Bit of background - second time for breast cancer

2 minute read time.

Hello,

I have been reading many other blogs and have found it really helpful, so thought I would outline a bit about my situation to see if any others have had similar experiences that I can learn from, or if anyone is going through the same thing now.

I first had breast cancer back in 2004 when I was 38 and had a lumpectomy, removal of lymph nodes, followed by 7 months of chemo and then radiotherapy. A horrible experience, as it is for everyone, made bearable by family and friends.

Since then I have been fine and checked regularly and enjoying post cancer life. Earlier this year I had pain in the same breast which noone was sure about so had tests. Just over two weeks ago I was told that the cancer has returned (Grade 3), I will definitely need to have a mastectomy and probably chemo.(As well as my ovaries out). Such a bombshell when you think everything is OK and statistically very unlikely to return.

I have had a CT scan which very luckily showed that it has not spread elsewhere and I am just waiting for the results of my MRI scan to see exactly what is happening in both breasts.

I have already spoken to the plastic surgeon and I am a good candidate for a DIEP reconstruction which I want to have at the same time as my mastectomy. We have also discussed the possibility of a double mastectomy with this reconstruction which I know is a big operation. At one stage I thought I definitely wanted to have a double mastectomy anyway - but I need to go through the level of risk for the other breast and look at the statistics as well as MRI results. Appointment to discuss all this is on wednesday 17th Nov.

There is such a lot to think about medically as well as all of the other effects on your life, some of which I remember all too clearly from last time. I have read some really helpful blogs where I have thought 'I feel like that' or 'I have had the same thoughts'.

Grateful for any comments from others with similar experiences and I am sure I will be posting other thoughts as things progress - I'm finding it very difficult to contemplate everything that is going to be happening and facing it head on again. Not sure I can have the positive outlook and 'braveface' I had last time.

Thanks to all and sorry if I have gone on a bit.

 

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Green Giant,

    No need to apologise on this site. Of course you can have the same outlook as you had the last  time

    If you can be positive once you can do it again this time with your inner strength,and self believe. My thoughts are with you. Good luck on Wed.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    That's what we are all here for,...... I've had bilateral mastectomy and tran flap recon (from my tummy) please feel free to pm me anytime, if you would like any details or just for a chat about it

    Good luck

    Liz xxxxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi, i had single masectomy in february and its not that bad as i had temp, implant put in ready for permanant implant. The only thing i regret is that i didnt push for double masectomy as i would love to not worry about the other side. Everyone is different but it certainly wasnt as bad as i thought it would be.

    Take Care Love kaz x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Thanks to all for responding - it's really nice to get in touch with people who know what it is like to be affected. I am trying to get my head together for tommorrows meeting with my list of questions. Thanks liz g for the offer of getting in touch by pm - I may well do so if I can figure out how to do it.

    xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Good Luck for tomorrow!

    Love Julie xx