Hi Twinmum.

Really sorry to hear you have received this news today. Its OK to cry and you are not being vain at all. The idea of losing a part of you is totally terrifying and any breast surgery and cancer diagnosis no matter how early and treatable has a huge effect on a person mentally and physically.

What was it that changed the treatment plan for you? 

Be kind to yourself! You never have to apologise for how you are feeling.

Sending hugs x

Thank you for the reply. 

When I went to get my magseed ultrasound they ended up doing more biopsies as there was another area they weren't sure about which turned out to be cancerous too. I have 5 small areas over a section of my breast. I do have large breasts so hoping the reduction works out. Xx

I definitely feel better as I now have a nurse that I've actually met on a few occasions now. My original nurse was based in another hospital, crazy!

Had a lovely day out. Was great to feel "normal".

How all goes well at today's appointment. Xx

That's good to hear about your nurse and so glad you had a lovely day out!

My appointment today went fine. Nothing unexpected found on my MRI so plan remains to have wide lump excision with bilateral reduction. Will have to take a bit more from my left breast than first thought and I will lose my nipple but hey ho.

She spoke about what would happen if they don't get clear margins and mastectomy was mentioned as a possibility down the line but she said she was optimistic about saving the breast.

So 10th of March it is! Now time to get organised!

Hope you've had an OK day. Sending best wishes xx

Hi PositiveT

Hope all goes well with your planned surgery.  I can honestly say that I have no regrets of agreeing to the bilateral reduction op.  When I asked the nurse about recovery time she said 3-4 weeks but I'd say be prepared for it to take longer.  My incisions are healing nicely now almost 5 weeks after the main surgery but I still don't feel ready to be doing anything too strenuous just yet. 

The worst part is now the itching and the fact I still have to sleep on my back but that's not a big deal considering the tumour is gone.  Best wishes for your op. x

Glad your appointment went fine. I suppose we just have to do what we need to. 

I ended up going in for an appointment yesterday. Biopsies were early cancer but that's me now got my surgery date and good to go. Mine is the 16th do not far behind you. Still hoping for clear margins from first op so I can get the reduction but what will be will be. 

We can do this! Xx

So glad to hear you have your date! It's a relief to have the next milestone to get to. Keeping everything crossed for clear margins all round! 

We will be recovering together haha!!

And you're right....we can (and will) do this xx

Hi JYM, 

Thank you for your kind message. It's great to hear you are happy with your decision and got clear margins (even though it meant a second op).

Hope your healing continues well and you get back to your usual activities as soon as possible. Itching doesn't sound much fun tho!

Sending best wishes xx

Me to

Going to get magseed tomorrow then will need to get organised with what I'll need for after surgery. Having a look at bras but not got a clue. 

We will be able to keep each other going after our surgeries. 

We totally got this

Ooh let me know what getting the magseed is like. I'm having mine put in on Monday.

I saw breast nurse today and she fitted me and gave me a compression bra that I have to wear day and night (except when showering obs) for a week to 10 days after the surgery. I've ordered another similar one as one bra for that long would be pretty rank haha. She also gave me a couple of heart pillows and a few other bits.

Do you have a nurse appointment before your surgery date? If not I would give them a call and see what they do at your hospital.

Sending hugs xx

I'll definitely let you know what it's like. I've already had markers in (7 I'm sure) not sure if it will be similar to that. The radiologist said my boob is worth a fortune

Oh I'll find out about bras from my nurse then. I agree more than one will be needed! What area are you? I did mention bras to my nurse the other day and she said she'll be going over everything with me soon. 

Haha I have a single marker already so I guess your boob is worth more than mine lol!

Sounds like your nurse will have it covered.

I'm in Basingstoke in Hampshire. Where are you? Xx

Haha I have a single marker already so I guess your boob is worth more than mine lol!

Sounds like your nurse will have it covered.

I'm in Basingstoke in Hampshire. Where are you? Xx

I'm in Lanarkshire, Scotland  so the other end of the country. 

I'll let you know tomorrow night what it's like. Xx

Haha yes couldn't get much further apart!

Good luck tomorrow lovely xx

Magseed was absolutely fine. I got one put in lying on the bed and the other under mammogram which is when I fainted but I'm a fainter at the best of times. Think it's because I was sitting up for that and felt the needle and was thinking about it too much. 

Yay! That's good to hear. Apart from the fainting bit!

Next step surgery. Bring it on, we've got this xx

Sorry I've not been on for days. 

I'm so tired, think it's the overthinking and waking a bit during the night. 

Hope all goes well for your surgery. Please let me know how you get on. 

You've got this. Xxx

Thank you! It's all feeling very real now.

Magseed in, PCR was negative so all set for tomorrow. One more sleep although I don't imagine I'll be getting much - last few days I have been awake from 4.00am! Sorry you are struggling to sleep too - it is so difficult to stop the mind from wandering.

Will be in touch after surgery!

Take care xx

Good luck - I'm sure you'll feel much better once the op is done. It's a massive sense of relief. Just try not to overdo it. I felt ok a couple of days later and rubbish the following week! We're all thinking of you.

x

Hi

i haven't slept properly since my first diagnosis in December. After being told I need a mastectomy, as I didn't get clear margins and there is invasive cancer in my left boob, i went to the doc last week and am now taking diazepam which has made a massive difference to my sleep and my ability to cope.

It might be worth talking to your doctor if you haven't already.

x  

Thank you Bubblesmum!

I am fully planning to take it easy - my daughter is spending the weekend with my mum so I can rest and be looked after! 

Hope you're doing ok after your news about the invasive and needing a mastectomy. It's good that your doctor has helped with prescribing diazepam as it's so important to feel rested to be able to function.

Take care and sending best wishes xx

Hi Twinmum & Bubblesmum!

Just to let you know that surgery is done!

Was home by 2.30pm curled up on the sofa with my nest of cushions /pillows. Felt quite fuzzy for a while but OK now and no pain at the moment. Keeping on top of the drugs to hopefully keep the pain at bay. Hoping for a decent sleep and see how I feel in the morning!

Anyway, just thought I would update!

Hope you are both doing OK.

Sending love xx