Hi Vicki, 

Yes there are various implant options too including skin sparing and in some cases nipple sparing depending on your cancer situation. A plastic surgeon can review all the suitable options for you personally with you. 

Hope that helps Mickey xx ️

Hi Vicki hope you're doing well.  Yes, it's as good as I can hope for I suppose.  Still got that tiny 1mm invasive found in first biopsy but they don't seem too concerned about it tbf as it's so small and low grade.  I'm a bit surprised tbh that nothing was mentioned to me about reconstruction.  In my keenness to get rid I said I'm happy to be flat as long as it's all gone!  I do still feel that way but in hindsight I do wonder if she should have 'reined me in' a bit and told me about reconstruction options..... she didn't.

I will take Mickey's advice and get a referral to a plastic surgeon just so I know I've ticked all the boxes.

What a journey this is!  It's marvellous being able to 'chat' to all you other ladies and get advice.  Thank you all again xx

That's great news Mary -  so so pleased that thy found no invasive.

Having read the other replies re: reconstruction, I would definitely talk to a plastic surgeon so that you have all the information at hand before you make a decision - either way, the right decision is whatever you feel is best for you.

I am currrently expecting to have a lumpectomy (unless MRI shows anything unexpected) and will have a lift and bilateral reduction so that I am not lop-sided - my surgeon is an Oncoplastic breast surgeon so does the cancer bit and the plastic surgery bit. the nurse also said she would show me some photos of previous surgeries and what I can expect so I think that will be helpful.

Good luck with your second opinion too.

Xx

Wishing you all the best with your surgery.

That's interesting about the oncoplastic breast surgeon.  Now you mention it I think all the consultants in our clinic are oncoplastic.  I wonder why this wasn't explained more.  I'm presuming then that they are plastic surgeons as well??

I'm not large busted, middling I suppose but after breast feeding my 3 kids years ago they've gone south! It has caught my interest a bit about levelling and evening up.  It's just so much to think about with everything else.  I'm guessing decisions have to be made before the cancer surgery to consider conserving skin that type of thing?
 

I think I read somewhere that there MAY be a very slightly higher risk of cancer returning with breast conserving than just a full mastectomy, presumably because more skin is left behind but I'm sure that's very rare and everyone will weigh up their own situation.

Im going to make some enquiries and get some more information just to be sure.

Thank you all again xx

Hi Mary. 

Thank you! Still a few weeks to go before my surgery date and have MRI first so fingers crossed for that.

In fairness the surgeon basically told me what she would do and I just went along with it. I do get a really positive feeling about her and the team and would definitely want to be evened up! I have big boobs....32F so would really struggle with being noticeably uneven. And I think she's talking about removing approx. a quarter of left breast so would definitely be obvious. Assuming that nothing extra is found on MRI I am sure I will go ahead with what is being recommended.

It's so tough tho isn't it trying to balance the pros and cons and potential additional benefit of mastectomy in terms of reoccurrence. Such a minefield! 

Hope you get some clarity following your further enquiries. 

Sending best wishes xx

Hey all, sorry for cate crashing, I have no idea where to even start, I have read this entire thread, the strength on all women here is so inspiring! 
I am newly diagnosed IDC with ER+ and waiting on HER2 results. I am so sorry you are all going through this, and just wanted to post to say you all have this, and hoping to be able to provide some support x sorry for crashing .. feel like a new kid in a new school right now 

Hi Rainbowninja, 

Welcome to the gang! No need to apologise for gate crashing....many of us have done the same but have been welcomed unconditionally. I have found this chat super supportive and it has really helped me to know I am not alone. And nether are you. 

So sorry you find yourself here and that you have been diagnosed with IDC. 

How are you feeling? I hope you are doing ok and find some solace in knowing your situation and hopefully having a plan to beat this damn disease. 

Sending best wishes and feel free to lean on us for support. Xx

Hi Rainbowninja87,

You are very welcome.  The wonderful ladies on this thread have been amazing and helped me cope when I was diagnosed with IDC grade 1 last month.  I was pretty scared and reached out on here, not knowing what to expect.  
 

I think everyone has felt supported by some very wise words and helpful advice.  I know I have, since I started the thread, particularly in the difficult wait for results.

I hope you can feel supported on here, you are not alone. x

Hi Vicki, 

How are you? Did you have your first chemo today? Hope it went OK and you aren't feeling too many side effects.

Sending hugs and thinking of you xx