All Clear happy and healthy, BUT pre admission tomorrow for Mastectomy/Recon struggling mentally..
To say its been a tough week, has been an understatement even after a recurrence multiple surgeries and treatments over the past 6yrs. As much as I knew it was coming, I wasnt prepared for the call from Hospital for my pre-admission tomorrow. 19 months on from a lumpectomy, 13 months post chemo, happy, healthy reclaiming my life. The mental torture has been relentless this week, knowing I'm WELL but in light of a recurrence don't gamble Melinda, do a Mastectomy/Diep flap reconstruction. Even knowing deep down its the best thing I could do, I still struggle with the loss, the prevention, the surgery. Its always been my struggle getting to this decision now it is here, I don't feel any different, I'm still struggling with it. I can be honest, I'm scared, petrified of the actual surgery, the recovery, the loss, the end result. Struggling with feeling Im damned if I do, damned if I don't. Maybe I'll feel different once it's done? Ive looked at it every which way possible, and its just so mentally challenging when I know Im so well...the tears havent stopped. I will also be mostly alone through recovery as my kids are going to live with their Dad as its easier for them to get to Uni and my baby in VCE. Whilst its the right thing for me to do...am heartbroken to not have them with me loving and supporting me. My Partner lives an hour away, due to work and life will only be able to manage at different times. Another reminder of traveling this road nearly 7yrs without my Mum, lucky to have my Dad who wants to help but is 77. Inspite of all this, knowing how incredibly lucky am I really!!! how dare I be sad, upset, angry, so why do I struggle, don't know how to resolve this for myself?? I've always been proactive, positive and upbeat...hoping its purely the fear thats getting in the way...
DMX & Recon
Hello ladies, I'm in dire need of advice from the community regarding dmx and recon. I'm currently on a trial treatment prior to lumpectomy in mid December. I have triple negative and also a BRCA1 carrier. There has been an ongoing conversation with my surgeon and plastic specialist at Peter Mac to my options for mastectomy and reconstruction as well as the option of remaining under observation in case I'll decide to keep my boobs. I find it extremely difficult to make a solid decision and stick to it. I'm concerned about my body image as I'm only 38, haven't had kids and in great form from training in competitive sports for a large portion of my life. Those of you out there who's undergone reconstruction and could share your experience with me and whether you think it's better or worse remaining under observation for the years to follow or pull the trigger and get dmx instead? Nipple sparing surgery or tattoo?Any information would be greatly appreciate it!
Recon with expanders wk 7
Hi warriors just wanted to ask if anyone had pains post 6 wk mark with expanders? I’m at wk 7 now and fully expanded and for the past 4-5 days have been experiencing dull but almost constant pain under my R boob (foob) not sure if I’ve been over doing it with my stretches or lifting heavy stuff and maybe pulled something. It’s in one spot and doesn’t move. No changes in the look of the breast. Having to take Panadol and ibuprofen a couple times each a day. Any ideas or advice welcome. I don’t see my PS for a couple weeks. x
Reconstruction implant only
Hi Everyone, I had a mastectomy and lat flap recon in 2019 and may need another mastectomy on the other breast (awaiting results hoping for the best, planning for the worst to get organised!) I'm wondering if anyone has had an implant only reconstruction and how it has been? I was advised against this last time and told that it would lead to a lot of puckering, and may look and feel unnatural, which I don't really care about. This or a mastectomy with no recon are my only choices at this point as I have had a lot of trouble with my back after the lat flap so couldn't repeat that option Many Thanks
Dr Hamish Farrow Melbourne feedback and out of pocket
I had DMX and immediate recon in 2020, performed in Hobart. I developed a hole in my capsule on my left breast a couple of months after surgery. My right breast then developed capsular contraction, so now I have one droopy breast, and one hard like a melon. It is also painful to touch. After my annual checkup with my breast cancer surgeon, he recommended I see Dr Farrell in Melbourne. Has anyone been to him after having unsuccessful outcomes from previous surgeries. Any indication of out of pocket for removal and replacement of implants? I am going to have to travel from Hobart, so the travel costs alone will add up.
Reconstruction
Hello Warriors, I’m currently in the process of undergoing consultation for breast reconstruction. I had a mastectomy on my right breast and had immediate reconstruction. However I had a recurrence and had another mastectomy on the same side and removal of implants. Now I want to get reconstruction and I have been considering a DIEP. I’m 31years old and don’t have kids, I’m concerned, when I want to have kids this might be a problem. Has anyone experienced this or have any info please. Also I will be getting my left breast done at the same time, so it will be delayed and immediate reconstruction. In for a big surgery 😣 but I’m BRCA 1, I have been through this 3 times trying to avoid a 4th as much as possible. Also if any of you in WA and have good surgeons and plastic surgeon recommendations please advise. Thank you so much in advance 🤗
Trouble with reconstruction
Hello I have had a mascetomy last August and reconstruction nov and again August having huge problems with tightness hardness uncomfortable to wear a bra gets very sore my whole breast just doesn't feel right have expressed this with surgeon and breast nurse say they can see it but don't really give me a answer have been to support groups but don't seem to find anyone that can relate to me The last support group suggested I try online for some answers is there anyone who can relate to some of things that are happening to me?
Recent mastectomy and reconstruction
Hi all I want to let this forum know how I am going after my mastectomy and reconstruction with an implant. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. First lumpectomy in February with one lymph node removal. Great margins around cancer tumour and no evidence of cancer in lymph node. Great but still lots of DCIS in the margins. Second lumpectomy in March and unfortunately still DCIS in three spots on outer margins. I chose to have a mastectomy and reconstruction as I couldn’t stand the thought of this shit lurking. Sooo mastectomy and reconstruction with implant just over two weeks ago. Healing well and lucky enough to be able to have a nipple graft which appears to be healing well. No cancer around the nipple. Feels very weird to have an implant - tight and not natural but for all intents a boob as such. I have to praise my plastic surgeon who has done a great job in that look of my new boob is great and even better the nipple graft continues to heal well. Best news was pathology this last week which shows clear healthy margins beyond the DCIS and so no further treatment required. It is so surreal this process I have gone through and nothing but tears after pathology. This was the first time I actually felt that I had actually had cancer and the facade/strength I had been showing for the past 7 months collapsed. I am so aware that my journey has been easier than so many and I am forever grateful for that and so mindful this is not the story for so many…. I am also so grateful for the members who reached out in my scary days leading up to the mastectomy. I am sure there will be some sad times ahead as I mourn the loss of my breast but no where near as dark as pathology was good. Part of me is a little nervous as you know you might get good results but things can turn to shit in a nanosecond. Here’s to hoping things go from strength to strength. And so many thanks to my breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, breast care nurses, hospital staff and my friends and family. Covid also makes ever thing so scary and lonely. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Interesting ABC story - contains photos which may be confronting to some people
Just highlighting the ABC story on the BCNA research re reconstruction. A link to the story can be found in the post linked below: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23822/bcna-breast-reconstruction-research#latest
