Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Susiex & other DCIS ladies.  I had high grade DCIS, 3 WLE's and MX in July this year.  No further treatment was required although I was advised to go on the Gylcaemic Index diet.  I did wonder if I should have been prescribed Tamoxifen as this could 'help' the good breast but Oncologist thinks otherwise.  I feel like an 'outsider' looking in, cannot believe that it was me going through all these not so long ago, until that is I look in the mirror.  I got 2 'stickon' prothesis which can be worn without the 'stickers' but glad to take them off after  8/9 hours. Still experiencing with various bras.  This morning in church I looked down and noticed my good side looking very proud and slightly lopsided, reason is I worn my previous cleavage boost bra. Still upsets me. May opt for reconstruction.  I miss my cleavage and shape, and most of my clothes.  I attend 2 support groups a month and get involved in alot of things now, never did before my cancer.  All the Best everyone.   Diamondlady   ... View more

Hi Sharon, I was diagnosed with DCIS in January 2013 and have had 3 WLE's followed by a mastectomy on 2nd July . After each WLE I was assurred so confidently by the surgeon that all would be well, just a 'nuisance' etc. I cannot express the disappointment, fear and loss of confidence with the medical team I experienced as I had asked for a mastectomy after the 2nd WLE. As a result I did not go for reconstruction as I just wanted the DCIS out and get on with my life. I would have had immediate reconstruction were it not for the fact that after 4 operations I have had enough. However I am very well now, friends remark how well I look as all the fear and anxiety has gone, for good I hope. Good luck. Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Chillipink - you probably have already seen all my previous correspondence. I had High Grade DCIS, 3 WLE's and finally MX on 2nd July. I had very mixed feelings about reconstruction at the time and decided not to as my main concern was to get the DCIS out of my body for good, have a quick recovery and then perhaps re-think about reconstruction. You can have it done 2/3 years after your MX. Am pleased I had MX at least my fears/anxiety has subsided considerably. I was (and still do) feel upset about my new shape. Spent £100's just trying to get the right bras/temporary prothesis. Had a fitting last Tuesday but not happy so going back on 20th. Might go for Contact. Reconstruction may or may not be perfect, at least with a prothesis I can keep trying until I get the perfect shape. However, I am still considering the possibility of reconstruction - am seeing the Consultant in March and hope by then my mind will be clear to make the correct decision for myself. Good luck in whatever you decide. Diamondlady ... View more

Thank you NAZ. I am real good and outwardly in great shape. I am wearing full bust enhancers under my ordinary bra but seeing the BCN for a prothesis fitting tomorrow. Am seriously thinking of a reconstruction as I miss wearing the clothes I like. My husband has still not seen my 'new' body which makes me think that perhaps I should have opted for recon. Apart from that I feel great. I am not being funny but I still tend to look at other ladies boobs and how I wish I could put the clock back but without DCIS. Take care - best wishes, Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Kathy, I am very well and sometimes forget what I have been through. Obviously no one wants a MX but I only wished I had gone ahead with it after my first WLE. Like you said, all that anquish and waiting. I was diagnosed on 18th January and got the all clear from DCIS (turned out there was about 10cm of DCIS as opposed to a tiny dot as described earlier) on 17th July. If anyone were to ask for my advice I would suggest go for MX if the first WLE fails. Alot of people have remarked how much better I am looking now, thats because the fear has gone. Good luck to you, Chillipink and any other ladies in this predicament. Diamondlady ... View more

Hi VSK - my thoughts with you for tomorrow. I had SN biopsy done day before the operation on 1st July. Like you I was so anxious but believe me, I hardly felt the 4 injections I had. The scan 3 hours later was okay, I hardly knew the scan was going on apart from my aching arms as had to keep arms still over my head for about 5/9 mins. I asked for the nodes to be tested (and removed if necessary) whilst I was under anaesthetic but luckily all was well. On the funny side although I had read that your urine would turn blue I was still taken aback when it did happen!! Good luck Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Barbarells 63 - I am fine thank you, been out and about doing all those things I used to do before this awful 'interference' in my life. Hard to look at myself to begin with but when dressed nobody has a clue I have had a MX. I read about the full bust enhancers from Seafolly so been wearing those. I do have a problem in bed as I refuse to let my husband see me, I put my comfy whilst reading in bed then pull the covers. I will show myself to him when I feel more confident in myself. It would make no difference to him but I will do so in my own time. My DCIS in total came to more than 10cm and he said it would have got really nasty if I had not have the MX but still Non-Invasive. SNB all ok and no further treatment required so am lucky in a way. You will get through this. I am one of those who always had a fear of the Big C - could hardly mention the word but when it happens to you, there is absolutely no choice. This Forum and Support Groups have helped a great deal as well as friends who have been through it themselves. Of course there are tearful, scary moments and I still get them. Good luck and take it in your stride one day at a time if necessary. Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Kath - I tried to get MX on both breasts as I will feel 110% 'secure' but the surgeon wouldn't oblige. Also that way I would feel happier with reconstruction as both would be symetrical. Also mI was told to wait a minimum of 6 months before I could have reconstruction. Still good luck to you and hope the result of the reconstruction would be to your satisfaction. Thanks for concern and wishes, Diamondlady ... View more

