Being diagnosed with breast cancer - mastectomy and reconstruction???

Nok

I am only 46 years old. I am skinny and helthy. I eat lots of vegi and fruit and a bit of chicken. I do not eat meat. 

I felt the pain in my left breast in March. I got a shock as the lump is so BIG. my GP said just cyst. I do not have family history. I went to have ultrasound and mammogram, followed by biopsy next morning. I went numb when I have heard that I have breast cancer. My GP did not explain anything to me. I read the report myself that I have DCIS. I went to see many specialists, but they had quite different opinions. I have decided to have mastectomy as the tumour is giant (only 2 months - > 5 cm) and sentinel lymph node biopsy. While I have been waiting for the operation (held next month), the tumour is getting bigger (2 times).

I eat lots of vegi and drink carrot juice as I am trying to keep my body in base condition to delap growth of cancer cells before the operation. 

Could you guys give me an opionion? What to do! About reconstruction, which doctor is good. I am so stressed and lost weight 7 kgs. Thanks.

Nok

Moreover, the tumour is very painful. Hurt all the time. 

Sister

There are many surgeons out there and when you get one you will get advice as to how what sort of treatment to have.  It seems as if you have gone to a number of specialsists.  Have any of these been a surgeon and have you changed due to not getting on with one?

Nok

They all are surgeons. I have changed to the second one becuase the first one wanted to talk for only 10 minutes and was seemed more interested in legal than the operation. They all told me to have a full mastectomy. I think the tumour is big, so it makes sense to cut the entire breast.  

Afraser

You need to be referred to a surgeon or settle on one that you have seen. If you wish to share where you are living, some members of the network may be able to give further advice. But it is in your own interests (medical and emotional) to arrange surgery as soon as possible. You can talk to the surgeon about reconstruction too, but you can always wait and do this later if you are uncertain. Sadly the reasons why people get breast cancer are, in the words of my surgeon, "still a mystery but we are getting much better at treating it". Fit, healthy people can get it. Being fit and healthy may help you get through treatment better so that's a good thing. A partner or family member, or a good friend to go with you when you see specialists would help - there is a lot of information, most of it is often new and unfamiliar and anxiety makes it hard to take it all in. Someone to write notes and ask questions is very helpful. This diagnosis is an awful shock but many people get through this and get their lives back. Best wishes.

primek

You might like to join our breast reconstruction group. There are photo stories in tbere and women only too willing to share there surgical experience.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

Nok

Thanks a lot, Afraser. I moved from Melbourne 10 months ago. Now I live in Sydney. I have organised surgery  with a surgeon in Cambelltown. The surgery will be on Monday, 7th May.  

Nok

Hi, primek Broken Hill. Thank you so much for your advice. I would like to join the breast reconstruction group becuase I will have mastectomy next month. I would like to hear from people who have done that. I think it would be very useful to understand about breast reconstruction as I have no idea.

Afraser

Excellent. I know it's daunting but things usually feel better when you have a plan. I can't help with reconstruction as I chose to
remain mono-boobed, but the reconstruction group will have excellent advice. Best wishes for your surgery and treatment.

Nok

Thanks a lot, Afraser.

SoldierCrab

hi Nok, 

it is hard when we are first diagnosed... 

Below are a couple of links to help you find your
way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order
a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 

It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a
diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

The what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 

Breast Care Nurses

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx 

My Journey Kits and other
resources. 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

If
you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support
please call 1800 500 258.  The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and
Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST

primek

If you click on the link of my previous post it will take you to the reconstruction group and then you can request to join. 

mum2jj

Hi @Nok Here is the link again in case you can't find it for choosing breast reconstruction.

Lots of photo stories and ladies who have had reconstructions in the group.

Paula x

Nok

Thanks a lot, SoldierCrab, primek Broken Hill and mum2jj.

SoldierCrab

HI Nok
you dont need to put broken hill after primek, that is where she lives .... Like mine says Bathurst as that is where I live. 

Nok

Sorry. I moved from Melbourne 10 months ago. I have not known Sydney well.