Just Diagnosed

Hi Jo B. So sorry to hear about your cancer, and the decision you have to make. We have all been where you are now, so understand how you are feeling. Today is the first anniversary of the date I found out I had breast cancer. I can't quite believe a whole year has passed. I first had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. They were looking for a 4 mm tumour. On pathology this tumour was actually 21 mm, invasive and a grade 3 ( aggressive ). Though my lymph node was clear, as were the margins, my surgeon still wanted to do more surgery to make really sure that nothing was missed. This is where I had to decided to either have another lumpectomy, or mastectomy. As this lump never showed up on mammogram the Dr was concerned about other lumps in the future, or scar tissue looking like BC. I had a few weeks to research, and decided that as I would never be able to trust a mammogram again, the mastectomy for me might be best. I also realised that there were more reconstructions options available if I didn't have radiotherapy. Anyway I had a mastectomy, and 10 more nodes removed. There was no cancer in any nodes, or anywhere else in the breast, and I was delighted, but have never regretted having the mastectomy. I have had 4 rounds of chemo earlier in the year, and about 2 months ago decided to have the other breast off, and also started reconstruction with tissue expanders. In January I will have the expanders replaced with silicone implants. This is one of the easier reconstruction options. I have no regrets about either of my mastectomies. I never wanted to hear the words, " you have breast cancer" again. What ever decision you make, will be the right decision. Give yourself a little time to think through all options. It is very hard in the early days as so much goes through your mind. Hopefully this site will help you as you try to decide what to do. All the best with your decision making. Love Chris xx