Early XMAS present

@Dandelion sorry that you find yourself here, but you are in GREAT company :) so much wonderful support and experience amongst us all :) Thing is, it depends on your complete diagnosis such as Stage and Grade as well, Im ER+ only 2.5 cm Stage 2 but Grade 3 which determined Id have Chemo. BRCA Gene negative and no node involvement. I had rads in 2011 at first diagnosis, it does change the boob it became harder than the other and it does change the skin, dont know how it affects with an expander. Recurrence 2015. Ive just had a Mastectomy/Diep Flap recon as I had rads before so not a candidate for Expander or nipple sparing. Im 4.5 weeks and though a massive operation all at once, Im glad it was done all at once, plus I didnt want an implant so am happy with flap recon so far :) It is hard and you know, we are so strong doing and getting through what we have to at the time, but in those quiet moments when we stop,it hits!!! and it can be overwhelming and just a deep sadness. After 6yrs I still hit these moments, eventhough Im recovering and at the end of this ordeal and moving on. There are still aspects of my life I miss that will never be the same...the biggest thing Ive noticed is treatment has aged me dramatically and natural i suppose its traumatic, but frustrating too as BC didnt the treatment did. Big hugs!! You'll manage rads no worries. Melinda xo