Mastectomy

I found out today that I might need a mastectomy. I've been crying all day. In the space of a few weeks it has went from removal of cancer with breast lift to now a reduction or mastectomy depending if we get clear margins or not from my first op to remove cancer. If I need a mastectomy I won't qualify for reconstruction due to my BMI which isn't massively over the requirement. I'm really struggling with it all. I feel that I'm being vain when I should be lucky that my cancer is early and treatable. 

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  • 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

  • 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

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

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

  • Hi Positive T

    Thank you, I think it’s a bit of a long road getting the reduction instead of a lumpectomy but since I wasn’t happy with my size anyway it was a no brainer. 

    I had the 43mm tumour and a smaller lesion close to it which was going to get removed at same time but turned out to be benign. As the surgeon said having big boobs made it easier to get clear margins ( think if it hadn’t grown it would’ve been just one op) 

    Best wishes for your op.x

  • Haha yes couldn't get much further apart!

    Good luck tomorrow lovely xx

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