I’m a new member to the group
Hi there, I’ve just joined the group. I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at the end of November, I’m 40 years old & in good health & there is no family history. Thankfully I caught it early...
Forum Discussion
@Lbazz230281
I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it certainly isn't easy no matter what your results are.
I had my first diagnosis at 43 DCIS left breast, lumpectomy wide excision, radiation and tamoxifen. 4 years later in 2015 I had a recurrence in exactly the same spot inspite of all those precautions 2.5cm IDC Stage 2 Grade 3 aggressive. I had another lumpectomy with wide excision, sentinel node biopsy, chemo and put onto Arimidex and now Aromasin. Even after all of this my Oncologist recommended I at least do a single mastectomy. I really struggled with this psychologically, my genetic testing was negative, so I decided on a single with a Diep flap recon in 2017.
Whilst Im really happy with the amazing job of the recon, I struggle mostly now with the lack of help I have received especially in regards to the side effects of treatment. Being thrown into menopause the biggest issue has been weight, I have asked everyone for assistance and received very little. I was told it would settle back down, it hasn't, I also requested at the time of reconstruction for a reduction and was denied. Now with the weight, my breasts are just too large and im struggling with zero options. I do exercise but it is limited as I have lung side effects from radiation.
It is a massive decision, I do know in hindsight for me, I would have chosen a double mastectomy as in doing so I would have gotten a big reduction in both breasts.
There are no guarantees and I agree the importance of listening to your instincts is so important. I also believe too we all make the right decisions at the right times for ourselves.
It really is underestimated the physical, mental and emotional impacts of not just the diagnosis but the treatments. So know that every step you take how incredibly brave and courageous you are. Love you through it.
I am so happy to hear of your very early diagnosis, so please know you will absolutely be ok as you navigate each step. I never thought Id get back to any sort of normal, but I work full time and am I would say back into life more than I ever thought. There absolutely is light at the end of the tunnel, so be kind and nurture you through it. You will be ok.
Hugs M x
I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it certainly isn't easy no matter what your results are.
I had my first diagnosis at 43 DCIS left breast, lumpectomy wide excision, radiation and tamoxifen. 4 years later in 2015 I had a recurrence in exactly the same spot inspite of all those precautions 2.5cm IDC Stage 2 Grade 3 aggressive. I had another lumpectomy with wide excision, sentinel node biopsy, chemo and put onto Arimidex and now Aromasin. Even after all of this my Oncologist recommended I at least do a single mastectomy. I really struggled with this psychologically, my genetic testing was negative, so I decided on a single with a Diep flap recon in 2017.
Whilst Im really happy with the amazing job of the recon, I struggle mostly now with the lack of help I have received especially in regards to the side effects of treatment. Being thrown into menopause the biggest issue has been weight, I have asked everyone for assistance and received very little. I was told it would settle back down, it hasn't, I also requested at the time of reconstruction for a reduction and was denied. Now with the weight, my breasts are just too large and im struggling with zero options. I do exercise but it is limited as I have lung side effects from radiation.
It is a massive decision, I do know in hindsight for me, I would have chosen a double mastectomy as in doing so I would have gotten a big reduction in both breasts.
There are no guarantees and I agree the importance of listening to your instincts is so important. I also believe too we all make the right decisions at the right times for ourselves.
It really is underestimated the physical, mental and emotional impacts of not just the diagnosis but the treatments. So know that every step you take how incredibly brave and courageous you are. Love you through it.
I am so happy to hear of your very early diagnosis, so please know you will absolutely be ok as you navigate each step. I never thought Id get back to any sort of normal, but I work full time and am I would say back into life more than I ever thought. There absolutely is light at the end of the tunnel, so be kind and nurture you through it. You will be ok.
Hugs M x