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Re: Challenging my perceptions of body image!

Hi @Toosta
The comment above that your breasts do not define you resonates with me.
When I found out I had to have a mastectomy my wonderful hubby of 32 years said “ it’s not like it’s an essential organ”.
Certainly put it in perspective.
Thats not to say the whole shitfest is not emotionally devastating , at least  in the beginning.

Re: Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed

Most medical practitioners are hesitant to
recommend alcohol at all. Which is fair enough. The main thing is how great a risk is occasional alcohol. If it’s a habit, and worse if it’s an increasing habit, then it’s not good for your overall health and most studies suggest it may be linked to cancer. There is of course a difference between links, triggers and inevitable causes! I do have a glass of wine but I try and use non alcoholic wine (or beer) as much as I can. It’s not the same but it helps! I don’t drink sugary soft drinks or fruit juices, and relaxing with a nice glass of water doesn’t quite cut it! I actually find non- alcoholic beer perfectly acceptable. Good luck! 

Re: Challenging my perceptions of body image!

I'm sorry for your recurrences.
So far I've only had BC once. Stage 2 Grade 3 Ductal, Estrogen sensitive. In 2020. At 61 yrs age.
I had Mastectomy with axillary clearance on my Right side.
I was not distressed at being flat one side. But I hated my prosthesis.
My bra seemed to always swing one way.
I then considered going Flat both sides.
I am a bit chubby, and decided that my tummy would stick out too much.
So then I looked into Reconstruction.
I wanted a DIEP, but I was not suitable.
Then I chose a Lat Dorsi to R side (recommended for me due to having had Radiotherapy)
At same time of that surgery, I had a prophylactic Mastectomy to my L side. In 2022.
My main concern was symmetry.
I had tissue expanders and then breast implants.
I have symmetry and am very happy. I will need new implants in 10-15 yrs.
I miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. I will get nipple tattoos, just to look finished.
Overall, I'm happy. Dressing is easier now, and I sometimes go braless at 65.
All the best with your decision making.

Re: Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed

Good on you @HelenlovesSnoopy ..... you deserve your glass of wine xxx. You've earned it. 

Definitely a balancing act, @Cindi .... but I also don't deny myself one of my few pleasures these days - which is a glass (or 2) of wine at the end of the day with my dinner! .... I even have a Rum & Coke now & then too!  ;)  (Yeah, WICKED, I know!) 

Same with Meat and anything else you eat - eat in moderation, not to excess.  Same with exercise!!! 

Everything, in moderation - nothing to excess. ;) 
arpiearpie

Re: Challenging my perceptions of body image!

Thankyou all so much - I’m so glad I found you all! I’m very grateful to have a husband that does not care at all - he was the first person to say he loves me - not about the boobs - so I know I have his full support which makes the decision lighter. I don’t have a lot of body fat so that’s part of the issue - they’re going to have to raid a few places and after everything in the last two years - I’m not sure it’ll be worth it.  I’ve applied to join those groups so yes - looking forward to continuing the discussion there too ❤️
ToostaToosta

Re: Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed

I have been having the occasional mini-bottle (basically a glassful but may be slightly over a standard drink) on non-chemo weeks. I think it’s a matter of balance as Afraser says. I’m not tempted often because my taste buds are a bit iffy anyway. But I’m of the opinion occasional is fine so long as it doesn’t creep up. 

Re: Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed

I was just wondering something.

Now that I'm off treatment except for the Hormone blockers, I was thinking, wouldn't it be nice to have a glass of wine again sometime, or do you think this is forbidden now.

Does anyone know if this is allowed?
 I guess I could ring my breast nurse, but she's hard to get onto.........& she'd probably say.... no :(

Does anyone know?

I know it's just a little thing , but I did used to enjoy a glass ( one) before this whole nightmare begun.

x
CindiCindi