Lumpectomy didn't work - now what?

@cheezelbug or maybe a different instructor!!  I find community classes quite friendly and non-judgmental! You just want to get a hang of the breathing techniques 

@Abbydog - thank you for sharing your experience and how you’re feeling about it now. I’ve been told that I won’t need radiation (assuming that’s R/T?) or chemo so for now all options are still on the table for me. I had the CT scan yesterday so will find out at next PS visit if it’s still the case.  The symmetry is on my list of considerations, together with the nipple on my ‘good’ breast if I go the double.

@PrisMay1 - congratulations - I’m in awe of your bravery. Last time I tried meditation the instructor stomped past me at the end of the class as my trance was possibly a bit too deep (hopefully I didn’t snore!) - good tip to consider a refresher, though.

Thank you everyone for your kindness in sharing to help me grapple with this decision xox

@cheezelbug I’m nearly 4 weeks post a DIEP and it’s a big operation!  I practised yoga prior and the relaxation helped me with my anxiety about the whole thing! I also had a few weeks to prepare which helped.  As I went private I had a definite date 4 weeks out and that helped to know when it was going to be. It’s a lot to go through and we are stronger than we think! At some point you just give yourself over to the medical team and you get through it!  They do take good care of you and ensure you are comfortable as you can be - follow their advice and take the drugs offered!!  

Dear  cheezelbug,
Do you know, if you still do not need R/T? I only ask, because if that is now on the table, it can change reconstruction options. I'm unable to answer as a small breasted person. But I did find out amongst the PS photos, if one breast is reconstructed or done differently. There can be asymmetry occurring with weight gain or loss. I say this only so that you can ask appropriate questions. I had wanted DIEP and I would have had a double, because this op can only be done once. Unfortunately for me, on CT scan my abdominal blood vessels were not suitable. So that choice was taken from me. I started with having had a single Mastectomy. Having said all of this I am very happy with my Reconstruction,  which included a Prophylactic Mastectomy to my other side. I have same size implants in each breast. My breasts feel good, but not like my old ones. I do miss my nipples for intimacy reasons. But I'm alive, and I have reduced my risk of recurrence. My life is moving forward. I hope all of our opinions help. At least you will have thought it through. All the best.

Thanks, @iserbrown - trawled Cancer Australia quite extensively when initially diagnosed - it’s a great resource to get an idea of what to expect when you’re not sure what’s going on in the early days (I was told by my GP that I had breast cancer but it was a week until I saw a specialist so was trying to get information from a reliable source rather than Dr Google)

@cheezelbug
There's a lot for you to consider.  

https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types-breast-reconstruction/diep-flap-breast-reconstruction

Another link for you to read up on abt DIEP Flap surgery

Take care

@Julez1958 - no kids - told you I'm a wuss!

Hi @cheezelbug
Did you have children?
I didn’t but a lady who had the double mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction told me it was a bit like childbirth - hellish at the time but as time goes on you forget  about it ….

@Julez1958 - thank you again - more to think about re: pain management.  I winced having the canula put in for today's scan so I'm now thinking DIEP may be a step too far for me...

@GorgyS - thanks for your insights and soothing words - I wish I had the same strength as you do x

@Daina_BCNA - I've had a look around BRECONDA as well - tried to tick all the boxes before coming onto the forum so it wasn't groundhog day for everyone else :smile:  Think I'm one of those people looking for the elusive 'perfect' solution, but in reality just grappling with how much I think I can (realistically) take.

Hi @cheezelbug,

Great to see so many people replying to your post and that you have already connected in to some great resources.

In addition, I wonder if you've had a chance to sign up BRECONDA? This is an online breast reconstruction decision aid you can access from our website and aims to help you decide, along with your surgeon whether breast reconstruction is right for you and if so what type.

All the best. 
Daina