Hi Izzy,

What an awful dilemma to be in - mastectomy versus lumpectomy - are you any nearer to reaching a decision? I am sorry to hear that reconstruction may not be an option because of your C sections. Did your surgeon discuss the possibility of using skin from your back (Latissimus Dorsi) or inserting an expander?

I'm normally very anti tattoos too, but I like the idea of one in this case. I was not a suitable candidate for reconstruction, so I still get by with a selection of prostheses for different activities. After 10 years of wearing these I have opted for lighter weight ones, as I had large breasts and found the silicone breast forms too heavy for comfort. 

Having had both a lumpectomy and a mastectomy on my right breast, it didn't look too pretty post-surgery. I was fortunate enough to find a nurse specialist who carried out tissue release on my scarring. This was a great help, as it reduced the puckered affect of the scarring and, has massively improved the appearance. My left breast is fine, as it only had the mastectomy.

Just a thought, but would there be any benefit in leaving the dent in the bottom of your breast and just adding a 'chicken fillet' to your dent when wearing a bra?

I hope that you get your date for surgery soon and, can move forward with treatment. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

They did mention the skin from the back scenario. The nurse seemed to think being slim may be an issue.

what I'm unclear about, and I'll call them tomorrow, is why I can't get an implant if I got for a mastectomy (as my understanding is no radiation is needed then?).

they didnt  really answer that- or I didn't understand it well.

Hi Izzy,

If you don't understand anything or if your consultant doesn't answer your questions, don't be afraid to ask again. I don't know what your local hospital's protocol is, but I wonder if they are not doing any implants at the moment due to Covid 19.

It would certainly be a good idea to call your breast care nurse tomorrow and get this clarified.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

I just wanted to let you know that I have surgery on the 7th with a covid test on tuesday.

I just want it over and done with now as the waiting is driving me mad and I'm trying to keep busy bit only so much cleaning cooking and watching tv I can do...cant read because I cant concentrate x

I will let you all know how I get on x

Many thanks 

Hayley xx

Hi Hayley. What op are you getting done?

My surgeon wants to do a therapeutic mammoplasty but I want an immediate DIEP so I'm hanging in there
ive obtained to have a stand alone sentinel node biopsy also on the 7th in Reading. If that is positive I will have to re evaluate my expectations to a mammoplasty.

good luck with it all x 

Hi Izzy, 

I'm having mastectomy of the right breast x 

And continual mode biopsy at the same time x

Fingers crossed this all comes back negative and I shouldnt need further treatment but as they cannot tell me exactly what is dotted all over the lower breast until they go in I'm unaware of what is cancer and what is not. 

Feeling quite calm about it and just want it over and done with because I have a feeling the wait is worse than the actual op x 

Hope your keeping well and good luck to you to

I've been told that you can turn blueish and have blue wee after the biopsy x 

Keep in touch and let me know how you get on 

Hayley x

I'll be thinking of you Thursday x

Hi Hayley,

I'm delighted to hear that you have got your surgery date at last and, that you will have a Covid 19 test before that.

Waiting is always difficult. I agree that concentration is a difficult factor at this stage - have you thought of doing a jigsaw puzzle? This is something that a number of people find helps to pass the time. Watching TV is just depressing at the moment and, there are more ways to keeping busy than cleaning and cooking!

I'm sure that all will go well and look forward to hearing how you get on.

I shall be thinking of you on 7th.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Absolutely gutted..got a phone call at teatime..they have cancelled my op tomorrow because they have lost my covid test I had yesterday..no results no op.

Lists are already done for next week so dont know when it will be.

Took the kids to there days and got quite emotional to come home for it to be cancelled.