Gah. Back again.

Pixen

Almost seven years ago I roller-skated through Olivia Newton John hospital to Xanadu for my last radiotherapy session, post lumpectomy. Here I am again... another oestrogen positive cancer, same stoopid dense breast. It was picked up on MRI as it couldn't be seen through my milky dense breast tissue and after an MRI biopsy (such fun!!!) I was diagnosed last week. So now I'm up for a double mastectomy and trying to make reconstruction decisions. I'm thinking I may need to go the Johnny Diep Flap. Seeing the plastic surgeon tomorrow. Really glad you're here....

jennyss

Dear @Pixen,
I like your sense of humour in the face of this --------!

from jennyss in Western NSW

arpie

That's a bummer @Pixen ... if you need to talk to someone about anything, give our help line a call on 1800 500 258  ...

Welcome to the forum - I hope we can help you with your decision making, surgery & recovery  xx

We have 2 private groups re Reconstruction - those choosing reconstruction and those who choose not to take the reconstruction route.  They have photos of before & after too, to give you a realistic expectation of what it may look like.  Many women now choose for an 'aesthetic closure' (like Charlotte Tottman - a BC Psychologist who had a double mastectomy - read her story below.)   You may also like to listen to her Podcasts of 'What you Don't know til you do' here:
Season 1:
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/what-you-dont-know-until-you-do/

Season 2:
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/25505/season-2-podcast-series-what-you-don-t-know-until-you-do-with-dr-charlotte-tottman#latest

Go to this link & see if any of the other groups may suit you as well (was your diagnosis ILC?  We have an ILC group too):
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/groups

Do you live in Melbourne 'proper'?  Or are you in an outlying town/region?  We have info for rural & regional members too.  

Check out this link for a lot of info on our group (what to take to hospital etc) as well as 'off topic' subjects that you may like to take part in - your pets, garden, art & craft and even some funny threads too (as we all need to laugh!) 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best 

Pixen

Thanks so much for the welcome @jennyss and @arpie. Arpie, that's all great advice thank you. Have joined the reconstruction group, thank you. And I think I have ILC but I've lost the info I got from my surgeon (oh dear.) Thanks so much for being here. It's so good to be in such great company. 

LJS

Yuck, everyone's greatest fear. Your sense of humour is impressive, but you've beaten it once so Go Girl!!!

Tri

Saluting your humour and spirit @Pixen hope whatever procedure is right for you goes well! 🌼🌻🌸

WhiteLight

Hi @Pixen

Sorry to hear it has returned.  I have only been dealing with my diagnosis since Feb. '24 and that's my greatest fear cancer returning. 
I think you sound so brave.
Wishing you all the best.
Rosie 🌻🌻

senjakala

I am so sorry to hear that Pixen. I wish you all the best.