Stage 3 Invasive Lobular Cancer diagnosis
Hi everyone, this is my first time on here and I've been reading everyone's stories and comments. What an amazing bunch of people that are here. Having read so many stories has encouraged me to post...
Forum Discussion
Hi there and welcome. I didn't have ILC but IDC which wasn't visible in a mammogram 5 weeks before I found a lump.
I chose a bilateral from tbe beginning after consultation with a surgeon but I chose an immediate delayed reconstruction. Which means tissue expanders being put in ans partially inflated at time of surgery. They were then left until my treatment was finished. I wasn't expected to need radiotherapy and didn't require it but did require chemo.
I went from an E cup to now around a C/D but no real fullness. It has been an adjustment to accept the loss of my breasts...not just their appearance but all that goes with it. I didn't really experience my loss until after chemo as prior that I was just in survival mode. But it did hit me later as I had to accept all the changes that happen from treatment.
It's okay to grieve over your loss. Don't feel embarassed about that and I think the hardest is coping with people's comments such as "they're just breasts" . No they are more. They fed my babies and were for me a huge part of my intimacy with my husband. They were part of my identity. It didn't matter what my weight was....I could wear somthing that showed off my assets and feel sexy.
You don't have to remain flat. Many women adjust to the change but a lot of woman do not. I met women at a survivorship meeting and breast reconstruction was a topic. A number didn't consider it until 10 years later. And some couldn't have reconstruction due to health issues. I particular remember one woman discussing it with me...10 years on...she stated...I will always miss my breasts. It was then, and only then I realised that yes...I always will too. I have accepted my loss. I have accepted my change but I will always miss that part of me and I'm not ashamed or feel shallow admitting that.
Be aware we have a reconstruction group on this site with photo stories which you can join and look through the various types if reconstructions.
Kath x
I chose a bilateral from tbe beginning after consultation with a surgeon but I chose an immediate delayed reconstruction. Which means tissue expanders being put in ans partially inflated at time of surgery. They were then left until my treatment was finished. I wasn't expected to need radiotherapy and didn't require it but did require chemo.
I went from an E cup to now around a C/D but no real fullness. It has been an adjustment to accept the loss of my breasts...not just their appearance but all that goes with it. I didn't really experience my loss until after chemo as prior that I was just in survival mode. But it did hit me later as I had to accept all the changes that happen from treatment.
It's okay to grieve over your loss. Don't feel embarassed about that and I think the hardest is coping with people's comments such as "they're just breasts" . No they are more. They fed my babies and were for me a huge part of my intimacy with my husband. They were part of my identity. It didn't matter what my weight was....I could wear somthing that showed off my assets and feel sexy.
You don't have to remain flat. Many women adjust to the change but a lot of woman do not. I met women at a survivorship meeting and breast reconstruction was a topic. A number didn't consider it until 10 years later. And some couldn't have reconstruction due to health issues. I particular remember one woman discussing it with me...10 years on...she stated...I will always miss my breasts. It was then, and only then I realised that yes...I always will too. I have accepted my loss. I have accepted my change but I will always miss that part of me and I'm not ashamed or feel shallow admitting that.
Be aware we have a reconstruction group on this site with photo stories which you can join and look through the various types if reconstructions.
Kath x