Would like to chat to others
Hi all I am 6 months post bilateral mastectomies and still having a few issues. Haven’t been to follow up appointments because I am a nurse and hate being in the patient side. Haven’t been to also avoided all counselling as I feel there are women far worse off than me but would be good to chat to women who have been through the same. Emma
Skin checks
This is just a reminder to get skin checks along with every other checks ✔️ we all do. In some cases breast cancer has links to melanoma. Chemo too can bring out skin issues. I had 3 melanoma before my skin cancer diagnosis in 2020. I have had a history too of abnormal cells in many of my moles. Post breast cancer and chemo I have had 2 more malignant melanoma ( one recently diagnosed) and a SCC. I am ok as these are detected early. I am waiting for surgical removal in July. The message is to get your skin checked so if any issues arise they can be found early and treatment is available.
DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery
Hello, I was recently diagnosed with intermediate grade DCIS left breast presenting as a stellate lesion (1.4cm), apparently the usual presentation is calcifications. I had a wide local incision just before Christmas to have it removed. The surgery went well and I was very happy with the incision/surgery (done by a private breast cancer specialist). The scans I had before surgery were mammogram, ultrasound and an MRI. A breast marker was implanted at the time of the biopsy with Breast Screen. I went back to see the specialist last week and the pathology was showing that there was no breast marker in the tissue removed and also no DCIS in the pathology sample. He sent me for another mammogram, that was very uncomfortable I must say on a breast that has just had surgery! Long story short the recent mammogram showed that the breast marker and DCIS wasn't removed at surgery it had been missed, I'm booked in for the exact same procedure all over again this Thursday. I'm so upset that I have to go through another general and have the surgery all over again, plus I've been a mess just waiting for the results the first time around. That's been the worst part of this whole journey so far. I've spoken to the specialist about my concerns but I'm not really satisfied with his explanation. Also this is my second time dealing with cancer 23 years ago I went through surgery/chemotherapy and had to have an emergency hysterectomy. Going through this journey all over again is bringing up a lot of bad memories. Has anyone else been in this situation? I'm just feeling so deflated atm.