Sorry I didn't know, I've only just joined.

My surgeon doesn't think I'll need chemo, just radiotherapy. But found it very confusing as she and cancer nurse and cancer researcher all mentioned the optima trial to me. I refused the trial because well, it's a trial... not willing to risk it not being correct and receiving the wrong treatment. But why ask me to agree to it if I don't need chemo? So confused. Doesn't help that my husband seems to think I'm over-thinking everything. Yes, the cancer lumps are out (as far as I know) but there is still precancer DCIS. What if it has already turned into cancer? It's been months since first lumps were diagnosed. Is it weird that I'd feel bad asking for a second opinion? 

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Hi

 I'm literally on the way to the hospital now for my results of 3rd lumpectomy. I've already decided I need to have a mastectomy now. The physical loss of my breast I can manage better than the mental grief I will have if I keep it. If that makes sense. Talked it over with boyfriend and he agrees in better at managing my body than my mind.  
 

here goes 

My husband suggested going for a second opinion so that made it easier for me to do it. I'm not sure I would have otherwise, we're programmed to be "reasonable", so I totally understand. My cancer is Triple Negative so very aggressive and chemo is the only thing they can do. If you can sensibly avoid it, great. I think, if my second opinion had agreed with my hospital, I would still have felt it was worth it to have that greater confidence

Good luck lovely. I'll be thinking of you. Xx

Mine isn't triple negative. I don't particularly want chemo but want absolutely everything done to give me the best outcome. I lost my mum to breast cancer so is quite close to home. One cancer nurse said I woukd discuss my treatment with an oncologist once surgery is finished... 

It's great your husband is so supportive. Sounds like he listens to you and discusses things with you. Mine is lovely, don't get me wrong, but he is reluctant to talk about it. As far as he is concerned, the cancer is out and this 'one more' lumpectomy will be the end of it. I've tried to express my concerns but he just repeats this again and again. I've given up trying to talk to him about it. He's probably just trying to keep me positive. He's wonderful otherwise. Maybe I'm being too negative? I don't know. 

Hi

Well my 3rd lumpectomy (with stage 1 LICAP) didn't work out. The initial cavity shave was clear but the extra area  they took had a 3mm cancer, so it's a good job I opted for the LICAP as they may not have found it had they been conservative with the amount of tissue  taken.

The MDT unanimously stated I should have a mastectomy due to the scattergun nature of my cancer. It's small, early and slow ..  but dotted  about  in a haphazard fashion. So, booked in for a mastectomy , prob late Aug after my holiday.  I'm pretty sure I want no reconstruction as I don't like the thought of more gargling with tissue / fat from a donor area. But it's good there are options and I may go heck on the future if being flat  isn't working out for me. 
 

Boyfriend came with me abs was remarkably on board and together, bless him. So now me and my 17 yr old daughter are planning a 'farewell to my breast' party. It's easy to talk about but the doing part will be hard 

So sorry it wasn't great news. But thankfully, they found other cancer lurking which could have been missed!

Did they offer immediate reconstruction with an implant? I didn't like the thought of being flat either. That was my plan if a mastectomy was to go ahead. My surgeon was on holiday when MDT decided mastectomy was the way forward. She disagreed when she returned, hence the 4th lumpectomy.

How do you feel about it? I'm 47 and am not quite ready to lose my boob completely. That's why I opted for implant. Just hoping I don't have to make that decision in a few weeks... My daughter has commented about it and said I'd better not end up with perkier boobs than her :laugh: 

Glad you're getting away for a holiday before it. You deserve it! Where you going? 

Nx

I agree with you on the reconstruction using flesh from other places. Think I'd rather be flat than do that. I'm also 36dd. My nurse said the implant may be a bit smaller but not too much. They also have one they can pump saline into it to pump it up a bit. Anyway, not sure mine will come to that.

Like you, I thought myself to be quite healthy. No health issues before. Just found a lump one day. Don't feel ill. Do get tired quicker though.

Have a lovely time away, you deserve it! X