Hi, hoping to give some hope and optimism to people in a similar position.
Invasive ductal carcinoma, ER and PR+, HER2- 70mm tumour so grade 1, stage 3 (due to size).
I had a mastectomy and reconstruction (implant) in mid July followed by axillary clearance in August. All scars look great and cause no issues. I do feel the skin is quite hard under my axillary scar though. I took it easy and am still careful with that side, but can do most everything I could do pre-op. I'm keeping up with my daily arm exercises and feel the difference if I don't do them. I'm moisturising the scars now gently. I had some cording initially but it didn't last long.
Today I began radiotherapy (x15 sessions) and am taking Tamoxifen. The tamoxifen caused quite a low mood and diarrhoea to begin, but this only lasted a few days. No problems since but my memory is awful and I am tired a lot. It's also causing vaginal dryness but this also seems to have improved.
I am feeling well in myself and while my implant hasn't fully settled, it looks better than I imagined and I can wear proper bras now!! There is movement in the breast and yeah...I know my radiotherapy MIGHT damage the implant and we will see at the end of the sessions if I need corrective surgery or not. still get scared when I think about recurrence, but am getting better at not letting those thoughts go crazy. I am cancer free but not free of cancer. New normals!!
I hope this helps someone.
