Forum Discussion

rhopkins's avatar
rhopkins
Member
11 years ago

ITS INVASIVE

Hi all from Adelaide,

Just a short post this time (hahaha).. Well, I saw my surgeon yesterday morning and the news wasn't all that good. The cancer cells have spread throughout the milk ducts and some had even become invasive. My surgeon said that eventhough the area is large and that Radiotherapy is not viable and I dont have to have chemo, it is slow growing and classed as low grade.

He has recommended mastectomy and reconstruction. That thought alone is quite scary. You just hear the word "invasive" and go "eeek...". He said that the reconstruction is called a free flap or something like that where they take skin from the abdomen. I told him that there was plenty there and go for it!! lol.

Seeing the plastic surgeon on Friday and I'll go from there. Ill try and have a "cancer free" day sometime soon..:)

Rachel H

5 Replies

  • Louise_Macgrego's avatar
    Louise_Macgrego
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rachel

    I had a DCIS in my left breast in December 2013, very small so no chemo or radium. However I tested positive to BRCA2 gene and therefore I made the decision to have my breasts removed. So now I am 6 weeks post op from a bilateral mastectomy with immediate free TRAM flap reconstruction, which sounds like what you are looking at having. It is a huge operation, mine was almost 13 hours, but I had great surgeons looking after me, so I knew I was in good hands. I can honestly say that I do not regret my decision at all. My surgeons have done a great job and I am very happy with the result. I also have a lovely flat stomach which, after having 3 children, I am very happy about as there was a lot of excess there! If you can, I would advise you to get as fit as you can before your surgery, it will really help your recovery. I made the right choice, my pathology from my surgery showed atypical change in both breasts which if left would have turned cancerous eventually. Now my breast surgeon said I no longer have to have mammograms and I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know that I have done all I can to prevent this horrible disease from returning. I know it can all sound very overwhelming, but this site is excellent for finding reassuring positive outcomes. I'm happy to answer any of your questions regarding the surgery or anything else that I might be able to help you with. I wish you all the very best. Love Louise

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rachel,

    I'm so sorry to hear your news.  You have a plan of action now, so go for it.  There are some positives in there - no chemo required and it's low grade.

    It sounds like there's a lot of support from online groups re-mastectomy and reconstruction info which is fantastic.

    I get my 'exam' results tomorrow. 

    Karen

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Jane. 

    Great minds. We must have been typing at the same time. 

    Paula xxxx

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rachel, 

    the word invasive can be scary, mine was also invasive and the dr at the time explained, as it seems yours has that it means it has left the milk duct. I think when I first heard it I thought it meant that it had travelled elsewhere outside the breast which was not the case. 

    I have had the type of reconstruction your Dr is suggesting you have. If yiu are interested there is a breast reconstruction page on the network. You just need to request to join with a brief message. There is lots of info there about the surgery your dr is suggesting. 

    https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/groups/breast-reconstruction-online-group

    Hugs

    Paula x

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rachel, I'm so sorry to hear your latest news. It must seem all so overwhelming at the moment, but just to let you know that we are here to try and support you. You probably know that we have a breast reconstruction group on this site and this might be a useful group for you to join to read about other's reconstruction experiences and to find out more information about the various options available. If you'd like to join this group just click on the join button under the breast reconstruction group logo on the right hand side of this page and then write a brief message about why you'd like to join and one of the facilitators will get back to you as soon as they can.

    BTW, I had a DIEP Flap reconstruction last year where they took my skin etc from my abdomen to make a new breast - a big op, but ultimately very worthwhile and I'm really happy with the new breast (plus I have a flatter tummy, a definite bonus after two kids!). Best wishes, Jane xx