2 days to go

hi shazza well just got on site at last.  Dont know what your surgery is or what you have decided. I thought would let you know my story. I had a lumpectomy in Jan 1990. Followed by chemo and raiotheraphy. I had no sickness no hair loss. Yes did burn a bit with radiotheraphy and when had any thing wrong 10 times worse but got off light. Asked my surgeon about mastectomy he said no need as treatment did same job. Well i was fine for 16 yrs got on with life just had my regular check ups. after 16 yrs with mutual agreement stopped my annual check ups. Following yr had a mammogram this came back with a SMUDGE had no lump so wouldnt have been found with annual check up.So went for ultrasound another mammogram and biopsy.This turned out to be a fast growing cancer same breast diff cancer. Mastectomy was only answer as had radiotheraphy before could not have it again. I was having reconstruction straight away as wasnot having chemo or radiotheraphy this time. Had not spread to lymph modes. 2 options flap taken from back or tummy tuck (taken from stomache) decided on back one. Well when i went for pre op visit surgeon mention a 3 rd alternitive an expander?implant. Put a bag thing in fill with flluid over time to stretch skin (painless) and that is it unless you want it taken out and silicon type put in. I was not offered it originally as i had radiotheraphy 1 st time and skin usually is in bad way but mine was good so opted for that. Thought it was easier  option. Well when it was done not straight forward as skin was good but muscle was stiff so had to have 3 expanders put in over a yr till it was at its biggest .Then  i had permanent one put in and other breast reduced at same time. When i go back for check ups Dr said should have had mastectomy first time then wouldnt have had to go thru all this, What was the chance i would have a different cancer in same breast. Looking back yes i think i would have or had gone ahead with my original plan of taking the muscle from back. I am so glad it was caught in time and i am still here. We are women though and i really think this is a personal thing i could not have had it off without a reconstruction. As i said dont know what you are having or when you are having your op but hope this helps with any decisions you make .I had no pain after ops. The first lot i had in 1990 never even lost a day of work. I was working part time so fitted my shifts round my treatment. So Shazza be positive be strong.xx