Post surgery changes
Good morning, I have a quick question to any women who have had lumpectomy/s and where the surgeon removed fat from under the underarm area right side only for me (side boob) to refill breast/s. I had lumpectomy's on both breasts at the same time, early cancers, both hormone positive ILC & IDC over a year ago now. My question is if they have been left with what looks like a small 3rd boob to me under their armpit that protrudes out. I cant understand how an area that has fat removed from it ends up bigger than before. It is uncomfortable, causes rubbing/friction that I did not have to contend with before and finding a bra that covers the area so the excess bulk doesn't get squeezed out from and overhangs from the bra line is frustrating. I only have B-Cup breasts and never had to wear heavy duty thick/wide band bras before because I wasn't big or had a lot of fat in the side boob area. Since surgery & having the fat apparently removed to fill the area my small tumours were removed from, I am now left with a bulge that is very noticeable from both the front & back. I dont wear singlet tops any more because the bulge is too noticeable. Very disappointing because I was not told about this outcome, only that there will be scar/s, which I have & don't concern me at all. Having a bulge/mass sticking out from the side of your breast seems more notable to mention than whatever scars might be left behind. Had I known I would not have had my breasts "refilled" from the small tumours removed. Any lop-sidedness or unevenness if any would have been fixed with a bit of padding, which most bras come with these days. I feel I have acquired a 3rd boob that is very noticeable whether I am clothed or not. Has this been any one else's experience?
Do I stay or do I go?
Not your average post. Originally a backpacker from the UK, been in Aus 5 years and have moved onto a work sponsorship visa with my employer. I live in a very remote area and it is a 4 hour flight to my nearest 'treatment centre'. Two weeks ago it was confirmed (via biopsy) that in my left breast I have a 2mm invasive mass, and 10cm of non invasive DCIS. I had a contrast mamo and PET scan (no result yet) and scheduled for an MRI on the 6th June, and appointment with the surgeon to discuss options on the 10th June. My breast dr said the surgeon will recommend a mastectomy due to the large area of DCIS. Possibly chemo, radio and hormone therapy. They are also talking about what I want to do with my eggs. I am so scared, and I am not sleeping. I am only 34 years old without children. I don't know what to do, do I stay here in Australia and undergo the treatment recommended and stay near the hospital with the mother of a friend (who has also had breast cancer and has said she is more than happy to support me through required treatment). I love my life here that I have built over the past 5 years, and I love my job. I am scared I will lose my job with the next few months of treatment coming up (very little can be done remotely), my visa is tied to my job. I may get deported mid way through treatment? I dont know? I know I should speak to an immigration lawyer but I am already inundated with administration from cancer. My family back home are very supportive and will support whichever decision I make. They and I am also wary of the health care system back at home (which isn't in great shape). If I go home, I will take all my diagnosis letters and scans, but I will still have to start this process again from the start and basically be told twice I have cancer and they want to chop my breast off. I wont be able to get a job due to appointments and treatment, and wont be entitled to benefits as I haven't paid tax in my home country for 5 years. Its not just cancer anymore, I am not scared of the cancer as such as my whole life here being ripped away from under my feet. Sorry for the long post. I just don't know what to do for the best. Either way, I need to stay here until I have the full picture and know what the surgeon wants to do.
Share your views: Artistic tattooing of breast-cancer mastectomy scars
Hi everyone! Following up on my previous post, I’d like to invite you to participate in a PhD research study being conducted by Tina-Maree Newlan of Charles Sturt University on artistic tattooing of breast-cancer mastectomy scars. The study aims to investigate the experiences of women who have had breast cancer mastectomy surgery and their experiences with making choices and decisions to decoratively tattoo mastectomy scars and what do those experiences mean for them. This request has been reviewed and approved by BCNA, and the project has been approved by Charles Sturt University Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol number H24311). You are eligible to participate in this research study if you: are a women aged 18 or over have had an early breast cancer diagnosis, breast cancer mastectomy surgery and completed, or are in the process of completing, professional decorative artistic tattooing of mastectomy scarring Would like to participate in an interview and are English speaking sufficient to participate in an interview What does the study involve? Eligible participants would take part in an initial 60-minute interview (via Zoom or face to face, depending on geographical location relative to the Gold Coast) and then a subsequent second 30-minute interview around two months later. How do I take part? If you are interested in participating in this study or have any questions, please contact the researcher, Tina-Maree Newlan at tnewlan@csu.edu.au
Recovery times and support required following mastectomy and chemo
Sorry for long post... I'm new to this group. I was confirmed 2 days before Christmas with DCIS and suspected Paget’s Disease. I am facing a mastectomy and possible chemo, etc. I'm now looking at what my options are with respect to reconstruction. I’m seeing my breast surgeon tomorrow with my growing list of questions. So far she has suggested a reconstruction of the affected breast using a bit from my tummy. I asked about a double mastectomy - which she would support - but she said that type of reconstruction may not be possible as I don't have enough 'flesh' on my tummy. I'm still not sure what to do but I'm leaning towards a double as I don't want the anxiety of annual check ups moving forward, especially for my kids. I haven't met with a plastic surgeon yet, given the time of year. I am a 54 yo working single mother of 3 beautiful (mostly) humans aged 13, 16, 17 as well as 2 dogs and 2 useless cats. It's been a tough few years. My wonderful husband died unexpectedly in November 2023. Two months before that his mother also died suddenly and two months before that my mother had a life threatening seizure in front of me and was put into an induced coma and was in ICU for 3 days - she had had a stroke and breast cancer 6 months before that and she has