DCIS need Mastectomy and reconstruction

Hi 

I joined this forum today after a manic month where a routine mammogram in July found 4.5mm of DCIS. Only solution is a mastectomy but they’re going to reconstruct straight away. I’m choosing a diep flap but it’s not done at my local hospital so it’s yet another wait whilst they do the referral. 

It would be nice to hear from people who are going through or have gone through the same. The shock has worn off but The lack of sleep  is beginning to take it’s toll.

Thanks for reading x

  • Jolamine,

    I live in Ireland so maybe they're less reluctant here. It makes perfect sense to me to take both, I'll always worry about the other now. Plus it's easier to get good symmetry. 
    It's been such a rollercoaster. My op will be in 2-3 weeks latest. I finished in work because between the appointments and stress I just couldn't focus, almost feel like I could go back for a few weeks! X

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    HI CCPT,

    If it's of any consolation, you will always worry about the possibility of recurrence. The breast cancer surgeons are really first class. I'm sure that you will find the symmetry is spot on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Morning Jolamine

     

    Thank you! Will let you all know.........x

  • Hey, so I got my date today. Mastectomy and reconstruction on the 5th December, reduction on the other side in February. Glad I've got the date but still feel a bit sad about the whole thing. Which in turn makes me feel guilty because I know others have treatment to face on top of this but still tough. I'm suddenly immersed in a works I previously knew very little about. That's life I suppose. X

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    Hi,

    I'm glad to hear that you have now got a date for surgery. At the moment you probably feel as if you are on a rollercoaster that is refusing to stop. Everything happens so fast at this stage. It's bad enough at any time, but especially so at this time of year.

    I shall be thinking of you on 5th and hope that all goes well.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Morning

    I bet it is a huge relief once you have got the date, that's what I'm now waiting for and it's really difficult.  My blood test results came back much better last Friday so they have all agreed I can now have my mastectomy.  Just waiting for the phone call to tell me when the operation is.  Have to say I am gutted that I cannot have the reconstruction at the same time and have to wait until next year as it just feels as if everything is going to drag on even further but hey, at least I'm in the system and being treated.

    It's been a long journey so far that's for sure.  My biopsy was on 13th August, result 19th September followed by lumpectomy and lymph node removal on the 1st October.

    I know exactly what you mean when you say "immersed in a works I previuosly knew very little about", it really is strange how your life changes and is taken over so quickly.

    Are your work being sympathetic about the situation and you needing time off?

    Please keep in contact, I'm really interested to know how you feel now you have a date and the news has sunk in!

    Take care Rosie x 

  • I actually own my own business, I have a small gym, so on one hand I was lovely to myself!!! But on the other hand it's not big enough to pay me when I'm not there. I've a pretty good team and they're being great but I need to get back ASAP. 
    I trained two ladies who had just gone back to me having been through this themselves, such a coincidence. They both had lumpectomies and radiation (were sisters) and are fine now. One of them said to me that physically it's fine, we're built to ensure these things, great surgeons help. But the biggest challenge was getting through it mentally and when you said it was like a rollercoaster you were right. Good one day, bad the next. But I had a good day today. 
    it's great to chat to people who are going through this though. I know we aren't all getting the same plan physically but mentally we are. Cancer has no filter. X

  • Hi to all

     

    I'm new to this having just got my grade 1 hormone positive 14mm idc and 6mm dcis diagnosis yesterday!

    I'm looking at my surgical options and am intrigued by the DIEP procedure.  Are there pros and cons you could any of you are aware of and can share with me. I'd also like to know why some consultants refuse llowing to allow ladies to elect to have a double mastectomy? I have friends who had HER2 BC and were allowed the double mastectomy after psychological counseling. I know every treatment plan is different I'd just really appreciate your input.

     

    I truly hope you're all either on the mend or are fit and well ready for the next bit. For some, It seems to have all happened very quickly, though I guess it didn't feel like that at the time x

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    Hi CazStu,

    When I was diagnosed with my second bout of breast cancer, my surgeon told me that he recommended a mastectomy. I asked if he didn't feel that it might be advisable to have a double and he immediately agreed. I was never offered any counselling for this, but I have never regretted my decision and, I am now 9 years on.

    I guess that I was just fortunate. I know that many surgeons don't want to remove a breast uneccessarily.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi, just joined this site and its comforting to hear I'm not alone. It can seem lonely sometimes. I live in Ireland too CCPT. I found my lump on St Patricks Day. I started chemo end of May and finished last week! Yay! So I've had my MRI and mammogram and will be meeting the surgeon next Friday to get a date for surgery. Still not sure whether it will be a lumpectomy or double masectomy. She keeps swaying between the two as I have DCIS in my other breast. Ive not really googled or read up on this too much as I found the idea of a double masectomy quite upsetting. I have come to terms with it now. When she told me I would have an immediate reconsruction it didnt seem quite as scary. I would be having implants as I am only a B cup if I do go down that road. Ive taken each day as it comes because if I look too far forward I get overwhelmed by it all. I guess Im hoping someone can give me reassurance that a double masectomy might be the way to go. I just couldnt go through chemo again! :( Its been hard on the whole family, especially the last few weeks. Im feeling quite down. Its great to link up with ladies in same situation as I dont know anyone who has had the surgery. Im 49. xxx