Hello and goldilocks mastectomy

AmySloc

Hi all, I was diagnosed with extensive DCIS in my right breast last month, after my first ever mammogram. I’m 47, have 3 daughters (12, 9 and 4) and live in a rural area. 48 hrs after my diagnosis I travelled to Canberra to meet my surgeon who referred me on for an MRI as well as PET and CT scans. I have a small invasive cancer in the right breast, but at this stage the rest of my body plus lymph nodes appear clear. I didn’t want an implant or a prosthesis, so my surgeon has recommended a double mastectomy (for risk minimisation and symmetry) using the goldilocks technique for immediate reconstruction. I’m a DD cup and very active, so the thought of smaller boobs is actually quite appealing, however I have no idea how small they will actually be. 

Has anyone else on here been through or been recommended this procedure? 

arpie

SO sorry to see you join our select little group, @AmySloc xx  We have a few groups you may be interested in joining ..... the Living in Regional, Rural and Remote Group - where there are tips on claiming for travel & accommodation costs relating to your treatment xx
Also the Reconstruction group (and possibly the Flat Chat - staying Flat group too....)
Click on this link - and then click on any group you want to join ... they are totally private & only 'seen' by members of the groups, not the rest of us xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/groups

Also jump on here & check out some of the other thread on the forum that you may be interested in - we even have 'funny stuff', as we all need a laugh too!! There is info on what to take with you to hospital too - and tick sheets to 'self assess' yourself re stress and how you are coping xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

Charlotte Tottman's podcasts are invaluable - she is a BC psychologist who has had a double mastectomy and chose to stay 'flat'.  Jump on here & you can go thru her 2 series ..... 
https://soundcloud.com/search?q=charlotte tottman

Take care & all the best for your ongoing appointments & treatment.

Whack up ANY questions you may have - and we'll do our best to help xx

NannyAileen_8

Hi Amy, I'm 70 years young I was diagnosed with early stage BC in my left breast September last year. My cancer was invasive but hadn't travelled into my lymph glands etc. I was extremely lucky that they (2x4mm tumors not joined) were found.
My Surgeon offered me a couple of choices but I knew straight away if I didn't have a bilateral mastecomy I would be stressing from 1 mammogram/ultrasound to the next. I had my bilateral mastectomy with skin sparing for reconstruction. Just over 6 months down the track I'm nearing completion of reconstruction with only 1 more op to make my nipples and then tattoos for areola's. I had a couple of hiccups along the way that set me back a couple of months plus Surgeon closed over Christmas - COVID and one expander drifting off course and lodging itself out of the pocket and under my skin. Very unpleasant time but I would do it all again to get the perky girls that I have now. It's all been a whirlwind ride for me and I still can't believe that I had that dreaded BC word.
All the best with whatever path you decide to go down. Cheers
Aileen