Alzheimers. She then went into care two weeks after my husband's funeral. My Dad lives near by and is healthy - thank goodness. Given what's been going on, 'I don't have much left in my tank' to deal with this latest challenge but it is what it is. I am very lucky to have some wonderful friends and family (however it's not the same as having your partner support you.) So, I'm trying to prepare myself for what's coming - physically and emotionally. I'm wanting to understand what kind of help I'll need following surgery or surgeries. What will my energy be like? How long until I will be able to work, cook, clean, drive, etc? My kids are as helpful as any teens - which is OK but not great and the two eldest have especially busy schedules with lots of activities on top of doing their VCE. I appreciate that every situation is unique but knowing how others - particularly other single parents - have managed will help with my decision making and help me prepare for what lies ahead. Also, any referrals for mortality/grief counselling in Melb would be appreciated. Thank you. xx
Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings
So last Thursday I had a bilateral "Goldilocks" mastectomy - it's Tuesday now, so today is the fifth day post-op. I had three nights in hospital and was discharged on Sunday, and every day has felt like a battle with these dressings. It's a system called Prevena that puts a foam layer over the sutures, and then a plastic dressing over that so that the attached pump can then apply a gentle vacuum. Even in hospital, every day has brought patches to the edges to try and maintain a seal. It holds if I'm sitting down but the moment I stand up, the pump goes off, and I hear a little whistle from a new leak somewhere in the dressing. It's getting pretty frustrating - I can't shower without it going off and even just doing a wash at the basin triggers leaks. And forget going for 'gentle walks' - I want to, but not if the dressing's going to leak the whole damn way. I'm due to have them removed on 9 December, so six more days with them. If I thought I was happy to have drains removed, that'll probably be nothing compared to the joy of getting rid of these dressings. Has anyone else had experience with suction/negative pressure dressings like this?
Choosing a surgeon (Melb) -New diagnosis overwhelm
Hi there, Im 49 and had my first routine mammogram in September- no family history or symptoms. They discovered calcifications, had a biopsy then 5 days ago I was told I had breast cancer. Stage 2-3 6cm aggressive.That’s all I can remember to be honest as I was in so much shock. Got referred to my GP in the afternoon and had to get referrals to a surgeon. With no time to think and still in shock our GP recommended Dr Sarah Kemp at Cabrini Malvern and a friend (and gp) recommended Dr. Melanie Walker at the Epworth in Richmond. It was so overwhelming and fast. Im someone who can’t make even the smallest of decisions eg what shoes to wear in the morning! lol We have met one surgeon as they had an apt the next morning. Do I meet the other as well? Keen to know is anyone had experiences with these breast surgeons and their team? How do I choose? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Feeling very overwhelmed and stressed! also worried about work and finances… I guess that’s another question!Any suggestions /tips for preparing for surgery and heading home
Hi there, I will be having surgery in a week - lumpectomy and breast reduction in the other breast. I am trying to prepare what I can for not only the surgery but my return home. I have 2 primary age kids who are full of beans and 2 big dogs who love to be lap dogs. I am thinking maybe I need to create a quiet space in my bedroom and get an arm chair? Any other tips would be very much appreciated. I am also in the process of about to apply for income protection - it is a 90 day wait. Any suggestions with this would also be helpful.Surgical options when you need radiation post surgery ???
Hi All I am seeking advice/information about what options you were given for surgery when you needed to have radiation post surgery. A bit about me, I am 52 single mum to adult sons (one still at home). I was diagnosed with IDC Grade 3 Triple Negative BC in early May. I have been undergoing neoadjuvant chemo and have just completed my last AC treatment, but still have 6 months of immunotherapy to continue. I've lost 10kg as a result of AC treatment. I struggle with being able to eat much so the weight loss may continue which won't be ideal. I get fatigued extremely easily with shakes and feeling like I'm going to faint after simple activities like doing dishes and food shopping. So I'm pretty house bound with minimal family support available. Back to my main question, what surgical options were you given and what warnings about negative side effects of radiation? My initial thought was to have a DMX with immediate implant reconstruction but the Oncoplastics team feel i should go for a SMX with DIEP reconstruction due to the radiation requirement. Due to my weight loss I probably only have just enough tissue for the single DIEP procedure and I'll likely need fairly extensive node removal also as I had 3 active nodes at diagnosis. My concerns are the length of the surgery needed, the scarring from the DIEP procedure and the recovery time as I have my first grandchild due to arrive around Christmas time. Any advice, stories, photos, anything would be much appreciated. Thank you for reading this and I hope your journey is going well. Sandi
Mastectomy /post surgery pillow
Hi all, I have a brand new mastectomy pillow that I found really helpful that is basically as new. I would be really happy to post it to anyone that is about to have surgery at no cost. I just can’t bear to throw it away and would be happy for it to help someone else! Just dm me with your address if you would like it. I’ve attached some photos x
Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Hey All, I just wanted to say in the past I haven't really worried about my scars from surgeries, however since doing my Diep Flap recon in February and subsequent revision surgery in July, I had my abdominal wound reopened. It was red, itchy and bumpy so thought I'd have a consult with people who specialise in scar management. Thanks to my friend @nikkid for the contact, I went today. I know in my post op visits there really wasn't much talk of scar management at all, so thought I'd pop a post for anyone who is finding them annoying red, itchy, bumpy and wanted some help with it. They use silicon dressings that I wear at night only, I then massage over 4-6 weeks in circular motions, (even an electric toothbrush) to break up the scar tissue about 4 times a day. My scars are so annoying and irritating,so that's why I decided to get some extra help. So I have a great recommendation in Melbourne for anyone needing that. Big hugs Melinda xo
