Hi Suzy - crumbs you are having a time of it! There are a lot of us on here who have had a mastectomy; I am one of them. Some of us haven't had reconstruction and some have. The big picture here is being rid of the cancer. What you need to get your head around now is:
- what are your options after mastectomy, ask lots of questions of the surgeon and the oncologist. Me, I had immediate reconstruction, expanders put in and fills on a regular basis and eventually changeover surgery, so I have two breasts one that is good (I hope, I will find out soon when I have my annual mammogram) and one that is an implant but when I am dressed you would never know!
- are you a candidate for expanders or DIEP flap surgery?
- or if you are adamant about not having a mastectomy what can you expect from treatment? Will the further treatment destroy the cancer cells
You sound like you're struggling with the whole plan as the plan keeps changing. Remember it is about you and what is best for you! Do you have a Breast care nurse that you can speak with and or access to a Counsellor? Perhaps the Cancer Council is a place for you to start 13 11 20
http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/patient-support/131120.htmlTake care