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. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️