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Of course I would Choose the same I too had DCIS I had 3 tumours but all less than 1cm each
they said mine was a satellite unusual that they were confined to those 3 and not spread so I had lumpectomy and radiation x0 -
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Hi SLD
I'm happy to share any part of my experience that can help. In my case I had a 40mm invasive lump on the left breast and 4 DCIS varying from 6m to 12mm in the right. Because my biopsy initially came back benign, but my surgeon (and everyone else) was unconvinced, I had a lumpectomy on both sides to determine for sure what we were dealing with. To say I was floored when the results came back cancer would be an understatement.
This did mean of course that by now all the lumps were out, two things influenced my choice. I had a new GP and he strongly advised double mastectomy even before the pathology came back, on the basis that "a lot was going on" for someone my age. I was 44 at the time. His quote was, "if you were a man, they wouldn't ask". the other thing for me, was my feeling that I seemed to have a particular aptitude for growing multiple lumps. My youngest was also 4 at the time, and for me I didn't want to be back year after year for the next lumpectomy and the next. My decision was probably a little easier in that I never had a strong sense of being defined by my breasts and I have opted to not have a reconstruction, nor to I wear a prosthetic. I think the Americans call it living flat.
Was it an easy surgery... For me, no, have I recovered quite quickly yes. I still have some slight restricted movement in my left arm but I know that's because I had to have a full node sweep and radiotherapy on that side. The right side has recovered much quicker and easier.
Our eldest had just turned 10 two weeks before I found the lump initially. we did end up telling him pretty early on as he sensed something was up. Being armed with some facts around survival rates really helps, and being early stage you will hopefully have a really good outcome regardless which choice you go with. Kids are amazingly resilient. Post my surgery I could only laugh as I did various phsyio exercises with my 4 y old beside me making appropriate grunts and groans while imitating my stretches.
I did question my decision a million times during the recovery, but now I am happy with my choice.
My surgery was on Aug 25th and I was back on the footy field by the end of Jan for the start of that season (AFL 9's btw - not up for contact sport at my age!!)
happy to chat more over the weekend if there's anything in particular you want to know.
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Well @SLD230317, Am hoping for you that your surgery was completed today and you are now on the road to recovery. Sending you healing thoughts and a gentle hug. Xx Cath1
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Hey SLD.....welcome to our network, we are all here to chat and be supportive along the way. Cuddles, Trace0
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@SLD230317 Im so sorry you have joined us here!! but what a great place to be amongst these amazing loving supportive women!! Im currently recovering from a single mastectomy/diep flap reconstruction. It is huge to have it all in one hit but am doing well 4 weeks on. This was a recurrence for me at the 4yrs mark so Ive been on this ride 7 yrs now. I am clear since 2015 but opted for the Mastectomy due to recurrence. Everything is defined from the pathology and its so crucial to know exactly your diagnosis,its the only way of knowing your treatment and risks and it really is varied.
I remember first time round, I had no support, Id lost my Mum 18 months prior, 6 months out of my marriage and starting anew with my 2 kids and BAM!! its been a very hard road. I found you go into auto pilot its almost like you do what you are told and just keep going, you just dont have time to think about it. I had no tears for awhile, then it hit when things settled. Its a roller coaster and I learnt that I had no control, the only control I had was how I was going to deal with each step and that was huge and HARD! So I say to you, go slow, have faith in your Specialists, do your homework and keep talking. We are all here to help support anyway we can. Its overwhelming and shocking and we wonder what on earth just happened and what does it mean moving forward?? one step one day at a time is how...the best thing I could say. Big Hugs youre going to be ok. Melinda xo1 -
Hi eveyone, thank you for your thoughts and sharing your stories with me. You are all amazing women.
Had my op yesterday and all went well. Surgeon was really happy with how things went. Was cheered up by seeing my hubby and children after the surgery. My 3 year old son said "mommy can I see your boob they took away" bless him, it was so cute the way he asked it made my chuckle. Just pleased they are asking questions when they are ready. Laughter really is the best medicine (and the strong drugs of course).
Once I started talking to my children about what was happening, I found it really easy, as we have a really good relationship and they know I'm always honest with them.
I've kept my humour in all this and I know some people may think it insensitive, but that's what gets me through it and that's all that matters.
Woke up positive this morning. That step is done. Each day as it comes. x5 -
Fantastic!!! and not insensitive. HUMOR has been my saving grace too!!! you sound in great spirits!!! Wonderful! Melinda xo1
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Humour is how I got thru my treatments ....
awesome to hear it went well yesterday
Soldier Crab
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Hi @SLD230317 you go girl...wonderful to hear the first big hurdle is over.
I've just had a DIEP reconstruction and my lovely 19 year old son came in today to be here for my first walk around the ward. I was so excited to see him and he was so beautifully compassionate, it was good for my soul.
But one thing he did say he was no longer worried, because he knows I will always be honest with him and his brother about whatever happens. He said he appreciated that and that this is what has helped him to feel much less worried.
So, wonderful your kids are asking questions xxxx3 -
Glad the surgery went well and you feel much more positive. Humour is almost needed as treatment plan I reckon. Take care. X2
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WOW I can't believe this is exactly what happened when I was in hospital with my 17yo Son!! thats uncanny!!! my son struggled badly for this surgery and moreso as he had gone to live at his dads so his anxiety was through the roof. xnikkid said:Hi @SLD230317 you go girl...wonderful to hear the first big hurdle is over.
I've just had a DIEP reconstruction and my lovely 19 year old son came in today to be here for my first walk around the ward. I was so excited to see him and he was so beautifully compassionate, it was good for my soul.
But one thing he did say he was no longer worried, because he knows I will always be honest with him and his brother about whatever happens. He said he appreciated that and that this is what has helped him to feel much less worried.
So, wonderful your kids are asking questions xxxx2 -
Hi SLD
I hope you are doing well. I had my diagnosis just over a month ago and still feels like a bad dream. I have good days and then a bad one. I have learnt so much about BC in the space of a month. it takes time to come to terms with the detour that your life has taken. I have found reading information and the online comments on this network to be helpful. Even though it has taken me a month to actually post something - I feel more positive knowing that you can learn a lot from other people's journeys. One day at a time...1 -
Hi @SLD230317 so glad to hear your surgery went well. I love your son's question. My kids really kept it real for me, and never let me feel "too" sorry for myself! (don't worry I did feel plenty sorry for myself at times, but they were always able to bring me back!)
Good luck with the next steps.
@tracy.ec I spent six months reading b4 posting. The great thing about bad dreams is eventually you wake up
be kinds to yourselves over this time. Give yourself all the space you need to recover mentally & phsyically
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