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Mix up? Told I need a mastectomy due to nipple changes but no signs of cancer. Seeing consultant tomorrow. What should I do?

Miss_Cyprus
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Been told today I need mastectomy as changes to nipple following breast cancer 24 years ago but there's no signs of cancer. Had lumpectomy and radiation previously.

Confused as to what to do. Seeing consultant tomorrow but would appreciate some thoughts. Thanks

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    Hi Miss_Cyprus,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that your care team now think that you need a mastectomy after 24 years of being cancer free. It is impossible to tell you what to do. It will depend upon what justification you get tomorrow for needing this and what you feel in yourself.

    I had a double mastectomy 15 years ago, when I developed a second cancer in my original breast and pre-cancerous lesions in the other. This happened less than a year after having a lumpectomy. Personally, I have never looked back. Unfortunately, I was unable to have reconstruction, but I manage fairly well with an assortment of various prostheses for different activities.

    If you get a chance before your appointment, write down any questions you have to ask your consultant before you attend.

    Please let us know how you get on tomorrow. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi, 

    Thanks for your message -it's nice to know I'm not on my own. 

    So it turns out the lump is cancerous and the only option is mastectomy as not allowed any more radiotherapy or another lumpectomy.

    It hasn't spread and no lymph nodes are affected which is good news.

    I now understand why the mastectomy is needed and I can have reconstruction in time. Having the op Wednesday which is quick but I'm ok with that and it sorts it without time to worry etc.

    I've beaten this once and can do again .

    Xx

  • Offline in reply to Miss_Cyprus

    Hi Miss_Cyprus,

    I am so sorry to hear that the lump is cancerous and, given this, I expect that you are now happier to go ahead with the mastectomy. You have a lot of positives here, so try to hold on to them. 1) you have found it quickly 2) there is no lymph node involvement  and no spread 3) you are having the op quickly - good in that it is less time to worry about it, but also that it's not being given any time to start spreading. Do you know what type and stage/grade your first cancer was and what treatment you had at the time?

    If it's of any consolation to you, I found it easier to recover after my mastectomies than I did after my lumpectomy. Have you got a firm but soft bra to wear post-surgery? I was advised to wear one day and night at that stage and it did help. You will be given a 'softie' to wear at first and will get a proper prosthesis after the area has healed. You will also find it helpful to have clothes and nightwear that open at the front to start with - easier for examinations, as you don't have to lift them over your head.

    I shall be thinking of you on Wednesday and I hope that it all goes well. You've got this and, by the sound of this diagnosis, you can certainly do it again! Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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