Hi,
I’m new here, I’m all over the place in my mind at the moment so forgive the rambling.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 30th December 2022, it had spread to my lymph nodes. Despite the shock and tears and being terrified at the C word I was relieved to discover it hadn’t spread further so would be relatively straight forward, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy…
However, although I’ve now been sober for 7 years come March, I have irreversible damage to my liver and have been managing my compensated liver disease successfully til now.
I also have low blood platelets and clotting issues.
This has lead to the MDT suggesting that anymore than one surgery is a high risk and that a “simple mastectomy “ would be their advice.
My surgeon has given me the option of flap reconstruction or even a breast reduction to conserve what he can of my breast.
This however is all on the basis of more than one surgery and he could do it and then not be able to complete matching the other one because of surgery risks.
I know it’s just a boob and my health is more important, so why am I struggling so much with this. I have til Thursday to decide. I keep thinking I’ve made my mind up but then get blindsided by a wave of emotion.
I have five adult sons and my first grandchild due in April and I’m trying to stay positive and I’m forever grateful for the life I have.
I’m just wondering if the choice was taken from any other ladies and how you got through or getting through, it certainly feels like there will be a grieving process.
Thank you for reading 
Hi Nanasaurus and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
The cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but you have done the right thing in reaching out to a place where you can ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer journey.
The Community is actually divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Breast cancer support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the (Bold) Group Text Link I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
