Hi, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast in Feb 2020 aged 48. I had a lumpectomy with lymph node biopsy in March followed by radiotherapy in June & am now taking Tamoxifen. Unfortunately in September I developed lymphedema in my left breast.
Due to family history I was offered genetic testing & I have been told I have the faulty brca2 gene.
I have been offered a double mastectomy with reconstruction but have been told that the lymphedema can affect the sort of reconstruction I can have & also the healing process.
I am currently waiting to see the plastic surgeon about reconstruction but in the meantime wanted to know if anybody else who had got lymphedema has had reconstruction surgery, either delayed or same time as mastectomy & what their experiences/problems were so I know what questions to ask.
Many thanks
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to read that you've been left with lymphoedema after having treatment for breast cancer and it's natural to want to talk to others in a similar position,
As the online community is divided up into different support groups I'm going to recommend that you join the breast cancer group and lymphoedema group where you can ask questions, share experiences and get support.
To join these groups just click on the links I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
When you have a minute it would be great if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
