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Gavroche
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Joined 7 years ago
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Re: To remove or not to remove..... that is the question
@June1952 - I'm so sorry to hear that. My breast surgeon, whom I really like, was indeed taken aback - as though I didn't have faith in his skills. But I simply said "For me this is piece of mind" and then he was cool. Both of them visited me in hospital - this was mid-April and there was no elective surgery then because of Covid. So I suspect they were a little bored. They admired their handiwork and sometimes stayed up to an hour for a chat! Lol. They both said that they learned from each other during the surgery. I certainly hope your left breast remains cancer free. Perhaps you can consider revision surgery for the right side that you dfRe: To remove or not to remove..... that is the question
Hi @Caz1 - thanks for your message. I'm finding halter necks, ruffled shoulders and patterns work a treat. In the past I've been a solid colour person, but I'm really enjoying trying out these new styles. I've found fab pieces on eBay. About the plastic surgeon - this is pretty common in France and the USA. Both my breast surgeon and the plastic surgeon were surprised at this request. (Perhaps the breast surgeon was a tad offended even. And the plastic surgeon hadn't worked with a breast surgeon before on a DMX). However, they knew each other - they share rooms at St Vincent's Private Clinic in Sydney. Having seen images of truly ghastly mastectomies - lots of flesh left behind and dog ears - I wanted piece of mind, knowing 2 experts were "working on me". The breast surgeon bulk-billed for the entire operation and I thought that $1200 was a reasonable price to pay for that piece of mind. My scars look good - from the beginning I haven't been scared to look in the mirror. xxRe: To remove or not to remove..... that is the question
Hi @MrsMac, This is such a personal and difficult decision. My cancer was in my right breast only. However, after a lumpectomy and then re-excision, still couldn't get clear margins, so a mastectomy was needed. After the Endopredict test, it determined that I needed chemo as well and this was scheduled prior to surgery. So I had 5 months to consider all the issues and lot of nights sobbing into my pillow! I did an enormous amount of research. As @Caz1 i mentioned, there are several Facebook groups: Fabulously Flat - Unreconstructed Breast Cancer Survivors, Fantastic Flat Fashions, Flatties Unite. Although these groups started in the US (and sometimes a bit too "thank the Lord"), the membership seems to be pretty international. I found lots of excellent advice, lots of tips about dressing as a flat chested-person.- fashion is important to me. It was quite inspiring. I also changed breast surgeons. My initial surgeon pushed implants, which, given all the associated health issues, I didn't want. Both implants and diep flap seemed fraught with potential other issues and ongoing surgery. The option of being a uni-boober seemed inconvenient and uncomfortable. So I opted to go flat. As well as a breast surgeon, who did not try to talk me out of my decision, I also engaged a plastic surgeon to ensure an aesthetic flat closure. They worked together during the 4 hour surgery. The plastic surgeon, not covered by insurance, was $1200. My surgery was mid-April and I had 5 weeks of radiotherapy starting 1 June. I am very pleased with the results. In fact, in some clothes I look better than when I had my 34D breasts! Perhaps I was lucky that I live in the Blue Mountains and so had all of winter to get used to my new shape rugged up in jumpers. Of course I was initially self-conscious but then I realized that no one notices! People are caught up in their own life. Now it's summer and some clothes definitely look better with inserts in a bra. There are many alternatives to traditional prosthesis. I absolutely love Busted Tank bras. Brilliant designs, buttery soft fabrics and the inserts are just $15. There's also Fuuk Cancer, started by an Australian, flat chested woman. I have a couple of her bras and they are also great. One issue of going flat that women report is "Buddah Belly", i.e. after your breasts are removed, your tummy is more apparent! I am lucky that I am pretty athletic and have a small tummy. This isn't an issuer (However, I think it is absolutely crucial to exercise daily). I should also say that I haven't had an "emotional melt down". Perhaps because I had many months to consider and research plus I had a supportive medical team. This doesn't mean I don't miss my breasts - I do. But I feel healthy and comfortable and look good in whatever I chose to wear. As another person wrote, breasts do not define a woman and being flat has not compromised my femininity. Happy to discuss more if you want to send me a private message. I wish you all the best.Re: Paclitaxel
