Needing support

Yes spring and the heat has started, I do like the warmer weather but the hot flushes are worse in the warmer weather.

I had chemo and mastectomy and I had immediate reconstruction, yes it was hard but I have no regrets. I'm coming to the end with just having my nipple tatto. The ladies are right ask ask any question because it is your body.Good luck with your resultsx

Hi Kerr Kerr,

Welcome to our online network or as I like to call it my second home, I don't know how I would of gotten this far without the support from everyone on here, I was diagnosed officially on the 21st of May and it has been a major rollercoaster ride I had a Lumpectomy and sentinal node removal but there was cancer in my lymph node so I had to have an auxillary clearance but good news there no more lymph node involvement but I had a third surgery and I had a port put in my chest for chemo as I was told my veins wouldn't be able to take canulas every 3 weeks for 18 weeks of chemo but that's changed too now I have to have 21 weeks chemo now but we have to do what we have to do and then I have 6 weeks of radiotherapy and then hormonal therapy for 5 years, I have my 3rd round of chemo on monday, good luck with your MRI I hope everything turns out great once you know when chemo is starting you'll feel a lot better make sure you have a support person with you if you can I have been lucky my hubby never misses an appointment and my daughter who's 9 is amazing and so supportive and loving and my friends and family have been great too, just remember you are never alone I would go crazy without this site it's become a big part of my life and the support is amazing, keep posting and feel free to private message me if you want when you work it out it took me a while but I worked it out eventually, take care sending you a cyber hug and a big smile.

Anitaxx 

Hi Kerr Kerr

Yes, there are some amazing supportive ladies on this site so keep looking.

Before any appointments write a long list of questions (and NO question is silly) so you can work through them with your medical team.  Also, if at all possible take someone with you as you won't hear everything as your mind will be in turmoil.

Unfortunately I was not a contender for skin or nipple sparing surgery, hence decisions so far down the track.

Ask ask ask - that is the best advice I can give you.

Enjoy your weekend

Summer  :-)

Thanks everyone. At moment just trying to read everything I can and work out how I'm feeling and want I want (even though options are not what I want) I'm sure you all know what I mean. I feel empowered when I read everyone's stories. They make me cry, smile, laugh, sigh, angry and so forth but so happy to be introduced to this site. 

Thanx 

kerr kerr

Hi Kerr Kerr

I am investigating the possibility of DIEP as I am not keen on having foreign objects in my body.  This is a big step 12 months after my mastectomy, though, as I feel lucky to have got through the three surgeries at the time.

As they can only do DIEP once, I am not sure whether to wait in case the other boob gets it, then do the two together.  

I understand that DIEP is a long operation, though, and I am not sure if I want to go that far - my age is against me at 65 - and the fakie does the job !

The cost is a big factor as well.  I pay private health insurance but my out of pocket would be $9,000 - worth it ???  Hm.

Hope this helps you

Summer  :-)

Hi Kerr Kerr,

Welcome to the network.  You'll find lots of support and advice and cyber cuddles here.  It certainly is a rollercoaster ride and once you know your results of the MRI you'll know what you're facing.  Waiting for results is the worst I found. Stay in touch here. I was diagnosed back in April.  Had 3 surgeries, chemo and having radiotherapy now.  Hormone therapy and delayed reconstruction is on the cards for me.  The advice on this network has been a great support. Spring is in the air and hair is sprouting on my head just like new grass! 

Take one thing at a time.

Karen xx

Hi Kerr Kerr 

I had bilateral mastectomy with immediate recon too and whilst it can be confronting it is some times a necessary treatment option.

if you do need to go down this path and want to also do reconstruction there is a Breast Reconstruction Online Group as another great source of information and support.

take one step at a time and consider all your options and work out what is best for you.

wishing you all the best

Chris xx

Hi and welcome to the network, I had a right mastectomy in February this year, and these ladies have been wonderful with their advice and support through my chemo and radiation over the last 7 months. You'll make great links, and feel supported along the way. All the very best for your upcoming surgery. BC is one of the more treatable cancers, so take heart. It's good that you don't have any involvement in your lymph nodes, that's a positive start. Here's sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????

Hi Summer thanx for your reply. MRI complete but won't know results till next week sometime, but I'm happy that hurdle is over and on to the next one. 

Interesting you mentioned about immediate reconstruction because that is where my head is at the moment. 

Can I ask what reconstruction you opted for? 

Im 46 years old. 

Thanx for making me feel included in this lovely bunch of ladies. 

Kerr Kerr 

Good afternoon Kerr Kerr

Yes, spring is in the air at long last and it does help one's frame of mind enormously.

Congrats on getting your post to print, as it were.

You are right in that the posts and responses from other ladies most often answers your own queries and makes you realize you are not alone with the problems and thinking.

Good luck for your MRI.  Hoping it shows that your further treatment is minimal.

If the big M word is the go then don't panic.  It is often the best option and you will get through, as many of us have had to do.  Depending on your age try to go for an immediate reconstruction.  I was not offered this at the time and looking back I wish it had been (I was in too much shock to ask and the surgeon I had does not do reconstructions - wonder why he did not ask me ??).

Victoria has a public holiday today (for the football !!!!) so there may not be as many ladies on-line today.

Anyway, I will watch for your next post with the results of today.

Regards

Summer  :-)