Decisions... Help and Advice Please

Hi Anne-Maree

I have just been reading all your posts and the wonderful, helpful answers from the ladies on here. I was diagnosed 18th January and had surgery 4th February. I also faced the same dilema as you because given the choice of a mastectomy or lumpectomy puts it all back on us and at such a confusing,scary  time it is a really difficult decision to make. I am in a fairly new relationship ( 6 months)and was due to move in with my partner the week after I found out I had BC.!!

My mum also had bc at 39 and I remember the trauma she went through after the mastectomy. I dont think she ever got over her sexuality changing so for me I could not opt for the mastectomy straight away. I have to say my partner was totally supportive of whatever decision I made. 

 I had 2 tumors both small, 1 dcis grade 2 and 1 invasvice ductal carcinoma, grade 1,  no lymph nodes were positive. I start my radiotherapy this month and did not need chemo. I was also offered tamoxofin but was told the the beneifits for me really were not high so at this stage I have decided to not take it.( another decsion I feel i need some time to decide about) I am in such a totally different head space now to back in February and March and just take a day at at a time and try not to panic about the decisions. I think just ask lots of questions, read lots and the answers come to us. I had a lot of swelling following the surgery as the tumors were quite high up and felt concerned about the shape of my boob!! but 3 months down the track and it all looks great.

 I am feeling a bit edgy about the ray treatment but only because it is all so real when we are doing the journey and the good days I can forget it is even happening.

I hope all continues to go well for you. Take care

Robyn