Hi Mouse. I have just joined this site today and saw your post.
I was diagnosed with metaplastic carcinoma three weeks ago, and had a masectomy of my left breast a week ago today. Am home now with drains gone, thank goodness.
I just turned 36 last month. It seems surreal in a way, but I am a realist and know that I have to do whatever it takes to get past this. There is a strong genetic history of breast cancer in my family - even my mum had a double masectomy when she was my age. About 7 years ago her internal prostethis' broke down and she had them removed and tissue transplanted from her abdo into her chest wall. My husband and I nursed her for nearly a year during her recovery. She's a tough cookie.
I have been having annual checks at the Breast Clinic since the birth of my son (who is now 3) - I was clear in September 2010, and due for my next annual check this coming November when I noticed a change in my breast. It's just unfortunate that the cancer has been as aggressive as it has in such a short amount of time - more than half of my breast was affected, along with 9 lymph nodes out of 19. I am now 6th generation of cancer / masectomy.
But it could have been worse.
The pathology of my cancer has proven to be HER2+, so I will shortly start chemo, herceptin and radiation - probably around 12 months of treatment. I am going to have a port-a-cath put into my chest in a week or so. Will you have this too?
From what I understand there are many different 'types' of chemo and everyone reacts differently - I'm scared, but I've decided that I will take whatever it throws at me. Think the worst, but hope for the best. I'm more scared of not surviving the cancer than what I have to do to beat it. Maybe, if you like, we can chat to each other throughout?
The lopsided look... hmmm. It can stay that way for me - I will just be glad to get the blasted bandages off, I feel like I've been shrink-wrapped!
Take care Mouse,
Maxene