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Goodhealthagain
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Re: I’m back
Hi there @TripleTea Firstly my apologies for the delayed response. My first diagnosis was mid 2013. At which time I had a 1.7cm growth removed in my left breast in a lumpectomy along with 7 nodes with one being positive. All were Triple Negative I then had 12 rounds of Taxol and AC followed by 30 rounds of radiation. All was going well and getting on with life, until I had my three year scan, when another growth, same size, same spot reared it's head again. This time I was told that I needed a mastectomy. Nodes were removed but none were positive. Was told that all was cleared but that I needed to have chemo again !!!! Having felt that something didn't seem right for this to come back in the same spot decided to get another opinion. I found the most caring, professional and knowledgeable Specialist that I and my family have ever know. He wanted to not only know what was happening in that area, but also my entire body. So he first wanted me to have a PET scan before any recommendations in my treatment moving forward. I had the PET scan only to be dealt another blow. You see, what the other surgeon and radiographer missed was picked up in my PET. It was discovered that I had another growth, in the same breast but higher up in the tail of the axilla, about the same size !!!! Shock, Horror and grief was felt all round. How could they have missed this. But they did. I'm forever grateful to my health care Specialist as he has saved my life. Anyway, again just three weeks after having my mastectomy was back in hospital to have a total axillary clearance. Treatment was more chemo. I had 12 rounds of a different regime, Carboplatin and gemcitabine. Again 12 rounds. Then more radiation 24 rounds to the upper chest area. Well, I'm now three year post recurrence and recently had another PET scan and given the all clear. I'm on a hospital list now to have a reconstruction on the left side. It's taken me a long time to come to my decision, but feel that I need to get it done to feel whole again. I'm going to have my annual mammo and ultrasound done in a coupe of weeks and can feel the tension building, which I suppose will never leave any one of us. Best of luck with your recovery and stay strong with the knowledge that you have so much support from this wonderful site at any time. Best wishes, Cheryl xo3Views1like0CommentsRe: I’m back
Great news from your scans @TripleTea I too have had a localised recurrence of Triple Negative and know and feel exactly what you're going through. I had to have another round (5 months) chemo, but a different regimen to the first time. I hated every bit off it, but knew if this was going to beat the retched thing, then I had to do it !! Then radiotherapy again as well. I'm now nearly three year post the recurrence and heading down the path of reconstruction at the moment. Sending you bunches of hugs and just know that you can do this. <37Views4likes0CommentsRe: 8 year clearance this week after triple neg recurrance :)
Congratulations Lovely Paula That is the best news. Just fills me so much of positive thoughts and feelings, as I too had a triple negative diagnosis, six years (2013) originally (1.7cm and one positive node), and then recurrence nearly three years later (2016), same spot (1.7cm) followed by a total axillary clearance and mastectomy. Our stories are just unbelievably similar. Much love, Cheryl xo5Views3likes0CommentsReconstruction
Hello Everyone Well, finally coming to the decision which has weighed heavily since my mastectomy back in 2016 is, should I have a reconstruction ? I'm nearly there with my decision to go ahead and have the surgery, perhaps a TRAM free flap or DIEP flap. As these are the only options for me. Getting a couple of opinions from micro surgeons at present, so that I can be fully informed as to all that goes with this massive decision. So much to think about and would welcome any thoughts from your experiences and any questions that I should be asking the surgeons when I see them. I would be very grateful for your comments. Looking to getting back to - Goodhealthagain161Views0likes2Comments
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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.
