Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi @Cox05 , know you posted a little while ago, did you sort out your insurance? I was researching options last night for our ski trip in Feb. I found it frustrating as my history (high grade DCIS with SMX and immediate DIEP) didn’t quite fit into the choice box options. Eventually though I found Insure With and I got a policy with winter sports cover for our family of 4 for 8 days for £100. Their reviews seem good too. More than I’ve ever paid before though thanks to the DCIS. Maybe having a reconstructed boob will make me more likely to fall over 🤔 ? ... View more

Hi @Janxxx  It's so hard making these decisions isn't it!?   I also have DCIS but a large area (98mm) so didn't have the option of a lumpectomy, just straight to mastectomy.  Not sure what I'd decide if I was in your situation. I'm similar size (32FF) so I'm having a DIEP reconstruction and reduction of my other breast to balance things out.  I'm pretty scared of the surgery to be honest, but it's in a couple of weeks, so less time left to panic!  There is part of me looking forward to having smaller breasts and being able to have clothes that fit better etc, but the recovery is going to be tough.  Would mastectomy and implants be an option? Depending where you're referred you might get the option of a reduction on the other side. Quicker recovery and if histology ok (ie still DCIS) no radiotherapy? It helped me a lot when my surgeon (it's a plastic surgeon who does the DIEP) showed me before/after pictures. Felt there could be a positive outcome to all of this.. ... View more

Hi @KazzaH , your 18K steps in a day is giving me hope that recovery will happen, although it sounds like it's been a marathon to get there.  Sounds like a comfy bra and corset is essential if you're wearing them all the time, any brands you'd recommend? Sorry to hear about the cancer in your other breast, and the radiotherapy you now have to go through. I'm due to have a reduction in my "healthy" breast, but I'd not thought that they would check the breast tissue that was removed in the reduction. Did they have any suspicions about a cancer on that side before you had the DIEP?   There was an article on Womens Hour on Radio 4 (think it was yesterday) about nipple replacements and "bionic boobs", need to have a proper listen on BBC sounds as was distracted by my family..   ... View more

@weejeannie thanks, that's good to know, hope it gets easier for you soon. I'll start looking at nice comfy bras. Will have to see what the surgeon thinks, but having both done in one go sounds possible. Like the idea of not being too lobsided. Can I ask, did you have to lose your nipple in your healthy boob too, or can it just be shifted up? Been looking in my wardrobe today, wondering what my current clothes will look like on my post surgical "new" body..  ... View more

Thank you all for your DIEP posts, I'm finding this thread so helpful! I met my consultant yesterday and I'm being referred to Whiston hospital for consideration of a DIEP. Likely to need a reduction on my other breast too, and wondering if best to get it all done in one massive day of surgery?  It sounds like there's a tough road ahead, but are you all glad to have chosen this surgery? My children are 9 and 11 so going to follow all your tips for pre DIEP preparation. Our house is pretty chaotic at the moment so there are going to have to be lots of lists! What are the random things you've found really helpful during your recovery? Am thinking pillows, front fastening bras, well stocked freezers? Thanks everyone! Xx ... View more

Hi Sandy, I'm also a new member of the club no one wants to join! Had my consultant appointment yesterday, confirmed DCIS (10cm area) in my right breast. So mastectomy it is.. Like you I've had to stop my HRT, doing OK so far, and trying to be positive (one less thing to have to do in the morning, waiting for the oestrogel to dry).. Itchy skin starting back a bit but flushes not too bad so far.  I had a great chat with a lovely friend this week, who is going through chemo (previous mastectomy). She helped explain it all so well, and it made me much less scared, but also realistic about the tough times ahead.  Have you had any thoughts about what treatment you might have? I'm thinking a DIEP reconstruction. It helped me at my appointment yesterday to have narrowed things down a bit (I wasn't sure about having implants). It's all a bit of a whirlwind isn't it (quite a slow whirlwind though, waiting for each appointment)? We can get through it though! Keep busy/distracted up to 4th Aug 🤗 xx ... View more