Hi @PV123, Please do a general search on this site for peripheral neuropathy. Several women have described, with pix, their DIY solutions instead of buying via the US. Although I did ice therapy from the beginning, I understand that it can still be effective even if start after chemo has started. xxRe: Joint Pain
Hi @JessC I am sorry that you are experiencing joint pain. I take Femara (Letrozole) and so far I haven't experienced joint pain, though many women do. I had read that taking the Brand (in this case Femara) rather than a generic may assist with pain relief, as the fillers can be different. So far that's working for me. Some people have had success with tart cherry capsules and even the antihistamine Claratine. There is a Facebook group, Anastrozole(Arimidex)/Letrozole/Exemestane/ Hormone Therapy Support Group, and there is a lot of information there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/384867198389816 I hope those resources may help. xxRe: Letrozole, insomnia, CBD oil
Hi @MJ04 and @kmakm I am sorry to read that you are suffering badly on Letrozole. I am also taking it - when I started I had the generic brand and did have shoulder and wrist pains. I then swapped to the brand version Femara and have had no pain whatsoever following this switch. I read that Generic drugs are required to have 80% active ingredients to match the BRAND drug. The remaining 20% are “fillers” which differentiate the generic from each manufacturer and the Brand. While these fillers are very small amounts, many women swear they trigger various side effects for them. Many pharmacists and doctors will insist the differences are too tiny to have this effect, but again, many women would disagree. It has worked for me and I am very grateful. I really hope you find relief. xxRe: Letrozole, insomnia, CBD oil
Hi @MJ04 and @kmakm I am sorry to read that you are suffering badly on Letrozole. I am also taking it - when I started I had the generic brand and did have shoulder and wrist pains. I then swapped to the brand version Femara and have had no pain whatsoever following this switch. I read that Generic drugs are required to have 80% active ingredients to match the BRAND drug. The remaining 20% are “fillers” which differentiate the generic from each manufacturer and the Brand. While these fillers are very small amounts, many women swear they trigger various side effects for them. Many pharmacists and doctors will insist the differences are too tiny to have this effect, but again, many women would disagree. It has worked for me and I am very grateful.Australian-made gorgeous post-surgery bras
Queenslander Kat Houghton was so disappointed with the choice of bras post breast cancer surgery, she decided to make her own. Kat worked with a Lingerie and Swimwear Designer who has worked for 20+ years with Triumph, Berlei UK and Marks and Spencer. I ordered two and have been wearing them for a week: buttery soft, hidden seams, convertible straps, pocketed for breast forms but work just as well if you are flat, a uniboober or implants etc. I have one of each - the more glamorous "Signature" bra in black (lower V neck and thinner straps) and the Lifestyle bra in candy floss pink (round higher neck and thicker straps). Definitely check with Kat about sizing. I was a 12 C and the Medium Lifestyle bra is perfect, whereas I needed the Large for the Signature. Customer service is outstanding. Kat is now working on a swimwear range as well as tank tops/camisoles - she's a dynamo. Cost is A$65 and you can purchase online at https://www.fuukcancer.com/collections/frontpage I've attached photos - highly recommended. If you join its Facebook page there are many pix of women wearing these bras: https://www.facebook.com/groups/620143772133893Re: Cost of private radiotherapy
Hi - I started radiotherapy 2 weeks ago with 3 more weeks to go. At Genesis Care, St Vincent's clinic, Sydney. Total cost is around $28K of which Medicare pays 80%. I really like and trust my radiotherapy oncologist and this is where she works. Also the entire team there are excellent.I have to travel a long distance and value that I can specify the appointment time. In Covid times I also like to be in the private clinic. Wishing you all the best,
Groups
Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe, supportive space to talk about sexual health and emotional wellbeing during and after breast cancer. We discuss topics like menopause, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, UTIs, and changes in libido, and share ideas and products that may help. Whether you're navigating intimacy with a partner or reconnecting with yourself, you're not alone here. This is a place for open, respectful conversations and shared understanding.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.
