Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Stelwah, I am having mastectomy and implant reconstruction next week. The expander implant is pumped up over a period of time to expand or keep the skin stretched. They describe it has a balloon that is slowly pumped up. I am not sure if this is a permanent option or temporary implant while radiotherapy takes place and it enables the skin to stretch until a silicone implant is inserted. The back flip is my 2nd option which I am also trying to avoid. There are pro's and cons with all the reconstructions. Good luck GLB38 ... View more

Hi Krislyn, I am also 52 and I was diagnosed with grade 3 cancer that has spread into my lymph nodes. I too didn't feel a lump although it was 7cm.. I had to start off with chemo to shrink it before surgery. I have responded well to chemo and now going for mastectomy and lymph node clearance. It is a long lonely journey but needs to be taken step by step, my worst fear was losing my hair which had taken me years to grow and shape the way I wanted when my diagnosis was found. It was traumatic when my hair first started falling out and so I started tying it up to get used to not having the length....next step I had a good 3 inches cut off the length. By now it was falling out rapid so the hairdress cut it short collar length. Week or so later the hair had gone. I can only advise that it was a relief to me once it was gone. I bought a couple of nice wigs a few months before my loss that matched close to my style and colour and I got used to wearing them before my loss of hair which really helped. If you decide on scarves or turbans wear them so you can get used to them how you look before the loss. Chemo effects everyone differently...I was not well during this time and would not have coped looking after my hair. There is a cool cap you could wear during chemo which stops your hair falling out if you can tolerate it. Good luck...keep in touch GLB38 ... View more

Hi all, Can I ask you all.....what is the reasonable time spam for returning back to work. I have been off work since January 2014. I had chemo until July (was poorly) now surgery due 6th August then it will be radiotherapy. I know all your recoveries and treatments are on different levels... But when do you know the right time for going back to work? Breast cancer is a trauma and worry for every woman to go through mentally too. Thanks for all your replies... GLB38 ... View more

Hi Kitten mad, You are brave to have the LD flap....I felt ill after the surgeon explained that procedure to me. I will take my list of questions with me. I think all of the threads are positive about surgery and the pain management is controlled......that's reassuring. Good luck GLB ... View more

Hi Songbird68, Thanks for your reply. Glad to hear you are doing well. I had all my pre op assessments that went ok yesterday. Keep up your excercises , I think yoga and swimming are recommended so I have been told. Good luck x GLB38 ... View more

Hi, I have just read your thread that I have been searching the forum for......I was diagnosed with grade 3 invasive breast cancer with node involvement in jan 2014. My treatment plan was chemo first and surgery followed by radiotherapy. I have just completed the chemo and today had MRI scan for surgery mx on 6th August. The oncologist informed me I have responded well to the chemo. I have felt terribly anxious and very negative about my prognosis....a very lonely journey! Your thread uplifted me and has given me new hope...thank you GLB38 x ... View more

Hi, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I am grade 3 invasive breast cancer and started my chemo soon after diagnosis. I felt exhausted and tired before chemo and during all the cycles it intensified. Waiting for results can also make you feel tired and anxious. The best advice I can offer you is listen to your body and if you need sleep...you must sleep. Try to eat healthy and walk in fresh air. Take plenty of rest. Good luck GLB38 ... View more

Hi Sandra, Sorry to hear of your suffering. I have just finished 8 cycles of chemo. You do need the Emend tablet and also check that you are having anti sickness drugs through the cannula at the time of your chemo, you should be. In addition to that you can also have anti sickness tablets to take home with you and take them as soon as you feel nausea. If you are still sick after that you can get the district nurses to give you an anti sickness injection. It is also normal to lose your appetite, the best way to get over that is try to eat little and often...small meals of whatever you fancy. Poached egg on toast was good to help with chemo symptoms and fresh pineapple has an enzyme that helps to clean the mouth from the metallic horrible taste that you will have. Hope this helps you...good luck GLB38 ... View more

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I am having the mastectomy on August 6th and implant reconstruction at the same time. Can the expander be a permanent implant, you seemed quite pleased with the result? I will be having radiotherapy and I was wondering about any damage radiotherapy may cause. I am due to see the Surgeon again in the next week or so to discuss my reconstruction treatment. GLB x ... View more

Thank you for your reply. I will take meds and all they offer. Sorry the implants didn't work for you. My cousin had the DIEP and she says all positive things about the op. She says it was very easy compared to having chemotherapy. The DIEP is my second choice of surgery if the implant fails. Good luck. GLB x ... View more

Dear SJB, Thank you for your reply. I do mean FEC-T....but in my area they use FEC D for Docetaxol. I am pleased to hear of your fitness and well being since your chemo, op and radiotherapy which is very reassuring and has helped me to feel better already! I am currently aware of every twinge and pain I feel in my body in the breast and nodes although I have been told this is normal. My Oncologist was pleased with the results the chemo had on my cancer....it was quite large 7cms. Diets are difficult but you sound a focused type of person. Good luck with your weight loss. GLB x ... View more

Hi, brac 1/2 testing if positive will definitely affect your future treatment plan and 2 months does seem too long. I would chase the referral up either through your gp or the genetic service themselves. The results following your blood test can take upto 2 to 3 weeks but I did have to chase those up as well in time for my appointment with the Oncologist. Good luck GLB38 ... View more