Hi again, they like to cut extra tissue away and it's either 2/3cm around your tumour  to give clear margins no cancer cells left well mine,  were not clear after my mastectomy (it is rare to have this issue after a mastectomy) but they didn't know that until they tested what they took away. Hence another operation. I am just coming up to the second week after my 2nd operation and was scared stiff as they said there would be possible more surgery if my results came back not clear again. I was dreading my results but thank heavens for Thursday this week, my results came back clear so I just have to heal from my latest bout of surgery then I have to go on a hormone tablet every day for 5-10 years which I can live with. I was a bit disappointed my consultant hasn't even mentioned reconstruction again or a fitting for a prosthetic breast!!! But he is due to ring next week so I shall make a point of reminding him. As I really don't want that side forgotten about as I feel very self conscious of it. But bloody over the moon to be cancer free which is all we all want to achieve if we can. Take care and you will get to my point soon as they don't mess around once they have a plan it's go, go, go and you won't get time to think you will just be getting on with each step. Best of luck and keep in touch I want to know how you get on xxx

What a relief and you can concentrate on recovery now. Can I ask how long was it between your treatment plan appointment and the surgery date? 
They said to me before another lady was 3 weeks wait so I have that kind of timescale in my head. And you don't need any radiotherapy or chemo? I've been told I'll probably need radiotherapy so won't be able to have a reconstruction for at least a year which I was really gutted about, but I guess all that will be confirmed at my appointment tomorrow, and same as you just have to remember what's important here and that's being cancer free. 
Do you have a breast care nurse? She's already mentioned to me about the prosthetics, so definitely chase them, hope you get one soon xx

Hi Jjchoccy,

Have you got a date for your surgery yet? Unfortunately, there is a need to wait until your radiotherapy is over with, before you can consider reconstruction.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. First time I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen for a year. I found a second lump in the same breast a year after my surgery and had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 and a half years. I was in hospital for 5 days after surgery and had drains in both breasts.

I found that I coped with my mastectomies better than with my lumpectomy and healed quicker too. I found a small heart shaped cushion, which I could pop under my arm helpful. I did purchase seat belt covers, but didn't find them to be of much use.

I would definately advise button through clothing, which doesn't need to be lifted over your head - do this for your nightwear too. You will get a 'softie' (prosthesis) before you leave hospital and will get a proper silicone prosthesis when your wound has healed.

I hope that you get all the answers you need tomorrow. Remember that no question is too silly. One thing to ensure is that the hospital supply a bag to carry your drain about in.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I hope your appointment with the consultant went well on Tuesday. What did they say? and how are you feeling today?

(I am also recently diagnosed with lobular, i find out how extensive it is next Tuesday when i get MRI results).

Hugs xx

Hi, we went over what we already knew (the nurses updated me every week they discussed me at thier meetings). First step is the mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The rest will be decided after they biopsy the lump and nodes.

Still waiting for a surgery date as his next availability isn't until 11th may and wants it done sooner than that so will see if someone else can do it quicker for me. I feel a bit deflated today, I carry on for a few days and then it hits me again. The wait is difficult but I'm also dreading knowing it now as it makes it feel very real.

Hope you get as positive news as possible xx

Hi sorry for delayed reply haven't been on for a bit as had some up and bad down days with recovery but getting there!

I was diagnosed December 12 2022, due to festive season, mastectomy was supposed to be January but ended up being February 13th 2023, 2nd operation  20/3/23 now waiting for hormone tablets, no chemo or radiotherapy as I was able to get clear by surgery alone and now a return to work at the start of May, mentally need it but not sure physically I will cope but only way to find out is try and I will see!! :happy:
hope you have a surgery date soon the wait is always the worst! Good luck don't forget let us know how you get on xx

How are you feeling now? It must be a lot recovering not just from the first surgery but a second too. I hope you are ok.
I had a few down days mentally, I have never felt low like that before but I feel like I let it out and then I'm back up ready to fight. 
Got my surgery date for the 26th so things are happening very quickly now, they are hoping for no drains and can go home the same day. But I'm just glad I get to enjoy this weekend for my daughters 7th birthday first! 

I met my new breast nurse and she was absolutely amazing, what a great lady so supportive. She's already given me a mastectomy pillow and my softie bra insert so at least I know I'll be leaving the hospital as comfortable as possible x

Hi jjchoccy, sorry to hear you were feeling down. Good news that you've got a date for surgery and a good breast nurse. Have a lovely birthday party with your daughter xx