Breast Cancer Now Forum

That’s great news. I’ve just finished radiotherapy, make sure you slap on cream or whatever they recommend.  Best wishes, Karen  ... View more

Hi, Im sorry to hear you are struggling to lose weight. I didn’t end up having DIEP as had successful 2nd lumpectomy, but I understand all the BMI issues.  I had a shock at my first pre op assessment in February having gained 13-14 kilos over the past few years. I actually signed up to Slimming World that day and have been going ever since. I’ve lost 12 kilos so far with 1-2 to go. It helped my husband agreed to do it with me. The group I go to has a BC survivor and someone else in active treatment, so that has helped too.  Maybe it could help you? Good luck with everything. Best wishes, Karen  ... View more

Hi Sue, Im hoping someone will reply to you that has had this procedure. I know the Consultant I saw does offer it as information on their website. I thought I’d seen it somewhere.  I was diagnosed in January 2022 in right breast, after having primary in left breast 2013. I had re excision yesterday as no clear margins in February. I was offered mastectomy and reconstruction, but decided to try again. Good luck with your treatment. You can always ask for a second opinion. They don’t hold it against you, after all it’s your body. Best wishes, Karen   ... View more

Hi, I’ve not had that procedure but was considering DIEP. The Consultants/BCN gave me these booklet, you can view online here https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/booklets/understanding-breast-reconstruction   Hope this helps. Best wishes, Karen  ... View more

Hi I used that 8 years ago, and tried to find it again for the other breast but no luck. I think the nearest is Flamigel RT https://www.flenhealth.co.uk/products/flamigel-rt looks like available from Amazon.  Hope that helps. Best wishes, Karen  ... View more

Hi Cathryn,  Sorry you find yourself in this situation. I agree 8 weeks isn’t acceptable.  I would call the hospital again, try and find out which Consultant you’re with and speak to their Secretary. I hope you can get the appointment brought forward.  Best wishes, Karen  ... View more

Hi Karen, How did you get on? Hope you got a bit more info, so you can ask questions. Best wishes, Karen  ... View more

Hi, Sorry to hear your diagnosis and proposed treatment. I’ve had the initial meeting with Surgeons (Breast and Plastic). It was very informative. They have listened to me, and assessed my body. I am due to see them again shortly to agree the best option.  Perhaps after your meeting you’ll have questions on reconstruction that others will be able to share their experiences? Good luck with your meeting. Best wishes, Karen  ... View more

Hi, Rather than trying to explain I found this which is the full information.  In simple terms 0/8 means your cancer cell growth is not driven by oestrogen.  https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-diagnose/hormone-receptor-testing-breast-cancer   Hope this helps.  ... View more

Hi Rose961, I just spotted your post and wanted to wish you well for your appointment today.  I am in a similar situation DCIS high grade left breast 8 years ago, 2 operations and radiotherapy. Diagnosed in right breast January operation in February but no clear margin.  Seeing Surgeon next week to discuss mastectomy plus minus reconstruction.  I am unsure whether they will be able to do matching on my left.  Let me know how you got on.    ... View more

Hi Karen, I hope you’re doing okay. When is your next op? I got my results yesterday and have positive margins too. Bit weird as new areas completely.  Discussed re-excision and mastectomy. MDT today and phone-call Friday. I’m also now struggling with what to do! Keep “jumping forward” is my strength.  Best wishes, Karen    ... View more

That’s great news, albeit concerning they’d your misread results. I’m due to get mine Tuesday, so helpful information, thank you. ... View more

Hi Karen, Fingers crossed for your re-excision, my experience was it was nothing compared with first surgery. Do you have a date yet? Still got to wait for Tuesday to know what next…. Best wishes, Karen    ... View more

Hi Karen, I hope you are getting there with your decision, and have a date for surgery. I had re excision due to positive margins in left breast 8 years again followed by radiotherapy and all good so far. I have just had surgery on the right breast for larger area, and waiting for results.  Thanks for saying about the clips, I couldn’t understand why I had so many dots of glue!  I’m trying to fill the week, as next Tuesday seems a long time to wait.  Positive thoughts and best wishes,  Karen (there seems to a lot of us) ... View more

Hi there, I totally empathise with your thoughts. I hope you can get reassurance as to what is best to do, and when. Have you got surgery scheduled? Would you benefit from 2nd opinion regarding options? I’m due surgery tomorrow for DCIS 8cm, going to have lumpectomy as I’m fairly large breasted. I had similar in the other breast 8 years ago and lumpectomy and re excision plus radiotherapy and no sign of any recurrence. I too discussed mastectomy, my surgeon did say perhaps you’ve had enough and want to go down that road. I’m waiting genetic testing and if I’m positive probably will opt for mastectomy. I was 52 with the first breast cancer, and the radiotherapy was straightforward and I went to work every day. I’m a bit more apprehensive now, maybe like you being in and out of hospitals takes its toll. I’ve read that some people only have 5 radiotherapy sessions, so maybe things have improved?  I don’t know how I can help, but I’m here.    ... View more

Hi there, I’m sorry to hear your news, I haven’t been through it this time yet but had similar experience 8 years ago, ended up avoiding mastectomy (just). I’m currently scheduled for surgery on the other breast, and like you they thought 2cm, MRI it’s 8cm and they found another area in same quadrant. It’s the inner quadrant so going to try and move tissue to fill hole. I’m 34E so they’re trying this first. I hope you get some answers on your treatment. I’ve found it much more confusing this time round.  Keep strong.    ... View more

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I have a lovely Surgeon who originally suggested reduction and uplift to remove cancer and leave breast in a natural as shape as possible. This then changed to wide area excision and filling later. I did go for a second opinion and was told both options are valid. I think the first option is more time consuming, and think NHS doesn’t have capacity currently. I was also advised my the 2nd surgeon that due to the radiotherapy on the other breast, symmetry operation maybe high risk. I was going to forget all the genetics, but got the letter and questionnaire yesterday! Surgery on 22nd February, so going to have that and see whether they manage clear margins. I was told that radiotherapy is a definite, but possibly waiting for results of genetics first. Trying to keep calm and positive, like so many others in the community. ... View more