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

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

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

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