Forum Discussion
Bilateral Mastectomy BOOKED !
I am soooo grateful and relieved ! .... grateful for our public health system and relieved that my request for a bilateral mastectomy was not challenged - it was granted. Surgery is booked for 30 July 2014.
HISTORY :- diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma with focal areas of LCIS - in left breast. Tumour size = 40mm. I have dense breast tissue and have heavy busted since the age of 14. There is NO familiy history .... there was NO lump .... there were NO tell-tale signs. The "second reader" of my routine two-yearly mammogram detected the abnormality on the films.
I am a very pragmatic thinker (particularly when it comes to health issues) and found a wealth of information and insight through this forum. So, I've had plenty of time to digest the news and at this point in time, I have decided to go with no reconstruction - and will wear external prosthetics when going out etc.
I am surprised by how many girlfriends have questioned (with absolute shock) my choice to have the right breast removed also ... with the remainder of friends stating that this is what they would choose (if in my shoes) too.
The bottom line - it is a very personal choice, made after a number of heart to heart discussions with my uber-supportive husband. "It's such a big decision" my breast nurse reminded me ... indeed it is ... with impacts covering social, psychological, geographical distance, emotional, sexual, age-specific, our children's perspectives, family resilience and on and on. I live in rural far north Qld, with closest family living in SEQ. So, it was not a decision made lightly ... and yet, I am strongly confident it is exactly the right choice for us.
Thank you to those ladies and their stories for your guidance up to this point x
15 Replies
- Hi Sue, Just thought I'd drop a line and see how you are recovering. Hope all went well and you are happy with the result, Claire
- Hi Sue, Just thought I'd drop a line and see how you are recovering. Hope all went well and you are happy with the result, Claire
I have been away for a few days, just saw your post. Great news that you are able to have the bilateral that you were hoping to be able to have.
Wishing you all the best Paula x
Thanks for sharing this info Sally. I shall definitely look into it. all the best, Sue
Oh Michelle, what a wonderful outcome - that was not easily acquired, mind you .... your courage and wise choices paid off. I am so happy for you. No more treatment !!! WOW ... I would be on cloud nine with that result. Time to celebrate for sure ... as you thank your mum for her gift of courage. All the very, very best for a bright future for you xx
Hi Sue
Good luck with your operation.
I am not sure if you are interested or not, but that is a group in Burwood, Victoria who knit cotton prosthetic "breasts". They seem to have great reviews and apparently they are a lot cooler than the silicone one.
Here is there contact info.
FREE 100% COTTON prosthesis for breast cancer women after a mastectomy. [email protected] or 03 98086292 or [email protected]
Sally
Hi Sue
Good luck with your operation.
I am not sure if you are interested or not, but that is a group in Burwood, Victoria who knit cotton prosthetic "breasts". They seem to have great reviews and apparently they are a lot cooler than the silicone one.
Here is there contact info.
FREE 100% COTTON prosthesis for breast cancer women after a mastectomy. [email protected] or 03 98086292 or [email protected]
Sally
Hi Sue,
Second opinion, I thought that was the case. My daughter broke both her wrists, was sent home with the ok no broken bones, to get a phone call 4 days later to come back as both were broken. I have always wondered about my mammograms as well, same (radiology department as daughter). I was given all clear 5 months prior, it was a new GP who said she wasn't happy with fatty tissue as mentioned on report.
Fatty tissue was ok, but 20 cm slow growing tumor on chest wall was found. I also have very dense breast tissue. The other odd thing that happened was that they lost my previous set of films. So had to go back to films 5 years prior for comparison.
I have now changed where I have my tests, I must check who is checking the checker. I must say the Radiologist is lovely, and comes in and has a chat to me now - should be getting frequent flyer points.
All the best
Candy
Hi Michelle - how lovely of you to share your experience post-op (very valuable info, thank you) ... and what a wonderful choice of words to demonstrate your preference to decline breast reconstruction - de-constructed !
Yes, as I approach my 50th birthday (later this year) I look forward to enjoying a number of aspects of our family and farm life that being larger breasted made uncomfortable. I think to be flat chested for some time (and wear prosthetics by choice) will be a welcomed relief and side benefit of the ultimate intention ie. to be cancer-free !
Thank you again x
