Hi all,
This my first time here. I was diagnosed on the 9th of June. I am now booked in for Surgery on Monday the 29th for Wide local Excision & Sentinel Node Bx. This is what my surgeon thinks is best. I have faith in him. However I wonder if I should just have a mastectomy. Would love to hear from anyone on this. It has been such a rollercoaster ride. I'm so scared. Loz
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Hi loz I know this is a very scary time but I think it is good to listen to your surgeon. I had the same procedure done on 15th may as my surgeon recommended that it would be best due to the size of the tumour. I am now getting radiotherapy. Just remember to ask if you are unsure about anything and good luck for the 29th. Jackie x
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Hi Lozzy,
There is so much to think about. Listen to your doctor but also listen to yourself. If you have time to investigate then do it.
I am currently considering mastectomy following a very complicated journey which started with a wide local excision. But its not something I wish to rush into. Thankfully I have the luxury of taking time to decide as no invasive cells have been found.
Take advice from your doctor and if you have more questions to ask him than ask. Take a family member or very good friend who is able to support you when you ask the questions. Someone who you trust. Get them to take notes. And ask the doctor if you can follow up with more questions in an email or something if you need. Undoubtedly there will be more.
Lozzy you will know what is right for you.
Much love Deb xxoo
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Hi Loz,
Welcome to the network. You've come to the right place for support. So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it's what brings us all together in the first place, I guess.
I can understand your whirlwind roller coaster ride feeling. I was diagnosed at the end of April and the month of May was just a blur. I was offered a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy initially too, thinking a mastectomy would be too drastic a measure. I hope my story doesn't worry you too much, but pathology showed a larger more irregular tumour than was expected and DCIS in tissue margins. I followed up with a further excision which was still unsuccessful. In the end, I had a mastectomy, as I really didn't have much boob to start with (quite small breasted). I really miss not having a boob. My first excision was a neat little smiley face line under my nipple and it would've been followed up with radiotherapy.
However, I was glad I was given the decision. And would still have made the same decision based on information known at the time. I had spoken to a couple of surgeons who would have done the same thing.
It is a scary roller coaster ride initially, but I remember being reassured on this network that once you start your course of action, you do feel like you're getting somewhere. I found waiting for results to be the worst and waiting in dr's rooms etc. Have you received the 'my journey kit' from BCNA? I found it invaluable. Also coming on here. Take someone with you to your appointments so they are aware of the concerns you have and can remember to ask questions you may have forgotten.
All the best with your surgery. It's normal to be scared, but remember you're not alone in all this. There's some amazing women who regularly come on here who are further ahead in their survivor journeys which is so reassuring.
Be kind to yourself in these early days.
Karen xx
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Hi Lozzy, and welcome to the crew. It's wise to talk with your surgeon, as he / she has all your test results and can recommend the appropriate treatments for you. I know that my surgeon was very thorough with body scans and repeat mammograms on my good breast before my mastectomy in February 2015, so I knew exactly where I stood before the operation. It is a really overwhelming time for you, just take it 1 appointment at a time. This network offers some great advice. All the very best to you for your surgery, Tracey B ??
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Hi Lozzy
I expected immediate mastectomy but went with the surgeon's recommendation of a lumpectomy first and had the margins been clear I would have been delighted with the result. It is a good strategy.
Cheers
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Hi Loz,
I was diagnosed 1.5 weeks ago & initially thought about having a mastectomy too.
I changed my mind however following my1st Specialist appointment when my surgeon explained the pros & cons of having a mastectomy & reconstruction vs breast conservation (lumpectomy/ radiation). It also made me realise how lucky I am (so far) to be able to choose rather than have to have the whole breast removed due to the type or extent of the Cancer.
Yes it's scary & hard to decide which way to go, but at the end of the day you need to do what's right for you, your body & your lifestyle
Take Care
Mel xx
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Hi Lozzy, when I saw my surgeon for the first time, I fully expected to have to have a mastectomy, and when he told me I would have a choice, I was so stressed and didn't know which way to step. I had 2 tumors which were in one quadrant of my left breast, as he explained it, he believed he could remove them and get clear margins and as I am a big breasted woman he said I wouldn't notice where they had been. As it turned out, everything he promised he delivered. Now, that doesn't always happen, there are many things that could of not gone to plan. I did put my faith in him as he was the expert, if things hadn't gone my way, I can honestly say I wouldn't have regretted it as I had made a decision on the facts I had at that time. That's all we can do really, gather the facts and make informed decisions. It's really scary and I can understand the way you're feeling. I wish you all the best with whatever surgery you have, take care,
Hazel xx
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Hi Lozzy, welcome to the club but sorry you've had to join us. When my surgeon said I had cancer my first reaction and words were "lob em both off! I want it gone." I ended up having quite a lengthy discussion with the surgeon as to why he thought lumpectomy would be better and made my decision from there. The surgeon agreed that he would do a double mastectomy if that was what I decided on but after going through all of my options and the reasoning behind them, I opted for a lumpectomy. It is so confronting and you wonder if you have made the right decision but in the end you can only make a decision at the time based on the information you have. Ask the surgeon questions and get as much info as you can so that you can feel confident in the decision you make.
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Sorry Lozzie, the iPad froze half way through my post. As the other girls say, definitely take someone with you to your appointments. Write down your questions to ask the specialist. Make another appointment to see the specialist if needs be. Just be prepared that sometimes it doesn't go to plan and sometimes they do have to go back in. That's just how it happens sometimes. Good luck with the surgery. Let us know how you get on. Karen xox
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Thanks Jackie for sharing your story with me. I have found it so helpful to just hear from you and know that I am not alone. Loz
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Thank you Deb I am feeling much better for hearing your story. To know that we are all in it together seems to give me so much courage. Loz
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Karen, Your story gave me so much to think about. I do have the My Journey kit and there is so much valuable information it. I have faith in my team and feel better for it. Thank you. Loz x
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Tracey, Yes my team have been fantastic I have had CT and Full bone scans done. They are very important people who I have faith in, they have been honest and sincere with me with all their advice. Thank you Loz
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Hello Lozzy, Your post brought back memories to me, I had a similar diagnosis, operation and treatment 7 years ago. I hope you are coping well, you will find radiotherapy will make you tired, listen to the people looking after you and do what is suggested as to after care. You will be through and out the other side before you know. I am doing very well now and hope to continue that way, all the best
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