Hi All!

I hope everyone managed to get at least a little bit of respite from the fear and anxiety this weekend.

Vicki - how was the beach hut? Hope that fresh air did the trick for you.

Take care of yourselves xx

I took the kids to the cinema on Saturday, and then had my sons 4th birthday party on Sunday. So I've managed to keep quite well distracted!! 
 

The breast clinic just called, and they've moved my results appointment to 9:40 on Thursday, instead of 11:40. So at least I don't have to worry all morning. It will be school run, then appointment!! Praying for benign results!! Xxx

Hi Vicki, 

So good to hear from you and so pleased that the neck biopsy was negative. And triple positive is great news too. Wishing you all the best for your first chemo. You've got this!

I'm doing fine. Still waiting for MRI date but expecting it to be next week then assuming all as expected will be having my surgery 10th March. Fingers crossed.

It's my birthday next Thursday so hoping I will be able to have lunch with my mum and sis rather than in an MRI but we shall see!!!

Thank you for your update! Sending lots of love xx

Hope everyone is doing well.  
I had the results of my second biopsy yesterday and thankfully it was DCIS low grade and no invasive so that's reassuring I suppose.  It would have been better if they were benign but I kind of knew they wouldn't be!

They are sending all my pictures for a second opinion as I'm so anxious about something else being missed.  Once they hear back they will schedule surgery.

I've decided on a mastectomy as my 2 areas of calcs were wide apart and she said they could be "talking to each other".  I want to be super safe.  Surprised to hear that as long as no lymph node spread not even radiotherapy needed, just tamoxifen.

Worries how it will look but I don't fancy a reconstruction.  A relative had one and she said she looked like someone had attacked her with a machete!  Awful scarring.  I'm happy to be flat and tidier!

Anyone else had it done??   

Hi Mary, 

It's good news that the DCIS is low grade. I also had to have masectomy, as I think I told you before. It's a hard and very personal choice whether to have a reconstruction or not. I just wanted to say that my reconstructed breast is very well done with minimal scarring and certainly doesn't look like I have been hit with a machete. If you wanted to, you could ask to be seen by a plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction options before ruling it out. They can show you photos of how they generally look. 

Good luck making your decision, I just told myself that I have to live with my choice and I wanted to be sure it was the best one for me before I finalised it. 

Virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Hi Mickey, thanks.

I'm so glad to hear that your reconstruction was good.  My relative had a bad experience and I don't think she's particularly happy with the results.

I did wonder about the plastic surgeon.  The breast surgeons are just that aren't they, and will focus on removing the cancer.  In my mind they're not plastic surgeons who focus on a good aesthetic result.  I suppose it's too late once it's all gone and perhaps there isn't enough skin left for reconstruction.  
 

I'm a bit surprised she didn't mention a plastic surgeon actually.  She agreed straight away to do a mastectomy.  She said because I had found the whole experience hard with anxiety (who doesn't), she felt it would be easier for me rather than coping with yearly check ups and a possible recurrence.  That's true tbf, I couldnt cope with that.

So, as I've got some time I will get a second opinion from a plastic surgeon.  Thanks again. Xx

Hi Mary, 

You're quite right the breast surgeon is specifically that. Only the plastic surgeon can review reconstruction options and recommendations for you. 

You certainly would rule out any skin sparing options if you have a masectomy. They can do other delayed reconstructions, but again if you want to know about that you need to see a plastic surgeon. 

It's not too late for you to ask your BCN to be referred to a plastic surgeon to discuss options if that's what you want. It will mean a surgery delay but that will be managed safely. Completely up to you, but don't sit on the fence with your decision, time is of the essence. 

Good luck - hugs Mickey xx ️

Hi Mary

That is amazing news on your results. What a relief. 

With regards reconstruction, don't they offer an implant as an option? 

Xxx

Good advice Mickey that I'll take on board xx

As for possible recurrence it is a possibility for masectomy whether you have reconstruction or not. It's rare, but it does happen. We all have to be mindful of that and check that removed breast post surgery. 

Please let me know how you get on. Xx ️

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

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