Forum Discussion

ellendorf's avatar
ellendorf
Member
4 years ago

Recent mastectomy and reconstruction

Hi all
I want to let this forum know how I am going after my mastectomy and reconstruction with an implant. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. First lumpectomy in February with one lymph node removal. Great margins around cancer tumour and no evidence of cancer in lymph node. Great but still lots of DCIS in the margins. 

Second lumpectomy in March and unfortunately still DCIS  in three spots on outer margins. I chose to have a mastectomy and reconstruction as I couldn’t stand the thought of this shit lurking. 

Sooo mastectomy and reconstruction with implant just over two weeks ago. Healing well and lucky enough to be able to have a nipple graft which appears to be healing well. No cancer around the nipple. 

Feels very weird to have an implant - tight and not natural but for all intents a boob as such. I have to praise my plastic surgeon who has done a great job in that look of my new boob is great and even better the nipple graft continues to heal well. 

Best news was pathology this last week which shows clear healthy margins beyond the DCIS and so no further treatment required. 

It is so surreal this process I have gone through and nothing but tears after pathology. This was the first time I actually felt that I had actually had cancer and the facade/strength I had been showing for the past 7 months collapsed. I am so aware that my journey has been easier than so many and I am forever grateful for that and so mindful this is not the story for so many….

I am also so grateful for the members who reached out in my scary days leading up to the mastectomy. I am sure there will be some sad times ahead as I mourn the loss of my breast but no where near as dark as pathology was good. Part of me is a little nervous as you know you might get good results but things can turn to shit in a nanosecond. 
Here’s to hoping things go from strength to strength. And so many thanks to my breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, breast care nurses, hospital staff and my friends and family. Covid also makes ever thing so scary and lonely. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
mastecomy
Reconstruction
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    4 years ago
    @cynphic

    There's a lot to take in and steps to take.

    You will need to give your body time to heal.  

    Your medical team will give you guidance. 

    What type of breast cancer do you have and what type of reconstruction are you having?

    "Surgery | Breast Cancer Network Australia" https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/

    https://www.bcna.org.au/resource/fact-sheet-breast-cancer-pathology/

    Are you having further treatment?  Chemo/radiation/Aromatose Inhibitors 

    There's a BCNA pilates program on the website for when you've got the go ahead

    "Strengthen your recovery" https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/strengthen-your-recovery/

    Take care
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    4 years ago
    What sort of reconstruction are you having - implants or DIEP using your own tissue?
    I had the DIEP and started walking ( admittedly in a hunched over position) the day after the surgery.
    A physiotherapist came to see me in hospital and have ne some gentle arm exercises and supervised me walking and gave me some more exercises to start a couple of weeks after the surgery.
    I understand the recovery from implants is quicker.
    I did a lot of walking adding extra steps each week and making it harder over time  by adding hills and stair climbs .
    I am 63 so my running days are behind me but walking is the best exercise as it’s free, you can do it any time alone or with friends .
    I also went back to Pilates at 8 weeks post op and did a modified form for a while.
    I am now 5 months post op and have just stated swimming in the ocean again which is great exercise and I really enjoy it.
    A number if studies have shown that regular exercise ( at least 30 mins a day) helps prevent recurrence 
    of breast cancer so that’s a powerful motivation for me.
  • cynphic's avatar
    cynphic
    Member
    4 years ago
    Crying day today! Only 9 more days to wait for double mastectomy and reconstruction. Soo confused about everything but top of list today is exercise. I understand that exercise is so important when recovering from surgery and now I hear I cannot exercise after reconstruction. Please help me understand.
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    4 years ago
    Well done @ellendorf - you've had a rough trot - but all that is behind you now!   

    Heal well, slowly get back to doing things that you love doing, specially with your family (and friends when this covid thing is over!) ... The grief is totally natural xx. If you find it a bit overwhelming, make sure you give the Helpline a bell (the number is up on the Blue Banner) and access the tools to cope with it xx

    All the best 
  • Locksley's avatar
    Locksley
    Member
    4 years ago
    Congratulations on a great outcome.  Wishing you all the best going forward.