Second time around
Hello.... I was diagnosed with DCIS Invasive grade 2 breast cancer in my left breast in Nov 2009 when I was 43yo after been sent for a mammogram because I had never had one before. I had a lumpectomy...
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In 2016 I was diagnosed with Grade 3, Stage 3, multifocal, and in at least one node, Triple Positive Her 2 pos breast cancer on the left. They found (on the scans) so called "abnormal geography" in the right breast. I had chemo before surgery and when discussing my upcoming surgery, their plan was to remove the entire breast and all the nodes on the left, then take further biopsies and whatnot from the right breast. I was 57 at the time and I wanted both gone. I got the whole palaver about "unnecessary" surgery and "overkill" regarding the right breast. I was told that after doing the biopsies from the right side and removing the left, they would "closely monitor" and "carefully observe" the remaining "healthy" breast. I told my (female) surgeon that I felt as if I'd been advised that a registered sex offender lived in the house next door. I was afraid he may get into my home and assault or kill me and the police have said...."Nooo don't worry, we'll keep a close eye on him. He has strict bail conditions and has to report to his parole officer each week. He is also being fitted with an ankle bracelet, so we know he is at all times". I asked her if she and any daughters she may have would be happy with that? No??? Well me too. I want this breast gone...I feel threatened by it, and I don't care how carefully you watch it...it needs to go....like the pervert". She saw my thought process and agreed. The post surgery pathology showed a 100% response to the chemo on the left breast and nodes, and abnormal cells in the right breast, which have a very strong history of "going bad". The sentinel node on that side was negative. I'm still flat (and I think a tad fabulous) and will remain that way. I have other serious health conditions which did not allow for radiotherapy in the beginning, or reconstruction then or ever. From an 18DD to flat took some getting used to, but now I can turn around suddenly in Woolies without the risk of my boobs knocking over the person next to me. One regret...I have nowhere to keep my crotchet hook.