Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2014. I had my 1st lumpectomy & breast reduction surgery in December 2014. I got my results on hogmanay, that I have Tubular Grade 1 cancer which had not spread to lymph nodes, which was a massive relief, tho I needed more surgery as I didn't have clear margins! I've since had 2 more surgeries, which have not worked. I still don't have clear margins & I'm booked in for mastectomy & reconstruction in 3 weeks. I'm absolutely terrified now! What went from relatively good news has now turned devastating! Everyone tells me how good I look after being through 4 surgeries in 3 months. If only they could see inside my head, its so messed up with fear!,
It must be traumatic to be faced with mastectomy after other options but try to focus
on the fact that your lymph nodes are clear, that is the best news. I was diagnosed with
DCIS over Christmas 2014 and because there were two patches was told mastectomy
was necessary. After initially thinking I wouldn't have reconstruction I decided to have
it and opted for implant using acellular matrix(mesh) so the whole thing was done
in one operation. Had operation a month ago and to wake up ,look down and see that there is still a breast there is very reassuring. Need to wear a bra 24/7 for first 2 weeks
at least and it is uncomfortable when I walk/stand for long, I am building this up slowly.
Although they will never be a "matching pair" even now in clothes or even swimwear you would not know any difference.
I think the recovery might be a bit longer than I initially thought, was reckoning on back to work in about 8 weeks but think it may be a bit longer. Have just driven for first time after 4 weeks but still a bit painful using gears.
I was reassured by having mastectomy because everything cancerous had been removed. Like you it wasn't in lymph nodes so chemo not needed,try not to be scared the waiting is the worst bit but although uncomfortable the reconstruction is definitely worth it. Good luck !
That's an awful strain for you, but take heart in the fact that your nodes are clear and the mastectomy will be an end to it and you might escape radiotherapy and just go onto the tablets, which would be brill xxxxx