Janey - I had this dilemna a few weeks ago but after 3 WLE's I decided, after much deliberation and discussion, NOT to go for immediate reconstruction when I had my 4th op (Mastectomy) on 2nd July. I was very upset, tearful and feelings of regrets but the fact that I CAN still have a reconstruction at a later date has helped. I have 'enjoyed' (perhaps not the right word) looking for mastectomy bras etc. At my last/final consultation the Surgeon did suggest that we talk about reconstruction in March if I want to. Am getting used to my shape although nobody would know just looking at me. Dressing takes longer time but perhaps once I have my Contact prothesis and the outcome I can finally decide. The option is still there. This way my recovery was very quick and hopefully my body fully recovered by the time I decide whether or not to have a reconstruction. I hope this helps. It is not the end if you decide not to go for reconstruction now but at a later date. Diamondlady ... View more

Thank you BBC Moderator and Emma. Yes I had good news - cancer all gone. Mammogram in Feb and Consultant in March when I may consider reconstruction as I do find it difficult to adjust. I am not an Exhibitionist but I did enjoy having a cleavage as I was 36C - what have I got now?? Outwardly my 'boob' looks good and no one can tell but when I look at my wardrobe my heart aches for those pre-MX days, occasionally I look at the photos I took on the eve of my Mastectomy op. Still its a small price to pay for your life so I must stop feeling sorry for myself! Thanks everyone. Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Naz - yes I am fine. Just posted an Update. Was so nervous when the drain had to come out after 9 days - District Nurse told me to take a painkiller and I did. N]Not felt a thing, in fact when I enquired if she had started she showed me the whole lot out!! Yes I am relieved all is over (I hope for good). Still unsure of how happy I am with my body. Got all clear but got to follow the Gylcemic Index Diet. Never heard of this before or on the Forum. Still small price to pay. Mammogram in Feb and back to Consultant in March to discuss reconstruction. You sound positive about your reconstruction. I know finally it is my decision but would you recommend it wholeheartedly? My 'boob' looks good though sometimes it slips or don't look quite right. Not shown myself to my husband yet although he has assurred me constantly it makes no difference whatsoever. Thanks for your concern. Take care Diamondlady ... View more

Thanks Elsa/Jane. Anxious about result and hope got good news to report. Keep smiling ..... Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Naz, physically recovering real well - been out on shopping trips etc. although I try to have an hour's rest mid afternoon. Unfortunately drain is still in - District Nurse said it could come out today but the output has increased so not likely. Told me to take painkillers before drain is taken out. Have you had yours out and does it hurt?? I am not a patient person and having to wait indefinitely stresses me. Seeing Consultant 17th July - surely with the breast out there cannot be more BAD news?? You take care too. Are you pleased with your reconstruction now?? Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Poemsgalore and Naz, hope you are feeling as well as I am physically. Had 3 visitors an hour after I came home and still ongoing visitors. Visiting another lady in similar circumstances shortly. Been out 3 times. People could not believe I have just had MX. Still got drain 6 days after operation 59mm today so on way out. Wound looks ugly. I wore bra when I left hospital and has been since but bliss to take the bra off around bedtime. Still 'hiding' my body from my husband though he has had a glimpse. Showering is a real hassle, he stands holding my drain bag whilst I shower trying to avoid the affected area. I purchased silicone bust enhancer from M & S (£16) to use with my comfie to weigh it down otherwise the bra tends to ride up.Have asked the 'stick on' prothesis from my BCN if not will buy one myself. Have also purchased a light prothesis with silicone centre for weight from Nucola Jane (£26.50) waiting for its arrival. I am trying hard to adjust. Best wishes to all Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Amanda, Apologies not replied sooner. Had my mastectomy on 2nd July, discharged on 3rd (my birthday). Bad time esp. emotionally. When I was first diagnosed, everyone seemed optimistic, saying a WLE would do it. Words cannot describe the last 4/5 months. After the first WLE I was told by surgeon nothing to worry, just another bit cut out. After the 2nd and to be told I needed a third WLE shocked me, I asked for mastectomy but he was adamant no need for it. He said just a tiny dot and then there might not need to be radiotherapy etc. When I got home I contacted my BCN about poss. of MX but somehow along the line I was persuaded another WLE was all that was needed. I do understand the clear margins required and mine was High Grade DCIS but what worries me is, what if the affected DCIS is away from the clear margin at the time of my WLE, and therefore I would appear to be in the 'all clear' when there is still this awful thing lurking, which was why I wanted Mastectomy from the start. I am not ,medically minded but do wonder if this is why some DCIS recur, when in fact it was there all along but somehow did not appear within the margin. I hope anyone reading will understand what I am trying to say. I even felt slightly confident when I went for the results after the third WLE, only to be told I now need a MX. Had I been more assertive and opted for mastectomy after the 1st or 2nd WLE's I would have certainly gone for an immediate reconstruction but when told I would need 'ongoing surgery' I decided against it. Now 5 days after my MX there is 40% of me that wished I had gone for a reconstruction. Believe in what you think is right for you. I talked to lots of people in the same situation. Diamondlady ... View more

Hi Naz - how are you? I had my mastectomy on 2nd July too at 11.00 and was home at 9am today (3rd). I think it is too soon as very difficult to rest whereas in hospital there are no distractions but to do nothing. I do not like what I see but hope when the wound/area is healed it will look much better. I did put my mastectomy bra on when I came home not too bad then, but immediately took it off as the area too tender. No lymph nodes affected so good news. Seeing Consultant in 2 weeks time - he reckons it is all 'water under the bridge' to quote his words. lets hope so. Diamondlady ... View more