Decisions

Louie has given you some great advice, wonderful lady that she is. I was the first to join the group that she facilitates and I highly recommend joining. There is a lot of information from ladies who have gone through what you are about to embark on, different reconstruction procedures and you could chat to ladies who have had delayed recon too. Originally I had a lumpectomy with 6 weeks of radiation scheduled after that. Although the lumpectomy successfully removed my two lumps with clear margins, there was extension DCIS left in my breast (pre cancer cells) and my surgeon strongly recommended a mastectomy. Radiation was ruled out but I needed chemo instead. I think it all depends on your lumpectomy results as to what plan of action is then set in place. Has your surgeon talked to you about a Sentinal Node Biospy rather than a full clearance? If not ask him about it. It's a procedure that pinpoints where the cancer is most likely to go from your breast and it reduces the risk of lymphoedema. Here's a link to the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute brochure that BCNA has on their website. http://www.bci.org.au/images/stories/about_bc/factsheets/factsheets2013/BCI_Sentinel_Node_2013_WEB.pdf. It may not be what your case requires but worth asking about. I had it and only had to have two lymph nodes removed and both were clear. Maz a mataz, you may also like to post your questions on the ALL POSTS section so that more ladies get to see them, not just those of us that have responded to Michelle's original post. Like Louie, I hope I haven't confused you too much. Wishing you all the best with your surgery. Love Janey xxx