Settling of the scars from my double mastectomy
I’m not sure where to start with what I want to ask, I was recently diagnosed with three different cancers in my left breast and chose to have a mastectomy but before proceeding my surgeon decided an MRI should be done which showed another mass in my right breast, so without further testing I opted for a double mastectomy. This all happened in two weeks. It’s now five weeks since surgery and I’m wondering about the tightness that’s in my breasts (a bit like I still have a tight fitting bra on) and the small amount of fluid that is also in both flat sides and wobbles from side to side when I walk. I’ve finished with my surgeon and her nurse and I don’t know if I need to have my chest checked again or if it is just par for the course. I start treatment for HER 2 positive cancer from the right breast in two weeks. my how quickly things have changed,
Breast reconstruction
Hi everyone I’m Eleni i live in Adelaide and deciding wether to have double breast reconstruction I would like to know if any of you ladies in Adelaide have had experience with Dr Lodge at the Calvary hospital in North Adelaide I have seen some of her photos and they do look good. I don’t want implants I’m leaning towards a flap reconstruction im just wondering if you are happy with her work and how much did she charge I’m still waiting for her quote( it’s been 2 months) I do have top private health coverRecommendations-North Brisbane -Public v Private- Surgeons
Hi Everyone, I do hope everyone is travelling as well as they can be. Was hoping to hear of experiences and recommendations about Public v Private -North Brisbane. My GP has advised if I choose to go private then I need to find surgeon and they can send referral. Not sure where to start…have rang some surgeons, am feeling like I am looking for a needle in a haystack. Has anyone had experiences with going private and having significant out of pocket expenses? Or going Public and what wait times/facilities are like, that they are comfortable in sharing. Preliminary advice is that it is likely treatment will be Chemotherapy then surgery, nothing confirmed until appointment with surgeon.Early HER2+
I understand what Early is and I am grateful that I found something at the same time as my breastscreen mammogram and it is not in lymph glands, PET was also clear but they need a new name for Early. My treatment is starting 9/10 and will be Chemo (abraxane) & hercepton then surgery and radiation. I thought I had choice after doing a lot of research on trusted websites, listening to great podcasts and asking questions of my MDT but although they say I do they highly recommend the above plan. I am resolved to losing my hair and looking forward to the freedom no hair should bring me, I am self employed so can regulate my hours, I am active and look forward to keeping that going, as I know how good it makes me feel and again research shows, it helps us through chemo and everything else. What I struggle with is seeing others reactions to the news and seeing my husband frustrated by the time it takes to have tests and get things started. I would delay treatment even longer if I could but know that is not a good decision as the HER2+ is a grade 3. With a name like Early people seem to think 🤔 I will have an easy run, and I certainly hope I do but have read enough to know that I may not. People also say oh that’s good it’s not urgent then and not that bad. For someone who limits toxins as much as one can this is testing my self control to the limits and then having people say and think 🤔 it is going to be an easy road does not sit well with me. I am babbling and that is certainly something that has happened since diagnosis. I spent 24 hours in denial and 24 hours in why and have decided to tell only positive supportive people going forward and focus on things I can control and leave the rest to my team. thankyou for letting me rant and thankyou for all your encouraging posts and links which I have loved. Let’s kick this tumours out of here x
Today's feelings in poetry
Lucky So lucky, people say. That they caught it when they did That it hasn’t spread That they got it all That I have insurance So, so lucky. That my friend told me about her cancer That I finally moved my arse and Went and had that mammogram That I live in the lucky country So lucky That my prognosis is good That my job will be there for me That I am surrounded by family and friends With their love, soup and casseroles. Lucky. That my new set are perkier Smaller, Scar-rier, numb-ier. A bit lopsided Like me. Some days though, I just feel A tiny bit Unlucky.Working while waiting for surgery
Hi all, was diagnosed 3 weeks ago today with early stage and was told I’d be having surgery pretty quickly. Ended up having to have more tests to eliminate issues in the other side and thankfully that all seems to be clear. But that has meant I still don’t have a date for surgery (I should find out tomorrow hopefully). My question is about how you’ve all kept sane during this ‘limbo’ period. My emotions and anxiety are all over the place, I can’t really focus or concentrate so I’ve taken a fair few days off work. I’m lucky enough that I can work from home (when I’m up to it) and my boss is awesome but I weirdly feel guilty about taking time off as though I should be managing this better. I’m conscious my surgery might not be for another few weeks so feel I need to work out better ways to handle this. Any inputs welcome! Thanks.
Cryoablation & Breast Cancer. FREEZING the tumour via MRI! The treatment of the future?
https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=2233946977028488 Cryoablation for breast cancer is a minimally invasive procedure where extreme cold is used to destroy cancerous cells. A thin, needle-like probe, guided by imaging like ultrasound, is inserted into the tumor to create a freezing ice ball. This treatment is used for patients who are not good surgical candidates due to age or other health issues, or those who prefer not to have surgery, and is most effective for small, early-stage tumors. How Cryoablation Works Imaging and Probe Insertion: A doctor uses imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to locate the tumor. Freezing the Tumor: A cryoprobe is inserted into the tumor. Ice Ball Formation: A gas, often liquid nitrogen or argon, is pumped through the probe, creating a ball of ice that freezes and destroys the cancerous cells. Thawing: The tissue is allowed to thaw naturally, and the dead cancer cells are then cleared by the body's white blood cells. Who Is a Candidate? ... (Hmmm Why not ALL patients?) Poor Surgical Candidates: Patients with significant comorbidities (like heart/lung issues) or advanced age who are not eligible for surgery are good candidates. Patients Opting Against Surgery: It is a viable option for those who simply choose to avoid traditional surgery. Small, Early-Stage Tumors: The procedure is most effective for small, unifocal tumors that are visible via ultrasound. Potential Benefits Minimally Invasive: It avoids large surgical incisions and often can be performed on an outpatient basis. Preserves Breast Appearance: Cryoablation can preserve the breast's shape and result in better cosmetic outcomes with only a tiny scar. Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Potential Immune Response: The process of freezing and thawing can increase the presence of tumor-specific proteins, potentially helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Things to Consider Scar Tissue: A small amount of scar tissue will remain at the tumor site, which may form a painless lump that shrinks over time. Not Always a First Choice: While effective, it's important to remember that it's not a universal breast cancer treatment and is best suited for specific patients and tumor typesSurgeon & Hospital Choices Melbourne
Hi, I am recently diagnosed with DCIS and 75 years old. I live in Melbourne and need to select a Surgeon and Hospital for either a Lumpectomy or mastectomy. Does anyone have experience with Cabrini or Epworth and also with the surgeons Sarah Kemp or Melanie Walker?
DIEP fails in surgery
Hi everyone, just wondering if any one went in for a Double DIEP surgery and because there were complications had to have a double TRAM instead? My surgeon is saying if I start with a DIEP I have to be accepting of the possibilty of TRAM flaps. Plus, he tells me, only 20% of DIEPS are successful??? Help, so confused Jodie
