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Adriannenessel's avatar
Adriannenessel
Member
13 years ago

1st step in the journey

Hello my pink sisters, I saw my surgeon today and the outcome is that I will have a bilateral mastectomy. Apart from the main tumour of about 20 cm there is also calcification & DCIS throughout the the whole breast, so off it goes. I chose to have the right breast off as my cancer is ER & PR positive & I am pre menapausal. It will also mean that I will not have to worry about a cancer developing in the future in the right breast. Mastectomy will be followed by chemo & then radiation. I actually feel quite good about my decision. I am in control, steering my multi disciplined team. Also very confident in my surgeon. He is experienced, values my opinion, is happy to answer my questions & explains his reasons for recommending a particular action. Today I also met the breast care nurse, who was very informative & approachable. I then saw the link nurse, pre admission clinic & the anaethasist. Now I am waiting for the hospital to give me an appointment for a bone & whole body scan. Op should take place in next couple of weeks. Take care all. Regards Adrianne
dcis
mastectomy

6 Replies

  • Tanya's avatar
    Tanya
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Adrianne Just read your story, great news that they moved your appointment forward. I was diagnosed in 2007 at the age of 36 when our children were 2 and 4. Great that you had a cry, it is important to go through all the emotions associated with this crappy journey. The wonderful women here have offered some great advise and advise that you will find invaluable as you navigate the next few months. Good luck xxx
  • Tanya's avatar
    Tanya
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Adrianne Just read your story, great news that they moved your appointment forward. I was diagnosed in 2007 at the age of 36 when our children were 2 and 4. Great that you had a cry, it is important to go through all the emotions associated with this crappy journey. The wonderful women here have offered some great advise and advise that you will find invaluable as you navigate the next few months. Good luck xxx
  • Adriannenessel's avatar
    Adriannenessel
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hello my pink sisters, thank you all for the positive responses which this morning I was much in need off. I had a bad night worrying about my upcoming cat scan & bone scan. This morning I had a good cry & with mums assurances that I can get through this cancer journey, I cleared the pent up anxiety & feel more relaxed now. The hospital called & my appointment for the scans is at 8am next Wednesday (21/08/2013). Hopefully the mastectomy will take place within the following week. I am so over waiting for results & appointments. I just want to get treatment started. Take care all. Adrianne
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    13 years ago

    It sounds like you have a great team, and it's all systems go.  I did the same as you - bilateral, chemo, radiotherapy - and a year later I am feeling healthy and well, and my percentages for recurrence have dropped considerably.  There will always be the need to be watchful, but it's good to know that all that can be done has been done.  (I also had a hysterectomy afterwards for more insurance.)

    All the best with your scans and your surgery.  Keep in touch.  Michelle xx

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    13 years ago

    It sounds like you have a great team, and it's all systems go.  I did the same as you - bilateral, chemo, radiotherapy - and a year later I am feeling healthy and well, and my percentages for recurrence have dropped considerably.  There will always be the need to be watchful, but it's good to know that all that can be done has been done.  (I also had a hysterectomy afterwards for more insurance.)

    All the best with your scans and your surgery.  Keep in touch.  Michelle xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    13 years ago
    It's good to hear your news. Sounds like you have some excellent people looking after you. It's good that you have had time to consider the options and make the best choices for you. So great that you are able to take control of this situation and feel part of the 'team' tackling this head on. It is a tough time but it helps to feel confident in the choices you have to make. It will be great to have done all that you can to get rid of the cancer once and for all! Hope all goes well with scans etc and that you find the time goes quickly now. Look after yourself and let us know how you go. xxooDeanne