Forum Discussion
6 weeks after surgery
Hello everyone
its been awhile since I was active here .
I’ve had a lot happen in the past few months after my diagnosis.
Lumpectomy at end of August. During the operation the nipple lost blood supply. Over the next two weeks, the Drs tried to save it but couldn’t. So I had another operation on 18th Sept to remove nipple.
Then, this past weekend, yet another operation because there was necrotic tissue preventing healing. So I’ve had the tissue removed & lots of stitches.
Today a checkup & my surgeon said there was a lot of dead tissue when they sewed me up & has suggested a mastectomy of left breast. To stop further degradation of breast tissue.
I’m actually ok with that decision. What I’m confused about are all the options.
Reconstruction of the breast using tissue/skin from my tummy or back or to stay flat. But not sure about having one breast. I’m not a candidate for implants.
(I’m 68)
I have decided that I won’t take aromatase inhibitors nor do radiation (that’s my personal choice)
Thanks
it’s been quite the journey!
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4 Replies
Oh no, you poor thing. I know how anxious you were from the start and for you to be dealing with all this, I don’t even have the words. 😕
I second everything that arpie has suggested and I wish I had more to contribute. I would definitely be gathering as much information as you can from the other members here and perhaps copy & paste them all into one document as well as any questions and concerns you have yourself. I suggest you get in contact with your local Breast Care Nurse (hopefully you’ve already met) and ask for a sit down with her and ask her to try and sort through it all for you and condense it down to what matters the most to you and what questions you want to ask. I imagine you’re feeling rushed to make decisions so at the very least, I would get your nurse involved as they can ask the questions for you as I imagine it is all too much to even contemplate.
Also, there are services out there that provide counseling when you feel up to it.
Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery. 💕Oh my GOSH, Ann58 - you have been put thru the mill. I am SO sorry that all this has happened to you 😢
I'd suggest that you join both the Reconstruction Private Group, as well as the 'Flat Chat' (those who choose to go flat) so that you can have a chat with those who've done both xxGroup: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network
and
Group: Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network
Have they explained WHY all this necrotic tissue is 'hanging around'? You sure woudln't want to have reconstruction and then it happens again :(
Is there any way that they could reduce the size of your good breast & use 'that tissue' to add to your surgical breast? It might be worth raising it as an option as you can't have implants.
I am sure there will be many discussions on becoming a 'monoboober' in the Flat Chat group .... Maybe even have a confidential chat with the Help Line on 1800 500 258? Just to bounce your thoughts off them?
Take care & all the best xxthey haven’t said why this is happening with the tissue. But I believe they made a mistake in the first op by not removing nipple then the 2nd by not stitching it up correctly. But of course, it’s their word against mine.
I’ve decided to seek a second opinion away from the current hospital that I go to. I’ve found 3 that I can go to so I’ll call tomorrow. I don’t trust the Drs that I’m seeing now.
I have a counsellor and I’m seeing her tomorrow.
The Dr today said things to me that were without studies to back it up. She hadn’t even looked at my notes. So I cannot go back to her.
I’ve made decisions that some won’t agree with but they are my choices. And I expect Drs to respect that.Ann58 I think it’s a good idea getting a second opinion and it does sound like your current medical team have closed ranks. Perhaps look up your current and prospective surgeon to see if they work at the same hospitals. You don’t want to be wasting money and time getting an opinion from one of their mates. Their websites usually lists the public and private hospitals that they attend.
I’m so glad you have a counsellor. I hope they can provide the support you need.
As for your decisions on your treatment, it is totally up to you and only you.
Wishing you all the best. xo
