Scared!

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  • Sister
    Sister Member Posts: 4,960 ✭
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    @Jenny004s Such good news that it's contained.  You'll get through chemo - it won't be fun, but you'll do it.  I know what you mean about whether to take both breasts...  Both my surgeon and onc don't think it's necessary for me but I'm still very uncertain as it was so hard to see my cancer in the mammograms and CT scans and no-one thought it had spread to the nodes.  I'm very happy with my doctors but I sometimes wonder whether a female doctor would say the same.  So for me, the jury is still out on that one.  Go with what you feel after talking through the options.
  • Jenny004s
    Jenny004s Member Posts: 11 ✭
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    @Sister I am pretty determined to get them both done. I just hope I have the option. My friend said that her dr refused to take both. I hope that doesn’t happen to me. 
  • MaryB83
    MaryB83 Member Posts: 45 ✭
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    So I had my specialist appt today. Looks like chemobfir 6 months, then double mastectomy and auxiliary node removal followed by radiation (anc possibly more chemo)
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,552 ✭
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    Well at least now you have a plan. Have you got your My Journey kit?
    @soldiercrab has a list of info

    Take care 
  • Jenny004s
    Jenny004s Member Posts: 11 ✭
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    Has anyone here had a tummy flap reconstruction? Just wondering if it’s a good idea or not. 
  • Sannahkate
    Sannahkate Member Posts: 4 ✭
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    MaryB83 said:

    So I had my specialist appt today. Looks like chemobfir 6 months, then double mastectomy and auxiliary node removal followed by radiation (anc possibly more chemo)

    Hi Mary,

    Sorry you’re joining the BC club but welcome all the same. I have read through this thread and apart from the markers (you’re triple negative and I’m ER/PR positive) we have the exact same diagnosis. I was diagnosed at 29 years old late December last year (Merry bloody Christmas right?!)

    I am nearly finished with chemo (7 weeks of Taxol left!) and will be having surgery then most likely radio - apparently the latter depends on lymph nodes and the number infiltrated. 

    Have you been tested for the BRCA and other genes? As I’m BRCA2 (which I found out after I had my diagnosis) I’ll be having a double mastectomy and reconstruction; one side being risk reducing and the other being to address my tumour. It may be worth asking for a referral to a Genetic Counsellor who can explain the process and pros/cons of getting tested. My surgeon helped with this.

    It’s a terrifying time, especially to begin with, but you have the support of all “BCNA babes”, including this one, every step of the way. 
  • kmakm
    kmakm Member Posts: 7,974 ✭
    edited May 2018
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    @Jenny004s Do you mean a DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator)? That's where they take belly fat and move it to your chest to make breasts out of your own tissue. I had that done two weeks ago.

    You might want to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group. Lots of pictures and information there.

    Whether it's a good idea or not is a very personal decision! It is massive surgery and not for the faint of heart. But you wake up with your own warm tissue. There's a lot to think about on this one. K xox
  • Eastmum
    Eastmum Member Posts: 495 ✭
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    Hi @Jenny004s - your reconstruction will most likely be informed by whether or not you end up having radiation. That's the one treatment that has a huge impact on the implants vs DIEP decision. It's a decision that I'm going to have to make sometime next year. 
    Gathering info is one of the best things you can do, and this is a great place to do that. If you're searching on google, make sure you check out really reputable sites like the Mayo Clinic and British Medical Association - there's a ton of crap out there that can freak you out or just confuse you. 
    As well as the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group that @kmakm suggested (which is awesome), there's also a 'Reclaim Your Curves' website and Facebook group that you can join - there are tons of photos on there too, as well as first-hand experiences.
    Chat to all the medical professionals before you make any decisions including a Plastic Surgeon and Radiation Oncologist. 
    Wishing you all the best xxxx
     
  • Jenny004s
    Jenny004s Member Posts: 11 ✭
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    @kmakm are you happy with the result? I like the sound of it. 
  • MaryB83
    MaryB83 Member Posts: 45 ✭
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    Thanks @Sannahkate I haven't had my genetic testimony but they tell me I will- depending on the outcome of that, I'm thinking as well as double mastectomy down the track I might have a hysterectomy too... it is surreal at the moment. I have an entire round table of specialists deciding what's best for me so I guess I'm in the right hands. 
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,552 ✭
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    Hi @MaryB83
    I can see that others including @SoldierCrab have picked up on where you are at in a different thread.  Wishing you well with the upcoming treatment and knowing that you have the support of this forum as well as.  Your Breast care nurse will become your go to as you settle into the routine of treatment and appointments.  
    Take care

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