Query about mascetomy

Thank you so much Louise for your feedback and taking the time to answer my query. x

Hi MsD, if only there were easy answers.....sometimes even good news complicates things.

As you know from above, i chose the mastectomy over breast conserving and radiation. Something I think that would be important to consider is the loss of sensation after mastectomy. While I have no regrets about my decision, it is sometimes sad to reflect on the loss of sensation in my breasts and the shape my new breasts are since several surgeries including a reduction which has left me very scarred. They are very comfortable to live with and my procedures are not yet complete....perhaps that another thing to think about, my reconstruction will be at least 3 surgeries then nipples......but I could never say that I feel like I did prior.

So perhaps if you have the choice you can be more conservative and see how you feel. Some ladies seem to go really well with radio, and if later you change your mind and have the mastectomy you would find some ladies still have recon after radio.

Good luck, and what ever your decision its the right one, Louie

Hi everyone, just an update on my situation. I am 5 cycles of chemo down...Yay!!  Only one more to go.. I went to speak to my surgeon regarding mascetomy, and had a bit of a spanner thrown into the works.  She told me there is new research from San Antonio, in regards to clear margins (mine was clear, however very close) and I now don't need to have my right breast removed!  Now I am not sure what to do, she stated the re-occurance is only 1 % difference between radio therapy & mascetomy.  So now I am totally confused as to what I should do, masc with re-con or radio therapy??? Any one have any advice..Thanks :-)))  

Hi everyone, just an update on my situation. I am 5 cycles of chemo down...Yay!!  Only one more to go.. I went to speak to my surgeon regarding mascetomy, and had a bit of a spanner thrown into the works.  She told me there is new research from San Antonio, in regards to clear margins (mine was clear, however very close) and I now don't need to have my right breast removed!  Now I am not sure what to do, she stated the re-occurance is only 1 % difference between radio therapy & mascetomy.  So now I am totally confused as to what I should do, masc with re-con or radio therapy??? Any one have any advice..Thanks :-)))  

Thank you so much Janey.  I guess in the end it will be my decision, but I do want to get further advice from the surgeon, if I am at high risk etc.  Lots of love xoxox

Hi Kaina,

Thank you so much for your reply and advice, I think I will as mentioned have another talk with the surgeon,.  I think when you are first diagnosed it's all a bit of a whirl and a lot of it doesn't sink in.......it's only later you think, why didn't I ask this etc.  So I am doing a bit of back tracking.  I do have time so I will do my research, talking and asking lots of question before I go to have surgery.  Thanks again. Lots of Love oxoxox

Hi MsD

Sounds like you are in a situation similar to the one I was in.  I had a mammogram in a travelling bus (I live in country SA) and received a call from Adelaide for a recall, due to a shadow on my mammogram.  I then had more mammograms, ultrasounds and a biopsy to my left breast.  The calcifications shown on the mammogram turned out to be DCIS, and my surgeon performed a lumpectomy and also removed  2 lymph nodes.  The nodes were clear, but the margins on the breast tissue were not.  I was 47 at the time and he recommended that I have a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction.  He told me that if I did that I would not need any chemo or radiotherapy.  So in February this year I had a single mastectomy, with an immediate tram flap recon.  My right breast was clear, so I decided to just go with the single, as I thought that I didn't need to put myself through more post-op trauma than necessary, and an op. of around 10 hours for a single was enough time to be under anyway.  I went back for a small reduction after some months, because my new breast was a fair bit larger than my other one.  I return for my nipple recon. in just under 2 weeks.  At present, I am very happy with the result and do not regret the decision that I made.  Having said that, a friend chose a double, as opposed to a single, and she is completely happy with her result too.  Originally I was was tempted not to re-con, but in the end I didn't think that I'd be able to cope emotionally.  I went into theatre with 2 breasts and came out with 2 - that was the best part. I was apprehensive about looking at my new breast for the first time, but when I did, it was there and that was the main thing for me. Also, as an added bonus I had a flat tummy!  In the end, I guess it is a personal decision though, as you are the one who has to be able to be comfortable with it post-op.  All the best with making your decision and the choices it involves.

Kaina xo

You are very sweet to say that Michelle, it is my pleasure and I have learned so much from all the amazing ladies sharing their stories. Louie

My surgery was bilateral - I wanted both off as my tnbc was aggressive and there was a history in my family.  It was Stage 2A (no nodes) Grade 3 (fast growing) so I discussed it with the surgeon, who agreed.  I just wanted it gone.  Again, because it was tnbc, I needed chemo & rads, as the hormone drugs don't work.

You haven't mentioned your Pathology or chemo drugs.  It is worth getting a copy of your Pathology and filing it in your records.  I was advised to keep copies of everything from path to meds. It really helps if you are talking to other medical people about your diagnosis.

Louie is the best person ever to talk to about reconstruction - she runs an amazing group for information and support and has become a real ambassador in the field. (Yes, Louie, you have!)

Keep in touch when you have spoken to your surgeon/nurse/oncologist and let us know your program.  Big hug, Michelle xx