hi

I decided to try the DIEP reconstruction immediately after mastectomy, however it failed so I have just had a mastectomy xx

I had reconstruction, but had to have it removed.

Oh gosh - not just me then! 
what reconstruction did you have?xx

I had an implant, I had nipple sparing surgery as well but unfortunately there was necrosis and no clear margins so had to have it all removed.

At least the cancer is going/gone! 

I had DIEP reconstruction which had necrosis as well. Mine was skin sparing madegtony so they took everything. Just been told today they got clear margins - usually at least 1mm like you say, but got 7mm!  

I might be one boob down but I’m still here and so are you xx

My chest is now concave, not just flat.....the surgeon had to take everything as well, I've not got any chest muscle in my right side, lots of skin removed. You are right, we are survivors and we are still here. I'm grateful the cancer was caught early enough. Hope you have healed well, physically and mentally. Xxx

I am still healing - physically and mentally. I think it’ll be a while before I am mentally healed. 

It has been a lot to process. I haven’t worked for nearly a year so I’m ‘excited’ to find a new norm for me. 

What about yourself?xx

Mentally it's taking its time for me too, but we will both get there. I was off work for 6 months, went back on a phased return 14th Jan. I went for a run today as I used to run before the cancer diagnosis, that was hard. I really just want to be how I was before but I know that's not possible as I've changed physically and mentally. Have you got to find a new job or are you returning to your job? Xxx

What is it like being back at work? 
What did your phased return look like? Sorry - no worries if you don’t want to say. 

I think I’ll be returning to my old job - it could be the same company but a diff job role maybe? I don’t know yet. I need a discussion. They said my job role is open and waiting for me. I’m hoping to talk to my manager next week about returning soon.

I have only just got my pathology results yesterday so it’s all still new and a bit surreal. 

I need preventative treatment - radiotherapy and chemo tablets so it’s whether work will allow the time for these appointments. I think they will do. They’ve been super supportive since I’ve been diagnosed. 

I didn’t run so I don’t know the difference but I can imagine. We’ve just got to keep going and maybe one day but I don’t think I’ll ever be the person I was before hand. 
Hopefully, the change is for the better xx

My phased return was over 4 weeks,  first week was 1 day short hours, next week 2 days short hours, 3 weeks 2 days normal hours and last week back in full time, I only work 3 days a week as a supporworker for the council....they have been amazing. I'm sorry to hear you've got further treatment to go through, hope there isn't too many side effects I've emptied my wardrobe of all clothes I now cannot wear, I'm adjusting slowly but not sure I'll ever totally be ok with it all. Xxx