DIEP recon and Zoladex
Has anyone been on Zoladex injections before there DIEP surgery... where did you continue the injections in the month before and after surgery? Were you able to use Lupron instead? I am not a candidate for oopherectomy at my age, but my team can’t give me an answer yet about Zoladex injections. Surely I’m not the only young hormone positive BC patients on zoladex who has gone through DIEP....
Single or double mastectomy?
On the 27th of March this year I was manning a stand at the Every Woman Expo. Our stand was right next to the breast screen truck. I’m 46 years old, no family history and had been told in a health assessment I didn’t need to start having mammos until I was 50. I work with nurses who were there and a couple of us decided to go and check it out. Had it done that day feeling quite proud that I was being proactive about my health etc. Shock horror, a week and half later I got a call to come in to the next available appointment at the breast clinic. Another mammo, ultrasound, core biopsy and a day later I was given the news we all have. Grade 2, invasive breast cancer but it looked small, found early and highly treatable. I still just think, how bloody lucky am I? 2 weeks later, I’ve seen the surgeon and booked in for lumpectomy and snb. That was 3 weeks ago. Went for my follow up with pathology results and the tumour was twice the size, a second they couldn’t see and widespread DCIS also not previously visible. MRI confirmed. Now I’ve been told it’s single mastectomy and losing the nipple. It’s been a whirlwind 2 months! The other breast was clear but did show subtle areas of change? I’m having the DIEP reconstruction, get a free tummy tuck silver linings 😏, but all I can think of is, I never want to go through this again, don’t Want to take any risks and would rather just get the other side taken off at same time. The surgeon said it’s not necessary but that was just the initial conversation.. im going through the public system so is it even a possibility to have it removed at same time by choice? How have others felt after making these decisions?
Lumpectomy didn't work - now what?
After being diagnosed on my 50th birthday, I'm now staring down the mastectomy path given we didn't get clear margins on the lumpectomy. No chemo or radiation required. Of course I've got the standard myriad of questions, and given the fonts of knowledge here I'm hoping for some words of wisdom on how people came to their decisions on the following (noting there's no right and wrong, but hoping there's some others out there that can share how they figured out what was best for them): Unilateral v Bilateral? I've only got in my right breast, but the thought of going through this twice is beyond me. For those in a similar position that opted for a bilateral, do you wish things were different? Do you miss having your own tissue? Implant v DIEP? I'm terrified of the pain and recovery aspects of the DIEP but on the flip side I'm also scared of having to revisit implants in 10-15rs time. Small-breasted women - you're my peeps! I'm only an A/B cup, so hoping some of you with similar build are able to jump on and let me know your thought processes, too - did you stay small, take advantage of going up a size etc. Thank you for reading, and look forward to your insights xox
Painful breast pre treatment
Hello, this is my first time posting, just wanted to say this is a great resource and hi to everyone on their own cancer journey. I first noticed a lump in my breast in about July 2019, went to get a check at GP in August, didnt follow up with referal until December. Got a Mammogram and ultrasound and they werent very impressed with how things were looking and as I had very dense breast tissue, I was also referred for an abbreviated MRI on which they found a second mass. I was referred to a breast clinic for biopsy, and received my diagnoses of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (multifocal - 2 visible lesions) on Jan 24th. Grade 2 Early Cancer, MRI showed no visible lymph node involvement. Ive just been going through a process of working out what surgery options are best for me and have decided on unilateral mastectomy with diep reconstruction. I meet with the plastic surgeon in two weeks and then likely surgery on the 4th March. SORRY for the long winded explanation BUT the reason I am posting is.. I know they say that breast cancer usually doesnt cause pain, but Im getting quite an ache in the tumour that is closest to my skin (palpable) Should I be worried about this? Did anyone else have pain before treatment? Am I leaving surgery too long? Doctor says it is completely within a safe time period. Thanks in advance for advice.
