Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Josi, I will be starting my chemo on March 10 but I was wondering if I can join in this group? Isa ... View more

I had a mx two weeks ago and my nipple was also spared. My doctor and my plastic surgeon did not promises me that before hand tough. What they dais was that the would look the nipple during the surgery and see if they could try to save it which they did. But be aware that after the surgery there is still a questio of vascularization. So in my first consult after the surgery my plastic surgeon was a bit concern about the color of my nipple which was a bit dark and only yesterday and the nipple started to slightly peel of that she was able to confirm that there is vascularization. It is important that you have all the information before hand so as to avoid surprises. Of course you might be having a simpler procedure than what I had but I though it was worth to tell you my experience. The funny thing is that I did not ask to keep my nipple but once I saw the result of the surgery with the nipple it made me quite sad to have to consider the possibility that maybe I was not going to be able to keep it. ... View more

Tks Caroline. You gave me something to look forward. I also did not have lymph nodes removed but had a reconstruction surgery. Xxx ... View more

Hi Hijaqs, I am glad to hear that your surgery went well. I am also feeling better each day. The tightness also bothers me and I am also having some slight mobility ness issues with my arm but also getting better by the day. Next week I have a revision appointment with my plastic surgeon. My doctors decided during the surgery that it was possible to keep my nipple but the plastic surgeon is still observing for possible necrosis. I also have an appointment with my gp and hope to finally get a treatment plan. This constant waiting is really annoying. Also a constantly have the feeling that when cancer is involved doctors never tive good news properly as if they are afraid of giving good hopes. Do any of you also feel that? Do you already have your treatment plan? Isa ... View more

I had my mx with reconstruction a week ago. I used an implant as well as muscle and skin from my back. I was in the hospital for two days. The first four days are very painful but then each day it gets better. I took the drains yesterday and that was a super relief. It is too early to tell how it will look good once it is healed. It is still very swollen and hard but both sides look the same even when I am only in my underwear even tough I only had surgery in one breast. I also have two very young kinds (2 years girl and 10 months boy). The had thing for me is not to be able to carry my boy but With my girl things have not changed much. She understands that I had surgery and we still play, caress, talk . The only difference is that I have to remind her that I am still not fully revolted so that she needs to be more careful around me. So I think you will work out a way to relate with your boy. I hope this helps. Isa ... View more

I had my mx on Feb 4, Combined with reconstruction using a proteses and muscle and tissue from my back. Because I am thin quite a lot of the suture was done in my muscle so the first two days were rather painful. Today I am already feeling much better and I am looking forward to Monday when the drains will come out. I still do not have my plan as my onc wishes to wait for the results of the biopsy but I am very happy that my nodes were clear and so were the margins of the tumors. Let's see how it will go once the results are back. ... View more

Tell your boys. Family support is very important. If you keep it to yourself and they find out later they may feel deceived and may think the prognosis is worst that what you are telling them. ... View more

Hi Hijaqs, I tried to post yesterday for you but the connection at the hospital was really bad. The surgery went well. I haven't seen the results yet as I came you rolled in bandages that will only come out next Monday with the drains. My reconstruction used a protesis and skin and muscle from my back. The first day is rather painful, specially the first time you try to stand up. My doctors said that because I am thin they had to sew directly in the muscle and that was was caused part of the initial pain. Now I have just arrived home and I am already feeling much better from yesterday. So it seems that pain gradually reduces. My nodes were clear so that we're the best news of the surgery. Hope your surgery also went we'll and that this post may help someone who still still in the wait. By the way sorry for any English mistake but English is not my native language. ... View more

I am have my mastectomy on Tuesday. I also have a two years old girl and a ten months old boy. I will let you know how it goes once I have the surgery. Take care. Isa ... View more

I will be sending my positive thoughts for you next week. Take Care. Isa ... View more

Thank you for your words. It certainly helps to hear from someone who is a few steps ahead on this path. My doctor had offered me the option of a lumpectomy but recommended the mastectomy as the best option.  To be quite honest the surgery itself does not scares me but the subsequent treatment with chemotherapy and hormones freaks me out. I have another question, how long is the recovery time? My doctor did not give me any clue as to when I will be able to get back to work and other day to day activities. ... View more