New to group

Thank you lovely ladies for making me feel welcome!

I havent been able to reply till now as I had abit of a set back after my last round of chemo. I had been feeling more unwell than previous treatments, extremely light headed and just put it down to a build up of all 4 treatments and not resting as much as I really should. Unfortunately I was admitted to hospital for 3 days with severe vertigo.  My oncology doctor said it  was due to being on very high doses of chemo's which lead to a chemical reaction. Not nice as I couldn't move or walk without fallng over, or crashing into the walls as I did. I'm on medication now to help relieve the dizziness and I'm also doing physio exercises to help control the vertigo.  I'm still undecided on which kind of reconstruction, so I am going to see before and after photo's at the Breast Gallery. I am hoping it will give me more of an idea of realistically what to expect for the 2 reconstructions I'm looking at. My surgery for masectomy is scheduled for 18th March.  I have mixed feelings of yes I just want this cancer out to being abit scared at the same time, which I know I am not alone feeling this way.  I've booked a "Look Good Feel Good" workshop the week before my surgery to keep myself busy and to get some advice on how to make myself look abit better as I've got no idea how to draw on eyebrows and also how to tie these scarves so they dont fall off!

Warm regards Eileen

Thank you lovely ladies for making me feel welcome!

I havent been able to reply till now as I had abit of a set back after my last round of chemo. I had been feeling more unwell than previous treatments, extremely light headed and just put it down to a build up of all 4 treatments and not resting as much as I really should. Unfortunately I was admitted to hospital for 3 days with severe vertigo.  My oncology doctor said it  was due to being on very high doses of chemo's which lead to a chemical reaction. Not nice as I couldn't move or walk without fallng over, or crashing into the walls as I did. I'm on medication now to help relieve the dizziness and I'm also doing physio exercises to help control the vertigo.  I'm still undecided on which kind of reconstruction, so I am going to see before and after photo's at the Breast Gallery. I am hoping it will give me more of an idea of realistically what to expect for the 2 reconstructions I'm looking at. My surgery for masectomy is scheduled for 18th March.  I have mixed feelings of yes I just want this cancer out to being abit scared at the same time, which I know I am not alone feeling this way.  I've booked a "Look Good Feel Good" workshop the week before my surgery to keep myself busy and to get some advice on how to make myself look abit better as I've got no idea how to draw on eyebrows and also how to tie these scarves so they dont fall off!

Warm regards Eileen

Hi Eileen

Like you, I have finished chemo 13 Jan (had 4 rounds) - had right mastectomy in Oct - and now thinking about reconstruction (have joined the online reconstruction group on this site)....not sure if I will get it done or not - but great we can research and chat to others about it to make our own decision!

I have a 10 yr old son & 11 yr old daughter, and live on a farm so understand your situation of being somewhat isolated from others in similar situations to ourselves - this website has been fabulous and you will gain so much information and help from the ladies on it!

Best of luck - Jenny

Welcome to this network where you'll get lots of info and support. It must have been so hard having 2 surgeries with your husband away.I hope your boys are old enough to help you.Do you live in an isolated area?I think that's what we mothers do-stay strong for our kids.That's why it's good for you to "unload"with your fellow pink sisters at this network.As the girls above have said,you could join the reconstruction group to get good advice.If you are still undecided, you could have the mastectomy and then do recon later.One recon is the expander,followed by an implant which is a simpler operation and quicker recovery time.Another is the DIEP or TRAM flap where they use microsurgery to graft your belly fat to your chest. It is a lengthy operation(8hrs?)and you have a scar from hip to hip and takes a lot longer to recover.However,you do get a more natural effect. I've had a mastectomy and am in no hurry to have reconstruction.This was a recurrence for me so I'm abit paranoid watching my scarline.I can only have the DIEP op because I've had radiaiton in the past and my skin has no elasticity.There is alot to consider so take your time.Best wishes and big hug. Tonya xx