I am 47 & have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast. I’m even more gutted because I had concern & visited the breast clinic 18mths ago & after an ultrasound/mammogram I was dismissed. I’d felt at the time it was all very rushed. It was days before the first lockdown so I never really had a chance to follow my concern up. Forward to August I felt that the lump was bigger so back to my gp for a referral. Mammogram, ultrasound & several biopsies….. positive for cancer in all areas.
A little about me… I am slim & muscular, very low body fat. After my two children were born (my youngest is 22) I saved for breast implants. Not to look massive but to replace what I lost after pregnancy etc. I had over the muscle placement 13 years ago & was satisfied with the result.
My consultant/surgeon originally said that they would leave the implant in because it already had a capsule & if radiation after damages it they would look at replacing it once treatment was complete.
iMy mri showed that I one lump in my upper outer breast measuring 1.9mm but also several other small lumps scattered around my breast. The result also showed that the smaller lumps are close to the skin.
A meeting with my surgeon & plastic surgeon…. Now saying that reconstruction is no longer an option due to thin skin, cancer close to the skin, the fact I have nowhere to take any fat from & almost insinuating that I am at fault for having little breast tissue due to having implants. The option they gave me was to use the muscle from my back & possibly a Becker but said the result was unlikely to be good & apart from the scarring a high chance of affecting my upper mobility because again I am “so slim” (I’m a regular size 10 & nearly 10 stone). As I have a physical job in farming this is not an option.
I asked if I could have a double mastectomy to give me Symmetry but was flat out refused. The only option being a single mastectomy with a breast reduction on my right breast in a year or so’s time.
I am devastated. I have researched & joined various forums but cannot find anyone who has had a single mastectomy where reconstruction has not been a choice. Ladies in other countries seem to be given a choice of a double mastectomy & others a reconstruction at a later date…. Even those with flat closure are offered expanders under the chest muscles to reconstruct. For me there just seems no options. I’m told my cancer is treatable & curable & to be grateful… which of course I am… I’m just feeling so alone right now. I don’t feel I can talk to anyone. Those unaffected don’t understand & friends that have had breast cancer have all had either lumpectomies or reconstructions. My mood is getting lower. Surgery is set for October 26th…. A bitter sweet day. My eldest sons birthday but now also the day I’ll lose my breast.
when my option included a reconstruction I felt strong & that I could face it alll & fight. Now I just feel the fights gone.
Anybody out there like me?
thankyou x
Hi and welcome to the Online Community.
I am so sorry to read about your BC diagnosis abd the journey you have been on but I hope you will find the support available in the community helpful at this difficult and challenging time.
Talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment path (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this unwanted journey.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area and as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many support groups so can I recommend you start by joining our supportive Breast cancer and Breast cancer for the under-50s groups as these will be good places for you to connect with other folks who may be on the same cancer treatment pathway.
Navigating the community will depend on the device you are using. To join a group just click on the green link above then scroll down and choose 'click to join' or 'join' on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a post by clicking on ‘New Thread’ or ‘New here, say hello’ then hit the box with the X on the top right (phones).
You could just copy and paste the text from this your first post and you can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best ((hugs))
