Recently diagnosed
I have recently had a mastectomy and reconstruction after finding a lump (turned out there were 4 other small tumors in addition to the one I felt) and although initial biopsy and frozen sample of ly...
Forum Discussion
Hi Meg,
I agree with Nadi.
Taking it day to day is the most useful strategy that I have learnt from the posts here.
I had a mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy (and reconstruction at the same time). I was thinking that that would be the end of it. There was no indication of lymph node involvement. Unfortunately the pathology results meant that chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Herceptin would be part of my treatment. Huge shock. I didn't have an axillary clearance either- my surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist put their heads together and recommended including the axilla in the radiation field instead of axillary clearance. It can be overwhelming at times.
Like Nadi, as I progress through each stage I feel more confident and less fearful. I have decided not to waste energy on the "what if's". There are a couple of books I've found reassuring: One Piece of Advice by Yvonne Hughes (an Australian book) and Bald is Better with Earrings by Andrea Hutton. I borrowed them from my local library. The John Boyages book (also borrowed from the library) is another good one.
How did your reconstruction go? Have you seen the Breast Reconstruction group on this site?