Take 3
Today, I found that my second surgery, a lumpectomy revision had revealed further IDC and multiple DCIS , none of which showed up in scans, or were too small to show. I initially was checked 2 years ...
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Bugger! I am SO sorry to hear you need further surgery Meurig xx Having a mastectomy this time really does make sense - as that puppy isn't doing you any favours!
With your initial surgery removing the nipple & areola, I am surprised it wasn't Lobular - as it is particularly difficult to identify on Mammogram! Mine was also missed by Breastscreen NSW (they even reviewed their scan after I'd told them they missed it and they STILL missed it again!) I also wonder how many years previously that they'd ALSO missed it! grrr. (My GP found it just months after the missed mammogram!)
You will not go back to Breastscreen. I live regionally & now go 100k for my yearly mammogram/ultrasound with a specialist BC ultrasound lady (I will be sorry when she retires!) as I have little trust in the locals now, as they missed it too - but at least they suggested a biopsy 'just in case' .... which identified it!
Mine was ILC & it was directly under the nipple. My surgeon was able to lift the nipple & remove the lesions underneath & reattach the nipple, after moving some breast tissue fat around to 'fill the hole'.
Have you decided whether to have reconstruction or not? A straight up mastectomy is (I understand) easier to recover from that both a lumpectomy and reconstruction. You could also ask for an 'aesthetic' (TIDY) closure ... maybe join both the Reconstruction Group AND the 'Flat Chat' group .... I am sure they have before & after pics & could help you in your decision making xx
oh dear - don't we all love colonoscopies? NOT!! All the best with that one too xx
take care
thankyou for your supportive reply. Only my biopsy and the post op pathology showed IDC and DCIS. Scans, mammogram, ultrasound and even contrast MRI didn't show the little suckers, No guarantee there weren't more, so mastectomy " with no frills" planned. At neary 80 I dont give a cracker for aesthetics' just hope I'm not too lop sded when I'm back riding my horse.:)
Well done Meurig
That is TERRIFIC that you are still riding your horse xx. I always tell members to live their life to the fullest, doing things they love doing!!
I'm 73 now & have just returned from a kayak fishing trip to the Montebello Islands .... 13hr boat trip offshore from Exmouth, WA!! I was the 2nd oldest on board & was sweetly called 'Super Nan' - as they were surprised I kept up with them & I also landed lots of fish & got busted off too and had other exciting adventures too!! Hehe I've put my name down for next year too, so long as I am up to it!!Hmmm .... with you (almost) having had 3 surgeries - are they absolutely SURE that you DON'T have BC in the other breast? Given the number of tumours you had & that you had both types in the one breast .... maybe ask them about a preventative double mastectomy (if you are up to it)? Then, it is only the one surgery (to prevent the need of another 'possible one' further down the line - specially given the lack ability to identify the original ones! )
Then - you wouldn't be lopsided either ..... 😉By going 'no frills' (which is what I would do too!) definitely ask for an "Aesthetic Flat Closure" (similar to a female losing her breast to a gender change.)
You have a lot to think about .... but make the decision that WORKS FOR YOU xxI will keep Ms Righty,as it has not shown (haha) any sign of either. I am on a "stop feeling sorry for myself" kick and trying to get fitter. I have been using my Fibromyalgia as a reason not to walk etc as it is pretty painful and more so since lovely Letrozole. I reckon if I'm going to be hobbled again with surgery, I need to get fitter while I can. I walked 4 km this morning. anoher good thing is that it uses up thinking time and gets me a bit more energised,
Going to finish rag Doll pair for my granddaughter's 7th birthday and then make some tasteful "prostheses" for futr use or an art project.😶🤪
