Forum Discussion
Chris
14 years agoMember
Hi Rikki, so sorry to hear that you have another lump and will need to go through more tests to find out what it is. I hope it is benign, like my second scare was. I really understand what you are going through.
I have looked at all the different types of reconstruction and though I think the DIEP would give the best results, it is such a major operation when both breasts are done. Could be up to 12 hours in length, so I have opted for tissue expanders and implants. I'm a good candidate for this type of reconstruction due to the fact that both breasts will be done, which make it easier to match them, I'm only a size B cup and I haven't had radiotherapy. Did you have the TRAM or Latissimus Dorsi reconstruction? I had decided to have a prophylactic mastectomy a month ago, and before seeing my surgeon had a repeat mammogram and ultrasound. A lump was found on ultrasound, and I needed to have a core biopsy and wait 2 scary days for the results. This is exactly the same as 9 months ago
when I was first diagnosed. I was sure I had cancer again and would need chemo again. Fortunately it
turned out to be benign, just like 9 out of 10 lumps are.
However, like you, I was terrified of hearing those words, " you have breast cancer" again. This scare has given me absolute certainty that my decision for a prophylactic mastectomy is the right thing for me to do. The anxiety of annual checks would be too great, and as both lumps were not visible on mammograms, I would always doubt the results of a clear mammogram.