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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

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  • ellendorf's avatar
    ellendorf
    Member
    4 years ago
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    Hi @cynphic . I cried for quite a few days before my mastectomy. It is a scary thing and my emotions were all over the shop. I had a single mastectomy and implant reconstruction at the same time. 
  • Susiemay2021's avatar
    Susiemay2021
    Member
    4 years ago
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    Thank you, I will certainly rest up when I get home.  I know there is a long road of recovery ahead for  me xx
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    4 years ago
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    Terrific that you are healing well & not in pain, @Susiemay2021 ..... 

    Take it easy when you get home & I hope you have lots of family & friend support to do the 'heavier' stuff, whilst you sit back & lord it over them! xx. Only kidding.  Just don't do too much, too soon xx Keep those pain meds handy, just in case xx

    take care xx

  • Susiemay2021's avatar
    Susiemay2021
    Member
    4 years ago
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    I was diagnosed with a high grade  8cm DCIS in the right breast in  October 2021.    There was no option  but to have a mastectomy, I had a  MRI and a small amount calcification was also found in the left breast.    I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with implants, and after discussions with my surgeon  in was agreed they would do this. I turned 70 at the end of January.  Finally had the surgery on 2nd February, nearly 3 months after diagnosis because of the Christmas New Year delay and COVID.   The waiting was  brutal and ruined Christmas and my big birthday.
    I am  currently in hospital 3 days after surgery and I am feeling very well  I hope to go home on Monday.  The doctors and nurses have been  amazing  I have  hardly any pain and so thankful this was found so early.   


  • cynphic's avatar
    cynphic
    Member
    4 years ago
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    Thx iserbrown. high grade DCIS and DIEP.
    Will follow up the links you suggested.
    further treatment will depend on Sentinel node biopsy. It seems that after each investigation another little surprise is added to my treatment. Surgeon says there is very small chance of further treatment but I am not confident. Just have to wait for the pathology.
    my whole experience this time is so different than 3 years ago when I had very small invasive cancer in other breast, radiotherapy and I ticked that off my list of life experiences.
    This episode has hit me and my husband much harder.
  • cynphic's avatar
    cynphic
    Member
    4 years ago
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    Thx Julez1958. I am having DIEP.  Your comments are helpful. I just have to trust the Physios. I look forward to 5 months post op. Learnt something new this morning - it is hard to cry when exercising!