So, 7 and a bit years after a Stage 3 E+ PR+ breast cancer diagnosis in the left breast, I am facing some changes in the right breast. Picked up in yearly mammogram/ultrasound. Nobody has suggested it is cancer just yet but given my history I am booked in for a core biopsy next Monday.I am very clear in my head about what this means for me. I have been happy with my choice of single mastectomy for the last 7 years but am not about to take any chances with the remaining breast. Regardless of the results of the biopsy, it’s days are numbered. Monitoring changes in a very dense breast is not what I want. Having had a mastectomy I am quite ok about having a second one, especially if that is all I need. The changes are new since my mammogram and ultrasound last year. Just goes to show that keeping up our regular checks is sooo important, even in our current Covid 19 world. Very reassured by the excellent treatment of my situation by the staff at the Radiology facility this morning. I was treated respectfully and everything was clearly explained right then and there.As you can imagine though, I am finding it hard to concentrate on anything else at the moment. Will be glad when the biopsy is done and we have the results. But I am sure that a mastectomy is what I want regardless.

Thank-you everyone. I am continuing to recover well and after a couple of days of feeling a bit exhausted, I feel some energy returning again today. Gave my visiting daughter a scare yesterday when I tried getting up from the lounge and walking off without the drain! The poor thing thought I was going to rip out the drain and spring a major leak! Luckily all was ok and I didn’t get too far! :D Looking forward to parting ways with the drain properly tomorrow when I go for my appointment with the surgeon. :)

Yes @Irb_03, my book is a crime thriller that usually would have me turning pages pretty quickly. I managed to actually stay reading for a few extended periods yesterday and block out the real world for a short while. I’m pretty impressed with that because when I went through this back in 2013 I could not concentrate long enough to read a book. I did find myself needing to reread a few pages as my mind wandered yesterday though.

Dear @Deanne Best wishes for your results and planned mastectomy. I think I would do the same thing. I have been seven years clear too, although my remaining breast now is practically transparent, according to my breast surgeon, so a bit less anxiety. Having been through it all once, there is a great deal more knowledge available to you, about how you feel and react, which is really useful. Better not to have to go through any of it, of course, but there we are. Owning it and dealing with it gives a degree of control, which is a powerful thing. Take care.

I don't like the whole battle/struggle/warrior narrative that surrounds our disease, but when you are staring down the barrel of BCV2, it's really bloody helpful to know the language. It's also helpful to know exactly how to pull the big girl panties on. Massive contortions hoping for no fucked up news for you @Deanne

Hello @Deanne Just to let you know that you will be in our thoughts tomorrow. All the best.

Thankfully I know more this time.

59 Replies

HelenJill
Member
5 years ago
Deanne you have been on quite a journey in recent times. You are truly an inspiration.
Deanne
Member
5 years ago
Hello @Michelle_R. Sorry to hear that your husband had a stroke but wonderful that he has recovered well. It sounds like you have both worked hard for that recovery.

Thank-you so much for making contact again it is so lovely to hear from you. I am very sure that this has been the right choice for me and it is so good that we are supported in the choices we make. I cannot speak more highly of my surgeon in her reassuring support for all the choices that women in her care make. I have just come home from my check up with her and am very glad to be rid of the drain. Onwards and upwards from here.

My husband is well and his eye issues have settled with a major change in diet over the last couple of years. It has been challenging but totally worth it. He has not had any further deterioration and in fact has had some improvement. Fingers crossed it continues that way.

Hope that you and your husband keep well and continue to enjoy life again. Hugs to you too. Deanne xxx
iserbrown
Member
5 years ago
Hopefully the draining is complete and your road to recovery is well and truly on track.
Best wishes
Michelle_R
Member
5 years ago
Huge relief @Deanne - just found your post today and read it all from start to finish. So happy for you that all was well. I have never regretted having a double, both for peace of mind and for balance in clothes - if I don't want a bra I don't wear one! It has been a long time since we met here online and I hope all is going well for you and your husband. My husband has recovered well from a stroke 18 months ago, and is now walking 3-4 kms daily again. Being a carer took a lot of time, so I am not visiting the site very often these days! Very best wishes and a big hug! Michelle xxx
kmakm
Member
5 years ago
So good to read your news @Deanne. As someone who did similar, getting that load of worry off your mind is wonderful. Take care of you, K xox
Deanne
Member
5 years ago
Thank-you everyone. I am continuing to recover well and after a couple of days of feeling a bit exhausted, I feel some energy returning again today. Gave my visiting daughter a scare yesterday when I tried getting up from the lounge and walking off without the drain! The poor thing thought I was going to rip out the drain and spring a major leak! Luckily all was ok and I didn’t get too far! :D Looking forward to parting ways with the drain properly tomorrow when I go for my appointment with the surgeon. :)
SoldierCrab
Member
5 years ago
Congratulations @Deanne
another thing done in your road to recovery...
sending you strength and love.
Soldiercrab xxx
June1952
Member
5 years ago
Hello @Deanne
I am so pleased that all has gone well for you with minimal discomfort and stress.
Oh, the feeling of not having the worry in the back of your mind. My choice would be the same as yours.
Hope you heal well and quickly and can get back to all you did before.
Best wishes
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Deanne said:

Update - have just had a prophylactic mastectomy of the remaining breast on Tuesday and it is all good news. No cancer anywhere and so far the recovery from surgery is going well. No pain, less than 24 hours in hospital and other than the drain being there I feel normal.

The biopsies and resulting haematoma caused more pain and disruption than the mastectomy so far. Hopefully get the drain out on Monday and then just a bit of healing and hopefully back to normal life again.

I am very happy with my decision about the mastectomy and feel it was right for me at this time. Good support from my surgeon, breast care nurse and loved ones. Thank-you for the support on here too. <3 :)

great news sending hugs xx
jennyss
Member
5 years ago