Both !! Triple negative and HER2 positive diagnosis in the same breast synchronous
Hi i have just had a left breast full mastectomy and sentinel node/s excision due to initial diagnosis of extensive high grade DCIS. I had DIEP flap reconstruction at the same time. Tests of the removed tissue indicate both Triple negative and HER2 positive cancers (early stage) in the same breast at the same time. My surgeons are on leave. I have only received a partial summary report so far and don’t get full results or next steps for treatment til end of January. Is this unusual to have 2 types of BC at once? In the same breast? Any others have similar experience. The half news and lack of next steps just now with all the specialists away is a psychological and emotional challenge. Advice appreciated thank you 🙏🏼
3 weeks post Bilateral DIEP breast recon
Hi. I finally did my DIEP op. I procrastinated for ages and it feels so good to have it over and done with im 3 weeks post op, I think I’m recovering well but you know how you don’t “really” know. I get mixed advice but I’m off the pain meds which is a positive. I’m still not standing straight though. I’m close but it’s a xhallenge. I really have to focus to lengthen and I’m pretty slow walking around but Iv been walking around the block and walking around the shops but I’m not straight and I’m slow is this ok or should I be straight and walking normal? what point did you lay flat with no pillow under knees? im showering without my surgical suit (was anyone else’s belly flakey? Like swap skin?) im just mindful I don’t want to over do it but I want to make sure I’m doing enough
OUT OF POCKET COST FOR DIEP.
I had reconstruction with implants in 2012. I have just found out my left implant has ruptured. I am in a private health fund and was looking at DIEP instead of implants again, but was told the cost is $20,000. I don;t know what I will get back from my health fund and Medicare. Anyone had it done private and can give me an idea on outer pocket expense. Can not wait to go on Public waiting list. Debbie
Diep reconstruction
My surgeon has recommended (diep) this for me. I’m not sure about this and the out of pocket price is staggering! Between $10,00 and $20,000 that’s even with top hospital coverage !! Does anyone know if this type of reconstruction is done as a public patient? If so and where in Sydney. Thanks in advance.Struggling to make surgery/reconstruction decision
Hi everyone I have been diagnosed with high grade DCIS with an MRI showing a potential small spot of invasive cancer in my right breast. I have to have a mastectomy and I am booked in for surgery next Monday (8/9) but I am struggling to decide whether to have a bilateral mastectomy and what type of reconstruction to have. I have phone consultations with the plastic surgeon and the breast surgeon tomorrow and have to make the decision during these consultations. I am conflicted with what to do as I am waiting on the results of genetic testing (I had a tumour that was borderline cancer removed in December last year, which included removing an ovary and a fallopian tube) so am extremely fearful of having to go through this again. My initial reaction has been to get rid of both to be on the safe side which my surgeon was supporting but during a phone call with her yesterday she thinks my best option is to do only the affected breast and leave the other one. The reason she is recommending this is the left nipple can not be spared due to this breast being more saggy and the blood flow (don’t really understand it completely so that may not make too much sense) so at then end of the day if I choose to have the bilateral mastectomy I will have no nipples which she is worried I will regret. if I only do the one breast I may have enough fat on my stomach to do the flap surgery and they should be able to spare the nipple. I do not have enough fat on my stomach to do two breasts so would need to also take fat from my thighs. I have decided against this due to the scars that would be left in my thighs so if I have the bilateral mastectomy I would opt for implants. I would appreciate any input from anyone who has had a similar experience as I am at a loss what to do and only have tomorrow to decide. Specifically, if anyone has had to choose between a single or double mastectomy and has experience with nipple-sparing versus non-nipple-sparing procedures, or if anyone has had regrets about their choice, I would really value hearing your perspective. Any advice or experience would be a huge help right now. Thanks.
DIEP flap reconstruction
I was wondering of others experiences of DIEP flap reconstruction. From my research it seems to be the most natural way to reconstruct a breast. My surgeon did not seem confident that he would be able to create symmetry using this method. When I look at google images it seems that it is very possible to achieve a really excellent result this way. What are the experiences of others? What does one do if in the public system without private health insurance? Is there a way to request a particular surgeon? What are the options? Can one simply pay for the plastic surgeon and do the rest on public? Thank you for your comments and experiences.