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

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

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

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

Evening ladies!

Hope you are all doing OK!

Just thinking that I ought to start preparing for my surgery. For those who have been through it (I'm expecting to have upper left quadrant removal with lift and bilateral reduction /or similar) any tips on what helped with recovery and generally making things easier post-op?

I don't even own a pair of slippers! Do I need slippers? I feel like I need some slippers lol!!

And what about post-op bras? 

My daughter has bought me some button front pj's for my birthday (bless her she wanted to buy mummy a pretty dress but I subtley suggested pj's might be more practical!)

Anyway, enough rambling! Any tips hugely appreciated!

Sending best wishes to you all xx

Hello you lovely person. Thanks for thinking of me. So much appreciated.

Yes first EC chemo was yesterday. The meds going through were OK and I had lovely nurses. Just so wonderful. Felt OK getting home but went badly downhill from about 5pm! Nausea, headache, kidney pain, mood swings and no chance of sleep. However, I do think a lot of that was because of the steroid I'd had as well. I finally slept at about 1am and today I feel far more human. 

When do you have your surgery?

Xxx

Hi Vicky hope you feeling ok I am having my second cycle of chemotherapy next Monday                       this week feeling ok sleep is a problem tho. My first post  love to all x

Hello and thank you. Are you given a steroid as a pre med? I had dexamethasone and I hear it can stop you sleeping properly which is counter productive for me. My body needs to heal after that onslaught! I toldbthe nurse this morning and she said she would ask about the dose being reduced. 

What chemo are you on? 

Hope you are feeling OK and thanks for messaging xx

Oh no - sorry you had such nasty side-effects, but gald you are feeling more human again today!

Let's hope that they can alter your steroid dose next time - I imagine it's always a case of trial and error until they get the balance right as everyone is different.

On the flip side, sounds like you have great nurses ansd support for the chemo sessions themselves so that's good to hear.

When is the next one?

My surgeryis scheduled for 10th March. Have an MRI tomorrow (Nice birthday present haha) so if that doesn't show up anything unexpected then should be all good to go for the 10th.

Fingers crossed!!

Xxx

I am havingEC90 Epirubicin/Cyclophosphamide for 3 cycles fiollowed by three cycles of  Carboplatin and weekly Paclitaxel.  I was sent home with steroids to take for two days  I think. Will find out more on Monday.  Thank you x

I'm having ec for 4 cycles then taxol weekly for 12 weeks. 

How did you feel after your first ec? Were you sickly or any hot flashes? I'm getting those today! I feel rather empty inside and am hoping that passes soon. I only had my treatment yesterday though so I guess to be expected. Xx

I hope so with the steroid as I did not like it at all. 

Cannot fault the care. Such caring and hard working ladies. 

Best of luck for your mammogram and happy birthday to you. Let us know how you get on.

Vicki xxx

Thank you Vicki!

I will keep you posted xx

Good morning hope you feeling a bit better today yes hot flush s and hot feet sent for ice pack socks to cool them off ! No sickness think I now have things in place to help me next time frozen pineapple to suck gargle with salt water just rest. After having my first cycle not knowing what to expect fear of the unknown etc I now know it will pass and you do feel better make every thing you eat help you on your recovery on that note I craved cold chips so had a few. Take care love and big hugs to every one