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. xxxxx
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.
DIEP reconstruction or going flat
Good morning, I'm new to this site and I'm so glad I was referred to it. I've been diagnosed with HER2 positive last week and need to have a complete mastectomy on my left breast. Everything is moving quickly with my various appointments which I'm really thankful with. I'm now faced with the decision whether to have a DIEP reconstruction or going 'flat'. I realise this is a personal choice and everyone is different but I'm keen to hear how you made the decision to go flat and if you have any regrets as I'm leaning towards this option. I'm fairly active with swimming at the beach in Summer, weekly aqua aerobics, gym, walking. Thanking you for your support 🙏✨ 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.⭐A special story about Choosing to Stay Flat
Today’s inspiring story comes from one of our very own members here on the Online Network. “I’m 14 weeks post-op, and I’m really happy with my choice.” - Audrey After her bilateral mastectomy in June, Audrey chose to stay flat. Now, she wants to remind others that aesthetic flat closure is a valid and empowering choice. “After talking to others on BCNA’s Online Network groups and seeing people like Louise Butcher running flat and topless, I became comfortable with the idea of them not being there.” Everyone facing a mastectomy should have their options discussed with them prior to mastectomy. “What one person chooses is going to be different to what another chooses and that's fine. We all choose what's right for us.” Says Audrey. Thank you, Audrey, for sharing your story and reminding us that everyone in this space is safe to explore what feels most comfortable for them following mastectomy. If you are still considering your options, you might like to join our community groups: Choosing breast reconstruction or Flat chat – no breast reconstruction Don't forget that our helpline is just one phone call away on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction
Hi all, new member of this exclusive club nobody wants to be a part of! Just found out the lump in my right breast is cancer 5 days ago. I’m 43 and considered young for cancer (how nice… been a while since I’ve been called young 😅) I am still in shock so have gone into plan mode. I Still don’t know what stage type or grade yet but scheduled for a breast MRI and biopsy tomorrow. My question is if anyone has ever been through Peter Mac as either a public or private patient? What was the experience like? How long was the wait for surgery and reconstruction? I’m not sure if my private will cover all costs of surgery as my surgeon (who operates privately) so far says I’m a candidate for a double mastectomy but is waiting on biopsy report and MRI. Ideally I am leaning towards an immediate DIEP reconstruction. Anyone had that before? Thank you 🙏DCIS - Mastectomy - Recon - clear for two years....now potentially something else
My situation in a brief paragraph: At 50 years of age, I was diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy and recon. Sentinel nodes were clear. No radio or chemo required. That was almost two years ago. Apart from now suffering all the typical effects and symptoms of menopause due to no HRT, I've been blessed with a dream run and fantastic road to full recovery from BC. Completely grateful and thankful for the team and support I've had around me. The latest situation is that I've just been for my second annual post BC ultrasound with a view to reducing visits with my surgeon from three monthly to annually. I was looking forward to kissing cancer goodbye!! However, the sonographer has found an inflamed and vascular looking lymph node in my right armpit (opposite side to original BC diagnosis). It was explained to me that this can be due to a number of reasons: fighting off an infection, breathing in smoke, recent flu vaccinations or, at worst, something more sinister like cancer. My surgeon reviewed this and wants another ultrasound in three months to check on it and if need be, will biopsy then....I have a sick feeling about this. Since I don't feel like I'm fighting an infection, I haven't breathed in smoke lately & my flu vax was done 10 weeks ago in the opposite arm .... I am feeling extremely anxious that cancer has returned and that it's found a spot in my right armpit to grow and spread. A three month wait to see if this is or isn't the case seems like absolute torture and a return to 'the waiting game' that only cancer sufferers know. I'm sure that most of you reading this post can relate to the worry of 'the wait' when you have that initial cancer diagnosis. The awful feeling of being out of control and the unknown picture of what's up ahead. Sleeplessness has returned. Constantly thinking about it has returned. The worry has returned. I have back and neck pain that I'm sure is due to the stress, but am naturally concerned it's cancer returned. Since my mastectomy and recon, I've been able to put all of that aside - until now. Has anyone here experienced a vascular anomaly with their lymph nodes post having BC and recon? If so, what was it attributed to? How was it handled by your team? Should I be asking for a lymph biopsy or intervention earlier than waiting three months or am I worrying unnecessarily? I'd be grateful for any thoughts, honest advice or similar experiences & decisions that anyone can offer.
