Second mastectomy
20 years ago I had a tram flap reconstruction after a mastectomy on one breast. Since then I found I was BRCA2 and in the last week I have been diagnosed with cancer in my other breast. I am interested to hear the stories of anyone that had a reconstruction on one side and then had to look at getting a second mastectomy years later. Did you go the construction route or perhaps decide to get a prosthesis, or even remove the reconstructed breast and go flat? I am in my late sixties.
First appointment since diagnosis
Hi Lovely Ladies, I have my first appt on wednesday at Peter Mac and was wondering if anyone else went to Peter mac and what their experience was with the first appointment. Im hoping to come away with some dates of appointments to start my journey or am I being unrealistic and is it just really an information session? Thanks in advanceOne night stay thoughts
Hi all, I am going in for a mastectomy, reconstruction and symmetry reduction and lift and was advised if all goes well I will only be staying over one night in hospital, Im wondering how you all felt about this experience and if you coped ok going home that early etc? Feeling a bit nervous about it but understand its out of my hands.So confused, scared and teary
Hi all, I was just diagnosed yesterday with DCIS intermediate grade 2 and told to get off my HRT patches immediately. I have 3 areas in the one breast so I think i will need a masectomy. I have been contacted by Peter Mac in Melbourne regarding my referral and just waiting on confirmation of my appointment date. My brain is saying if I had to have cancer this is the one to get but my emotions are being ridiculous, so teary inside but cool and calm on the outside trying to support everyone else. If I do need a masectomy i want to have reconstruction surgery on the same day with a small implant but Im so worried as 6 months ago I was let go at work due to business downsizing and ive really struggled to find another job, my mum has just passed away and any savings I had have helped with the funeral etc so basically I am seriously going through hardship and only just paying my rent on my job seeker payment. I am so scared that I will find out going through this process there are some unexpected charges that arent included, all the sites say peter mac is free and I am bulk billing but Im so scared that my health is going to held back due to financial stress. Has anyone had this process done at peter mac, chose the medicare bulk billing option and was their reconstruction covered? Sorry Im really rambling here but its so much easier to type this to a stranger than someone I know. xxxxxER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular
I’m a 47 yr old mum of one 6 yr old. I received my ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular cancer diagnosis this week. Due to strong family history (mum passed away at 62 in 2012 with triple negative BC- and her mother also passed away at similar age from BC type unknown as it was late 1970s) - my sister and I had started the process of having additional screening etc. My mammogram and Ultrasound in Jan this year was clear - MRI last month showed something- which following a core biopsy has revealed 3mm ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular cancer. As I was already under care of private breast surgeon due to wanting extra screening etc- I feel grateful to have already talked to her about surgery options and possible surgery week of 12th January. I went for genetic testing this week and now wait to see results. Am weighing up option of double mastectomy(and reconstruction) - though surgeon has advised its very early and very small so lumpectomy and sentinel node surgery is a very feasible option too. Followed by radiation therapy and tamoxifen. If I chose a mastectomy it may reduce my need for radiation and tamoxifen.
DCIS, DMX reconstruction new diagnosis
Recently diagnosed DCIS Stage 0. Opting for DMX and reconstruction using my tummy fat same day…. Videos and some social media groups are TBH quite confronting and disturbing. I would rather know but….. Reading and hearing how awful the recovery is, pain, discomfort, loss of movement and after some helpful tips to prepare please: particularly diet, did you change your diet pre surgery? High protein to help with recovery? Can you recommend a website or recipe site? Things post surgery: hire a recliner to rest in, did you hire a wedge or breast pillow as well? Button up shirts and pjs, anything else that you found useful please? I’ve heard about the drains which sound daunting… what do i need to do with them? Toileting and cleaning myself… I hear you can’t put your arm around your back to wipe? I’ve got wet wipes but …. Don’t want to ask my partner to wipe my bum? Diet after surgery to avoid constipation. Any tips would be greatly appreciated thank you so so much.
Post surgery Rehab options
Hi all, hope you all are doing fine. I wanted to share my experience in y BC journey and also want to get some expert advice/ help if you have been thru this already. I was diagnosed with a stage 3 Triple positive BC last July. Since then I have been going through Chemotherapy and targeted therapy as advised my Breat surgeon and Oncologist. I recently completed my 6th cycle of Chemo and have my surgery scheduled this Saturday on. 6Dec. I will need to undergo full Mastectomy on my left. This will be followed by immediate reconstruction- will be a lengthy process I have been told. While understandably we are all nervous , I am also hopeful that I have been thru half of my battle. I am also a mother of two, and younger one is only 2.5 years old. I am also really anxious about the post surgery situation. My Doctor has told that I should not be taking stairs post surgery after I go back home. Given that I have little kids at home and none of our bedrooms are at downstairs, I am really keen to see if I can stay at a Rehab after I am released from the hospital. This would allow me to heal for few more days and would not endanger myself with the little one ( she jumps on to my lap anytime she wants). That would also help my husband who is my only carer at this stage. Love to get some ideas and advice how can I avail the Rehab facilities. I was also told by my Insurance provider that I have restrictive coverage for Rehab. I am in a tricky situation ( and am sure many of you are ) and wanting see what support can I get at this very difficult time. Many thanks and wish me luck!Axilla and bilateral therapeutic mammoplasty surgery
Hi everyone. A newbie to this site and find this content of great comfort and assistance - thank you all. I had this surgery 2.5 weeks ago and still in a fair amount of discomfort. Bruising and swelling still exist, and my underarm is still quite sore with cording. I do my stretches, eat healthy, exercise daily etc but still get tired. How long should I be off work to recover? I am awaiting my oncology appointment to discuss treatment plan which hopefully will be in a week or so. Grateful for any guidance on healing times at this in between stage. Thank you…Reconstruction - not everyone is happy with the results - updated
The New York Magazine has a recent article on Breast Reconstruction - and claims that up to 40% of women are dissatisfied with the results. Many women are VERY happy with their results and sail thru the surgery & recovery .... but others may be unprepared for the 'wait time ', particularly if they aren't on private health cover, let alone the chances of complications and a less pleasing aesthetic result than expected. Big out of pocket expenses may apply to private reconstruction surgery, whilst long waits (sometimes many years) are common if having reconstruction in the public hospital system. Having Inserts may also require further surgery if they rupture - plus many have a 'limited life span' anyway, requiring surgical replacements 10+ years later ..... If you are on Facebook you can read all the responses to the article here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1204809064843022&set=a.656904452966822✨ October 19th was Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day ✨
When considering a breast reconstruction, it’s important to know your options beforehand so you can make an informed decision about what works best for you. Here are some tips to consider: - Read our page on breast reconstruction https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/surgery-and-breast-reconstruction/breast-reconstruction/ - Read everything your surgeon gives you. - Ask your surgeon and breast care nurse about anything you do not understand. - Talk to your family and friends. -Find tips and shared experiences in our Online Network from people who have been through surgery https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/closedgroup/choosing-breast-reconstruction -Listen to our podcast about communicating with your health team: https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-3-communicating-with-your-health-professional/ If you're still considering your options and looking for community support, join our Online Network group: Choosing breast reconstruction For more information and support you can call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 between Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.
