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Battye's avatar
Battye
Member
11 years ago

Need help

Hi everyone :) I am a new member and a new breast cancer sufferer I am so confused, my head is in turmoil and not sure what to do. I am 41yrs old and was diagnosed with High Grade Invasive Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ on the 26th of August 2014 I'm not sure how I missed it but my left breast has a lump -4cm- I have a strong family background of breast cancer and have to have a mastectomy BUT I really want to have a bilateral as I'm really scared that I will get breast cancer again and NEVER want to deal with anything like this again and I am positive that not having the right removed will be a major psychological issue for me BUT on the other hand I'm scared I'm making a very big mistake. My surgeon has agreed to do a bilateral based on family history and my fears. Is there anyone that has opted for a bilateral and had cancer in one breast? All so I was reading about immediate breast reconstruction on other ladies Blogs and unfortunately this procedure is not offered in Tasmania (they do not do it) I was diagnosed on 26th August but finally got my surgery date today, September 25th This seems like such a long wait..... When diagnosed my lump was measured at 2.7cm and is now 4cm and thought I would get immediate surgery but have since found out there is a lot more involved with decision making and tests (waiting for results) and finding available appointment dates etc.
coping
surgery

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  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    I am so sorry that you are facing all this. It is such a difficult thing to wait when all we want is for the cancer to be gone and life to return to normal. But time is on your side. DCIS is not invasive cancer so as much as you want it gone right now a few weeks will not make a difference in the long run. It is so important that you make the choice which will give you the most peace of mind down the track. My diagnosis was in May last year. I had 3cm invasive ductal carcinoma as well as 3cm high grade DCIS. It can be difficult to make a decision before surgery as until they examine the cancer after it is removed you don't really know the whole picture. There are lots of things to consider, many of these very personal to you. Some people have a lumpectomy or single mastectomy and then gather as much info as they can before deciding on any further surgery. You could be tested for the BRAC genes and this could help you with your decision. Don't feel that you have to make all your decisions before your surgery on the 25th. You can always decide to remove your other breast later in conjunction with reconstruction. Take your time and find out as much as you can before you decide what is best for you. Wishing you all the best for whatever you decide. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • AHudson's avatar
    AHudson
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hello Battye, May I encourage you to contact one of the local breast care nurses.  there are breast care nurses around Tasmania and they will be able to talk with you and provide some support/information and help. I don't know where you are located but you can contact Breast Screen Tasmania on 13 20 50 and ask reception  to speak with one and they will be able to help locate your closest BCN.

    take care and please make that call.

  • Chook27's avatar
    Chook27
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Battye, So sorry that you have had to take this journey. I'm 44 and was diagnosed with a DCIS in my right breast in November 2013. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in December followed by a course of chemotherapy earlier this year. Because of family history I was tested for gene mutation - which came back BRCA2 positive. I made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy as a preventative measure with immediate reconstruction. I had the mastectomy on 24 August 2014 and tissue expanders were inserted at the same time. These will be filled and then replaced with implants in the near future. I am in Tasmania too. I am happy with the choice I made but one thing I have learnt is that every person has an individual journey and what is right for one may not be right for another. It is definitely a choice that you have to be sure is right for you. I would definitely suggest having another chat with your doctor about the possibility of immediate reconstruction. I do have private health cover and had to pay money out of my own pocket so whether that makes a difference being public or private or not I do not know. I wish you all the best on your journey xxx Yvonne
  • Chook27's avatar
    Chook27
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Battye, So sorry that you have had to take this journey. I'm 44 and was diagnosed with a DCIS in my right breast in November 2013. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in December followed by a course of chemotherapy earlier this year. Because of family history I was tested for gene mutation - which came back BRCA2 positive. I made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy as a preventative measure with immediate reconstruction. I had the mastectomy on 24 August 2014 and tissue expanders were inserted at the same time. These will be filled and then replaced with implants in the near future. I am in Tasmania too. I am happy with the choice I made but one thing I have learnt is that every person has an individual journey and what is right for one may not be right for another. It is definitely a choice that you have to be sure is right for you. I would definitely suggest having another chat with your doctor about the possibility of immediate reconstruction. I do have private health cover and had to pay money out of my own pocket so whether that makes a difference being public or private or not I do not know. I wish you all the best on your journey xxx Yvonne