Hi. I have been in this very positio, 3 weeks ago. I plumped for mastectomy as after doing research my own personal opinions was give it less to come back to. Good luck. Stay strong with whatever you decide 

Hi Vicki,

Have you had your mastectomy already? How are you getting on? xx

Gooner has your plan changed already ? It’s a nightmare when they change they did this with me told me no chemo not a mention of it then after operation sprung it on me then it changed again no chemo rollercoaster for sure x hope you are feeling ok xx 

Yes- I’m in bits at the moment, trying to take it all in. I had MRI last week, then on Wednesday was called unexpectedly by the hospital to go in for ultrasound. The doctor there told me the MRI had identified about another 6 tiny lesions, and the furthest apart of these were biopsied. Then yesterday I saw the consultant, and she told me that the MDT had decided I should have a mastectomy, even though she was still in favour of a mammoplasty. It was a huge shock- I’ve barely stopped crying since, although work has been a good distraction. 
My surgery is on the 24th xx

Hi GoonerGirl,

I have been away on holiday this week and hadn't seen your latest news. I can understand how gutted you feel, but it's really not as bad as you're thinking. I had to have a double mastectomy, when I developed a second cancer within the same breast. At the time, I was totally in bits, but with the benefit of hindsight, I'm glad that I had the double. I could then satisfy myself that, we had done all that we could to remove the cancer and to prevent it from coming back again. 

I wasn't a suitable candidate for autologous reconstruction, due to scarring from previous non-cancer-related surgery and I have managed fairly well with an assortment of prostheses for different activities. It is now 14 years since my surgery and although my life is not the same as it was before my diagnosis, I am still living it to the full.

I am glad to see that your date for surgery is 24th, so only 10 more days to wait. I'm always here if you have any questions in the meanwhile.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi LL   . Sorry you find yourself here having to make this big decision. Reconstruction using your own tissue is a long operation (8 hours) which needs a 3 month recovery time . It involves a scar hip to hip , a new breast and moving your belly button . Please be aware that if you opt for a delayed reconstruction that it is then classed as “cosmetic” and you will probably wait about 2 years . If you opt for a single mastectomy recovery time is about 3-4 weeks . It’s a very personal choice and not everyone is a suitable candidate for reconstruction .Please think it through carefully and chat to the nurses about it . I wish you all the best xx

Thank you for your reply definitely gives me lots to think about x

Thank you for your reply definitely gives me lots to think about x