Hi there

Sorry to hear that the 3rd attempt didnt work for you either. We seem to be a fairly exclusive club to have reached this level of attempts!). 

I am leaning towards mastectomy to be sure to get all the affected tissue as because my cancer wasnt picked up by mammogram (was found by chance on lumpectomy for DCIS)  at all so i dont feel very secure having ongoing monitoring with scans.  It also makes me think that a double is probably better as although the other one looks ok on scan - I know that it wasnt picked up on the right with a scan. it would also leave me very lopsided to have one remaiing breast which i think is hard to deal with physically and mentally. You have made me think that that perhaps implants better than a reconstruction - am currently e cup but v happy to have a much smaller cup size and i think that makes implants possible. i will ask.  At least it would get it all out in one go but with something there for some shape so not such a shock.  

Although there wasn't cancer found in the 2 nodes taken I will have chemo given the invasive cancer was a grade 2 and want to hit any stray cells that might be around. I know its hard but I think better to have now and side effects are generally well managed. the hair loss bit is probs the hardest for me but scalp cooling may work to a degree.  my tumour is not hormone senstive so unfortunately I dont have endocrine drugs as an option. 

The various choices and oprions and no one to discuss this with or waiting for an uknown time to discuss with someone is really hard I agree. i didnt actually get any leaflets and am just googling but i hope to speak with the surgeon this week at some point.

think of you both xx  

Hi both 

I'm so sorry I missed these posts! I've been thinking about you Flossyn. I had my 3rd lumpectomy on Monday. I will update later when not making food for children and when I can read your posts and updates properly. 
 

hi Clarky . Welcome to the rubbish club. 
 

laineybug
 

Hi there

Pleased the 3rd lumpectomy went ahead and fingers crossed that this op has cleared it all for you this time.  I have appt with surgeon tues to discuss options etc. seems a shame to have more drastic surgery now that my scar is looking so small and healed.   She did say last time that 3 attempts was unusal but that a colleague had once performed 5 lumpectomies......

Hope you have a good weekend xxxx

Morning Flossyn

Its a long old journey having 3 lumpectomies to be told they haven't got clear  margins. I'm bracing myself for that news. I have a 5 week wait as that's the norm for this area currently. No clear margin means mastectomy. In some ways that news would remove the need  for me to make a decision. 
 

So you've been given options of further lumpectomies or mastectomy (with/without reconstruction).  My breast care nurse called yesterday and was discussing the options. She reckons a lumpectomy & reconstruction (and tamoxifen with radiotherapy) had same outcomes as a mastectomy. But I know different cancers work differently so it's tailored to the individual.

going from stage 0 DCIS to chemo and mastectomy is a huge development, how are you feeling today? Have you anyone to talk to? Are you breast care nurses in touch? 

You're seeing the consultant on Tuesday... do you have to decide then? My BCN was able to show me photos of LICAP reconstructions and mastectomies etc. 

thinking of you - message me if you want a chat or anything x

Hi

What a shame you have such a wait . I hope you're BC nurses are able to answer any concerns or questions. Mine must be bored to tears of hearing my "what ifs...". 

Regarding your mastectomy - have you been given the option of having both breasts done? I can see how you might want both doing. It's good that there are so options and , as I understand, the door is always open for reconstruction if you choose to wait. 
 

I hope you're getting some support and advice .  It's hard making decisions, and such impactful ones.

let me know how you're getting on x

BC nurse was great but it was a lot of 'You'll hhave to wait to sppeak to your surgeon'.

Haven't been giveen option for both yet. I'll know more on Thursday. Nurse did talk about immediate reconstruction so it is done at the same time, meaning less scarring. But again, don't know until I see my surgeon. 

I'm finding it very hard at the moment. I'm not sleeping well and can't get it off my mind. Was given a leaflet about it - well - emailed to me. It's a lot to take in. I can send it to you if you like. 

How are you doing? Xx

OMG that wooshing sound in the cavity. I have to admit, I found it funny. 

Have found a Macmillan support group I might join but they meet evenings and I'm usually too knackered by then to go out xx

It's a definite party trick. Did you have the same? My life has definitely taken a bizarre turn !