hopefully not for long). Also ask about dressings, I've been told to keep mine dry but some types think you can shower with. Xx ... View more

Hi Lou, I'm wearing this from m and s https://www.marksandspencer.com/flexifit-non-wired-full-cup-bra-a-e/p/clp60439504?color=ONYX&prevPage=srp#intid=prodColourId-60489385 Its really comfortable, surgeon checked the fit after the op and confirmed it was supportive enough. Also its low enough under the arm to leave the dressing over the lymph node incision clear. It does up at the back but I can do it up in front and twist it round.  Hope you find something that works for you.  Lisa   ... View more

Hi Wendy and thanks for joining the thread. I'm not feeling too bad just very tired, hoping I sleep better tonight. Can't help with the cycling shorts I'm afraid, have you posted on the ask a nurse topic? I'm sure they'll point you in the right direction. It is all scary, so much to get your head round and new terms to learn. I've been trying to focus only as far as the next stage so as not to feel so overwhelmed. Take care and hope you get the advice you need. Lisa ... View more

Hi Lou, I'm not feeling too bad thanks but I must be honest I didn't get much sleep as I couldn't get comfy on my back. Pain isn't as bad as I'd feared so far, and I've managed the first set of exercises. Best advice I was given is for night wear and clothing that buttons up the front, no way I'll be pulling anything over my head anytime soon!  Thank for checking in  Lisa   ... View more