Hi Laura

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

I am certain about what I want to do and like you said I may have to be a little more assertive. I am going to speak to the surgeon on Monday and see what he has to say. I feel because they have given me the choice between lumpectomy or mastectomy it must be a suitable treatment or surely they would of just said have lumpectomy and not offered mastectomy.

Thanks again

Hi there ...

I had a grade 3 breast cancer ... and Dr gave me the choice too .. I felt the same as you, I'd rather loose a boob and not have it recur again in same breast ... I've never regretted it .. and when I look at my scar where my boob used to be... l just think it reminds me of my journey and to me, l think because of that "scar" I'm still here and doing well 18 months on ... 

This is your cancer journey ... no one else's ... and that nurse may have her own reasons ... but should not put them on you ... we should all have the final say .. take both sides... weigh them up .. and make the decision that's right for us .. and don't look back .. l said that to my surgeon once .. this is my cancer, and my journey ... he was amazing and supported me all the way ... I felt like I got a little control back ... 

I found the op itself wasn't half as bad as I'd imagined ... the scariest part is waiting ... but lots of us on here have been where you are now ... it's like the scariest rollercoaster ride you can imagine ... but hold on tight wer all on that same rollercoaster right there with you ... just imagine us all there ... and together well kick cancers butt right along that ride ... Chrissie xx

Hi Chrissie

Thank you so much for your reply it great to get support and feedback. I take it you didn’t have any reconstruction, I’m not bothered about reconstruction as you said it going to be part of my journey to rid myself of this awful disease. It is my cancer and my journey as you said and I may have to be more assertive. We will kick cancers ***..x

Since it is your decision, it's totally the right one. It is your journey, your body and you decide what to do with it. Also, doctors gave you the possibility to choose, so it's not something you brought to the table (which would have also been right because you are the one who decide what to do).

Hope everything goes well

x

You go girl ... take back control ... but in doing that, don't look back with regret ... I was terrified to look at my scar when plaster came off ... but I felt o.k right from then ... maybe because I was so worried , it was a shock, that I felt o.k ... if that makes sense .. my untie had exactly the same two months after me .. and she's fine with it too .. l can understand it's not the same for most .. but it cuts the odds down of there being any rogue cells left .. 

I've been told there's less pain with a total... and all I needed was a couple of parasitomol after ... and I was so amazed I got through the op as I'm not in best of health ... l just wanted to be here for my granddaughters summer school holiday in 2017 ... never dreamed id see last summer, and here I am in 2019 ... and doing good ... I think me taking control of my journey helped make me stronger ... I think everyone should be allowed to make those decisions ... which ever way they want to go .. l was so lucky with all my oncology team .. and they always gave me both side of info, and a couple of days to decide for myself , my surgeon told me, he would always be at the end of the phone if needed ... wish everyone could have him .. must admit, I did have a bit of a crush on him .. (I know, at my age  lol) 

Always hear if you want a chat ... it is a rollercoaster ride ... but keep on holding on tight ... there's so many amazing breast lasses on here, you'll never be alone .. Chrissie xx

Hi Bury,

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. The first time I was advised to have a lumpectomy and a mastectomy was never mentioned.

A year later I had a double mastectomy. Only one breast was malignant - the other had a lump which was benign, but I wanted to make sure and, fortunately my surgeon was happy to do it. My Breast Care Nurses were also very supportive.

I have never regretted doing this, even though I couldn't have reconstruction, due to previous non-cancer related surgery.I manage well with a selection of different prostheses and can go swimming or to the gym without any bother. If I wear a low cut dress I occasionaly need a modesty panel, but this works well most of the time.

If you have any questions, I am more than happy to answer them.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx 

Hi Lemonice

Thanks for your reply it’s great to have help and support off people on here. As you said if it’s right for me then that my decision. Will let you know how I get on.

Thanks

Bury x

Hi Jolamine

Thanks for replying, it’s great to have support and hear your story. It gives me confidence in my decision to hear you have no regrets.

Take care and wish you well 

Thanks again

Bury x

Hi Bury,

Good luck in your meeting with your surgeon tomorrow. When he has already given you the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy, I would hope that he will accept your decision gracefully.

Just stand your ground!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

All went well on Monday, having mastectomy on Tuesday 15th January.