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Clea
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Joined 6 years ago
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Re: Count down to surgery
Hi. Im similar to you in a couple of ways I’ve just had a uni mastectomy (and recon as well) I was a size 18 and have a seven year old son but am single so don’t have the same issue with worrying about what my partner will think of me. There is this great woman on YouTube called Dee Doherty and she did an awesome video ‘what cancer is like for the partner’ it might help you to watch that. The way I personally am coping with everything is to stay relentlessly focused on what I am gaining vs what I am losing. Wishing you all the very best. x23Views1like0CommentsRe: I need help with my decision - does anyone have any regrets?
Hi @Invisjet I’ve just had a skin sparing mastectomy with diep reconstruction on my left breast. I’m only four weeks out but was quite surprised as I actually have normal sensation all around the outer edges of my breast Especially the side and at the top. It’s just the Center circular section that has no sensation, I can feel pressure on my chest in that area but not sensation on the skin. Early days yet but it doesn’t bother me hugely. And I’m very very happy with how it looks and thats even before they’ve done the revision surgery. Just in case you wanted the experience if someone whose had diep reconstruction.7Views1like0CommentsRe: Painful breast pre treatment
@Nefertari Thankyou for that, it puts my mind a little more at ease that three and half weeks sounds okay. Ill try to breathe and not stress so much I guess. Ill probably also ring and pester my breast cancer nurse about it because thats how im rolling right now. Thanks again.58Views1like0CommentsRe: Painful breast pre treatment
Hi @Afraser thanks for replying, Thats helpful to know that reactions are different. It is a little scary isnt it, when you think about how close you can come to missing things, especially when there is no lump! Due to family history id had scans at a young age that showed I had cystic breasts and so didnt take much notice of this lump. I came that close to not following up on the referal. And what youve said is so true about conjuring things, I am hypervigilant, if Im honest, about any little ache and pain in the area at the moment so theres that. The pain is definitely there, but perhaps its always been there. Thankyou for the wishes and the advice. @ara I absolutely know what you mean, I dont think I will be sorry to see this breast go...It did a great job feeding my son and now sayonara. My surgeon recommended this path to me when Id initially planned on implant recon and it seemed like a good option I am trusting his judgement that it will be done in a timely manner I guess. Its just all the mental hoo haa that I now have to wrangle with while waiting.9Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful breast pre treatment
@ara Thanks so much for your reply, I also wish I wasnt here but now that I am its great to meet other people who know what this experience is like, so Im grateful for that. Your pain sounds just like the pain I have. Im obviously concerned about waiting 3 1/2 weeks for surgery when I could be in, in two weeks if I chose implant recon. But at the same time trying to make a calm choice that will affect my quality of life. The pain makes me worry that its spreading and I am choosing to wait for diep surgery at the expense of preventing spread! Its all a bit stressful really. Thankyou for the blessing, and to you also.14Views0likes0CommentsPainful breast pre treatment
Hello, this is my first time posting, just wanted to say this is a great resource and hi to everyone on their own cancer journey. I first noticed a lump in my breast in about July 2019, went to get a check at GP in August, didnt follow up with referal until December. Got a Mammogram and ultrasound and they werent very impressed with how things were looking and as I had very dense breast tissue, I was also referred for an abbreviated MRI on which they found a second mass. I was referred to a breast clinic for biopsy, and received my diagnoses of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (multifocal - 2 visible lesions) on Jan 24th. Grade 2 Early Cancer, MRI showed no visible lymph node involvement. Ive just been going through a process of working out what surgery options are best for me and have decided on unilateral mastectomy with diep reconstruction. I meet with the plastic surgeon in two weeks and then likely surgery on the 4th March. SORRY for the long winded explanation BUT the reason I am posting is.. I know they say that breast cancer usually doesnt cause pain, but Im getting quite an ache in the tumour that is closest to my skin (palpable) Should I be worried about this? Did anyone else have pain before treatment? Am I leaving surgery too long? Doctor says it is completely within a safe time period. Thanks in advance for advice.582Views0likes16Comments
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Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.
