Reluctant about mastectomy
This is awesome that a supportive community like this is available. My mum was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had an initial lumpectomy and now requiring a mastectomy. She's struggling to understand the necessity of undergoing this treatment due to being asymptomatic. I was wondering if any ladies here, particularly Cantonese-speaking were willing to share their experience in undergoing this type of surgery. I know my mum would appreciate talking on the phone to someone, if anyone is happy to share details or exchange emails. Thank you so much for your help in advance 🙏🏻 🙏🏻 🙏🏻 ☺️ Constance
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 🙏
Tips for post surgery home care?
Hello. Thanks for all the posts, they are so, so helpful. First time posting for me :) I'll be having a single mastectomy, heart side in about a month (waiting for date to be confirmed). I'm wondering what people found useful to make the home care more comfortable? For example, getting out of bed, being comfortable enough to sleep (I'm a side sleeper - right side down), showering. Are there any tips you have so I can start to organise before surgery? I live on my own and don't have children, and will have friends and family to help me. I'm also a little nervous as I have pets, who are used to being on the bed - any advice here? With thanks.
Looking at the 3rd surgery in 1 month
Hi all, I have been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer with two less than 2cm but fast growing grade 3 tumor in mid Sept and had the lumpectomy surgery to remove the tumor . however pathology report came back saying they found DCIS cells at the margin. So I quickly done a re-excision surgery in mid Oct. The second surgery hit me really hard for not only I felt more pain but also i felt way weaker. But this tues, the surgeon told me they find IDC cancer cells at another margin. Now the surgeon is saying you should do another lumpectomy re-excision surgery. Emotionally I am devastated. But I cannot understand why can't they do a MRI to double check the margin? Or is this newly grown mass? My surgeon was not very open in sharing information. I am now seeking 2nd opinion. But i am so worry it will delay my whole treatment process. Anyone has similar experience to go through multiple surgeries?Radiotherapy side effects
Hello I began chemotherapy in April this year for triple negative breast cancer and 2 weeks ago I finished 13 cycles of chemo. I now can have a lumpectomy followed by 3 weeks of radiotherapy. Due to some side effects of radiotherapy, I was looking at my options of removing the whole breast which I then could avoid radiotherapy as both options have the same survival rate. I have had sarcoid of the lungs in past and lot of severe gerd pain which I’m on medication for recently due to chemo. Has anyone got any experience with longterm side effects from radiotherapy they could share? Thank you
Left sided mastectomy. Bras?
So next week I will be having a left sided mastectomy. So will be flat on one side - post surgical - and the other side I'm a DD cup. What do I wear afterwards? Do I wear a bra with an insert it in? How long before I can do that? Like weeks? I imagine I'll have to be careful of what's there rubbing it? But I guess I'll have dressings on the scar? I won't be doing any reconstruction at this time. Probably do that down the track once my health is better. What sort of bras do I buy? And where is the best place to buy them? HELP?!! Therese⭐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.
Baring all
News story about showing off the scars doesn’t consider the trauma of seeing this. There’s a lot of discussion about bringing breast cancer to the attention of the public. With one in seven women likely to experience this disease I’d think it was already noticed, without having women undress to show scars. Also some of us don’t appreciate being reminded. And some think their medical history is a private matter. I was having a coffee with a dozen people in a cafe when my friend casually announced to everyone that I’d had breast cancer. Why is this okay?
