Hi all,

Hi Lozzy, and welcome to the crew. It's wise to talk with your surgeon, as he / she has all your test results and can recommend the appropriate treatments for you. I know that my surgeon was very thorough with body scans and repeat mammograms on my good breast before my mastectomy in February 2015, so I knew exactly where I stood before the operation. It is a really overwhelming time for you, just take it 1 appointment at a time. This network offers some great advice. All the very best to you for your surgery, Tracey B ??

Hi Loz,

Welcome to the network.  You've come to the right place for support.  So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it's what brings us all together in the first place, I guess. 

I can understand your whirlwind roller coaster ride feeling.  I was diagnosed at the end of April and the month of May was just a blur.  I was offered a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy initially too, thinking a mastectomy would be too drastic a measure.  I hope my story doesn't worry you too much, but pathology showed a larger more irregular tumour than was expected and DCIS in tissue margins.  I followed up with a further excision which was still unsuccessful.  In the end, I had a mastectomy, as I really didn't have much boob to start with (quite small breasted). I really miss not having a boob.  My first excision was a neat little smiley face line under my nipple and it would've been followed up with radiotherapy.

However, I was glad I was given the decision.  And would still have made the same decision based on information known at the time.  I had spoken to a couple of surgeons who would have done the same thing. 

It is a scary roller coaster ride initially, but I remember being reassured on this network that once you start your course of action, you do feel like you're getting somewhere.  I found waiting for results to be the worst and waiting in dr's rooms etc.  Have you received the 'my journey kit' from BCNA?  I found it invaluable.  Also coming on here.  Take someone with you to your appointments so they are aware of the concerns you have and can remember to ask questions you may have forgotten. 

All the best with your surgery.  It's normal to be scared, but remember you're not alone in all this.  There's some amazing women who regularly come on here who are further ahead in their survivor journeys which is so reassuring.

Be kind to yourself in these early days.

Karen xx

Hi Lozzy,

There is so much to think about.  Listen to your doctor but also listen to yourself.  If you have time to investigate then do it. 

I am currently considering mastectomy following a very complicated journey which started with a wide local excision.  But its not something I wish to rush into.  Thankfully I have the luxury of taking time to decide as no invasive cells have been found.

Take advice from your doctor and if you have more questions to ask him than ask.  Take a family member or very good friend who is able to support you when you ask the questions.  Someone who you trust.  Get them to take notes.  And ask the doctor if you can follow up with more questions in an email or something if you need.  Undoubtedly there will be more.

Lozzy you will know what is right for you. 

Much love Deb xxoo

Hi loz I know this is a very scary time but I think it is good to listen to your surgeon. I had the same procedure done on 15th may as my surgeon recommended that it would be best due to the size of the tumour.  I am now getting radiotherapy.  Just remember to ask if you are unsure about anything and good luck for the 29th.  Jackie x